How to Use Spot Lights in Theatre Productions
How to Use Spot Lights in Theatre Productions
Lighting adds an extra dimension to theater performances. It can highlight key focal points, set the mood, and more.
Ellipsoidal reflector spotlights, or ERS lights (pronounced “leek-oh”), are the workhorses stage light manufacturer of the theater scene. They look like big cans and come in different “beam spreads.”
Follow spots are a type of ERS light that is manually operated to follow a performer around the stage. They have internal color gels that change the color of the beam.
Spotlights
A spotlight is a light fixture that uses a powerful lamp to illuminate an area of the stage or set. The spotlight’s housing contains a reflector and lens system that shapes the light and controls its intensity. Spotlights may also have slots or holders for colored filters or gobos that can be used to create different effects.
One of the most important positions for a spotlight is the followspot, which follows a performer around onstage with an intense beam of light. This type of spotlight is useful for illuminating a character when the rest of the stage is dark or when a actor moves rapidly through the space.
Other types of spotlights include zoom profile spots that allow the beam angle to be varied by adjusting 2 moving lenses. These lights can project gobos and have power outputs from 500w (useful in small theatres) to 1200w (useful in larger venues).
Spotlights also have pan and tilt controls that enable the lighting operator to move the spot across the stage to track performers or objects. These features are especially useful in creating dimension and separating the actors, props and primary sets from the background. They also make it easier for Outdoor Wall Washer audiences to understand the actions and dialogue taking place onstage. Spotlight operators must test the lights, clean equipment and adjust settings before the show begins.
Follow Spots
In Theatre Productions Follow Spots (also called Limelights) are used to track a performer around the stage with a spotlight. This makes sure the character is always lit in the right way, and that they are not lost in the rafters or behind scenery. Depending on the theatre and show, you may also be required to help move lights for scenery changes.
A modern follow spot is usually a HMI (Hydrargyrum Medium-Arc Iodide) or Xenon light, but the first were powered by Oxyhydrogen flames impinging on a cylinder of Calcium Oxide, known as Limelight. This is where the name comes from – and the phrase ‘being in the limelight’!
Today’s follow spots are highly controllable – you can change the size of the circle of light (iris adjustment) and use gels to set the color. They can also be operated remotely, using DMX512 and a controller. They may come with effects such as gobos, dichroic colour filters or frost which softens the edge of the beam.
A follow spot is a powerful tool, but can be dangerous if not used properly. It is essential to keep the heat from the lamp and its lenses down, and you should wear gloves and take regular breaks. It is very easy to overheat the iris and shutters on old carbon arc followspots, so if you have a problem with these lanterns try using graphite powder to lubricate them.
