Types of Theater Spot Lights
Often seen in theatres, spot lights send a narrow beam of light onto a specific area. The workhorse of stage lighting is the ellipsoidal reflector spotlight (also known as an ERS, Leko, or Source Four) which can produce a variety of shapes with a shutter and iris control.
Spotlights can also be accompanied by coloured filters for emphasising a character or object.
Spotlights
Spotlights focus a bright beam of light on a specific area of the stage, drawing audience attention to a Theater spot lights particular character or element. They come in a wide range of types, sizes, and power outputs and can be used in different ways to achieve the desired effect.
Resembling small searchlights, spotlights have adjustable shutters and an iris diaphragm that shape the projected light beam. They can also project coloured light by sliding or rotating coloured gels (also called gel filters) into the spotlight’s lens.
A spotlight’s throw distance and beam size are crucial factors when choosing a rig for a show. For example, if you need to illuminate a far-off surface with the same intensity as a closeup, you will need a longer-throw spotlight. Conversely, if you need to light a large area from a short distance, you will need a more powerful spotlight with a wider beam.
One of the most popular uses of spotlights is for followspots, which are used to follow and highlight performers and presenters as they move around the stage. This allows spotlight operators to focus the audience’s attention on a specific character or element to emphasize a key part of their dialogue, action, or emotion. These lights are often paired with gobos to create more dramatic lighting effects. The latest spotlights feature a variety of mechanisms that enable them to operate with both manual and remote control.
Followspots
Followspots are powerful spotlights used in musical theatre and other large-scale productions to highlight actors as they move around the stage. They are often positioned overhead on catwalks and may also be located in dedicated, purpose-built spot booths. Followspot operators can manually track a performer with the light to keep them in focus and highlight their actions.
Modern Musical Theatre shows commonly use three, four or even six Followspots at any one time. These are usually controlled by a single operator using a special, separate cue sheet to identify who the followspot is supposed to be tracking and when. The operator will also be aware of the size of the beam, whether it’s head & shoulders or full body, and any special attributes or color changes the lighting designer has specified.
In order to work as a followspot operator, you’ll need to be 3 in 1 moving head light comfortable with working at heights and have a good eye for detail (and coordination). There are some degrees you can take that will give you a good foundation in this area such as lighting design or stage management, but many people start in a junior role like this and learn on the job. The ability to concentrate for long periods and spring into action when required is also essential. You’ll also need to be able to assist in maintaining the stage lighting setup, including moving lights for scenery changes and cleaning equipment.
Cyclorama Lights
A cyclorama, or cyc, is a large cloth backdrop used in theaters to create the illusion of sky, open space, and distance at the back of a stage setting. It is often illuminated with varying colors to portray different times of day, seasons, and weather conditions.
A lighting designer’s job is to make the cyclorama appear realistic and believable, but it can be challenging to achieve the right look when using flood lights. Too much light can cause the cyclorama to wash out or lose its shape. This problem is easily solved by a light called a snoot, or top hat, that reduces flare from the lighting fixture and allows the color to be directed where it’s needed most.
Cyclorama lights, also known as CYC lights, are specialized lighting tools designed to illuminate a cyclorama. These rigs use LED floodlights to provide a smooth wash across the cyclorama, and they come in a variety of different color mixes. They are also available in a number of lengths that allow for continuous runs, rigging along trusses, and floor placement including tight or pushed-for-space areas.
The ColorSource CYC is a cyclorama light that uses red, green, blue, and amber LEDs to blend colors for an even wash across a cyc. It can be used alone or in conjunction with other CYC fixtures to create the desired effect.
Moving Lights
The lighting in a theater plays a major role in catching the audience’s attention and transforming their emotions. Besides, it also enriches the visual appeal of the stage and its elements. Different types of stage lights are used to highlight specific areas, accent the most important features of a scene, and create an overall atmosphere in the performance.
Moving Lights are automated advanced forms of lights that can create highly complex and intricate effects in the theater. These lights operate using a control unit that sends output signals via the DMX. These signals can include everything from the light’s color, pan and tilt to shutters, gobo, prism and animation.
Some of the most advanced moving lights come with a CMY color mixing system. This feature allows you to use a number of colors in the beam without having to manually change a filter or color wheel. It is more efficient than other systems that rely on subtractive color mixing and can be much cheaper in the long run.
Beam moving head lights are very versatile and can be used in all kinds of events. They can be easily used in large-scale events, and are very lightweight. Moreover, they have a stable 330W/350W bulb that consumes less power during operation. They also have a backup battery, which makes them very convenient for use.
