Types of Theater Spot Lights
Theaters rely on several different types of lighting to create specific visual effects on the stage during performances. From highlighting one person from a group to illuminating the entire stage environment.
Resembling small searchlights, spotlights focus light onto well-defined areas, drawing the audience’s attention to a character or emphasizing an important part of dialogue or emotion. They also facilitate scene changes without having to stop the performance for stage hands to change scenery.
Ellipsoidal Reflector Spotlights (ERS)
ERSs, or LekoLights (industry slang) are one of the most common types of spot lights used in theater. They are a staple for tech lighting and can be seen in every corner of the stage, lighting specific features, costumes or set pieces.
An ERS has a built-in reflector that is shaped like half an ellipse. The elliptical shape of the reflector helps to focus and direct light into a tight beam that can travel far distances. The fixture also has two lenses that can be used to control the size and focus of the spotlight.
The aperture, or gate, that is located just before the CFP cuts off unfocused light and allows for precise shaping of the spotlight’s projected beam. The gate can be adjusted to any of four adjustable shutters, which are solid metal blades that help to further narrow or expand the beam. These can be positioned to create hard or soft edges, feather the spotlight, or cut off certain areas of the stage.
An ERS is a versatile light that can be used for many purposes, from spotlighting a led moving head light particular actor in a powerful circle of light to creating fun special effects with gobos and color-gel holders. The different sizes of ERS spotlights are identified by the degree of their “beam spread.” Contact us to learn more about what barrel might work best for your production.
Cyclorama Lights
Cyclorama lights are theater lights designed specifically for illuminating large curtains, walls or backdrops called cycloramas. These backdrops are typically curved and positioned at the back of a stage area and require uniform illumination and seamless coverage to avoid shadows or seams.
This type of lighting fixture is often used in theatrical productions to create scenic effects that complement a story or to help set the mood for a show. It is also commonly utilized in dance concerts to help illuminate a backdrop that complements the music and ambiance of the venue.
The cyclorama light uses an asymmetrical floodlight reflector and photometric distribution to achieve a uniform distribution over significant areas of the cyclorama wall surface. The reflector helps to avoid the scalloping or hotspots caused by direct lighting systems that are often rigged close to the vertical wall of a cyclorama.
Adding a snoot to a cyclorama light can further reduce flare and stray light. A snoot is an opaque, cylindrical accessory that can be placed over the top of a light to minimize unwanted spill and focus more light on a desired area.
Followspots
The Followspot is a small, powerful theater spot light that is aimed at actors or performers moving around the stage. It has a crisp, bright circle of light that follows the performer and can illuminate their clothing and body. The follow spotlight can also highlight scenery, curtains and cycloramas. It can help to elicit a sense of magic for the audience and can be a key component in a theater performance.
A follow spot is typically operated by a specialized theatre Uplus Lighting technician known as a Followspot Operator who must manually control the instrument during a performance. This is often accomplished from a purpose-built spot booth on the catwalk. However, there are ground-control systems that enables operators to operate the lights from a safe position backstage.
Modern followspots have a wide range of features, including hard and soft focus lenses, varying size beam widths, color via gel, gobo pattern projections, and shutter cuts to shape the light. Some can be set up to create a softer edge by incorporating frost in the lamp.
It is important for a Followspot operator to know who they are supposed to follow, when and how. They must also be aware of what type of light is being used, the intensity and that this will be printed on their cue sheet. In addition to this, it is essential that the operator has a good understanding of the show they are working on so they can pick up their cues more easily.
Fresnel Spotlights
The versatility and precision of Fresnel spotlights make them a top choice for professionals in a wide range of production industries. They’re able to provide an even spread of light and eliminate harsh shadows, making them ideal for shooting close-ups of subjects.
Their ability to adjust from a tight spotlight to a broad floodlight is another key benefit. This feature allows a single light to adapt to many lighting scenarios, from a dramatic solo monologue in a theater scene to an expansive full-cast dance number in a music video.
Newer LED Fresnel lights also offer adjustable focus, enabling users to change the angle of the beam between spots and floodlights by moving the bulb closer or farther from the lens. They’re also a more energy-efficient option than older tungsten models, which tend to generate more heat.
In a moody film noir, a Fresnel can be adjusted to cast elongated shadows that enhance the atmosphere. For a high-energy pop music video, a Fresnel can create dynamic effects that match the beat of the song, heightening the impact of each performance. Additional accessories like barn doors and diffusion materials can be attached to Fresnel lights, allowing filmmakers to further customize the quality of their light. For instance, a pair of narrow barn doors can be used to spotlight the performer and draw attention, while wider ones can soften the light and create a more general wash of illumination.