Theatre Lighting
Lights can be referred to as Fixture, Lamp, Lanterns or Lights. As well as have specific names for role, brand or model.
DMX
Traditional Lamps are plugged strait into dimmers and controlled threw a protocol called Digital Multiplex, more commonly referred to as DMX. DMX can be plugged into an analog control desks or be interfaced with digital software. Each Lamp is connect threw a daisy chain of DMX cable (a 3 or 5 pin XLR cable) and given a starting address. This address is how you distinguish each Lamp. A lamp may require several signals to control it's various features. For example a LED Par Can could use 8 Channels for: Master Fader, Red level, Green level, Blue level, Strobe, Colour Chase, Fade Time and Chase speed. These videos explain more.
DMX
Traditional Lamps are plugged strait into dimmers and controlled threw a protocol called Digital Multiplex, more commonly referred to as DMX. DMX can be plugged into an analog control desks or be interfaced with digital software. Each Lamp is connect threw a daisy chain of DMX cable (a 3 or 5 pin XLR cable) and given a starting address. This address is how you distinguish each Lamp. A lamp may require several signals to control it's various features. For example a LED Par Can could use 8 Channels for: Master Fader, Red level, Green level, Blue level, Strobe, Colour Chase, Fade Time and Chase speed. These videos explain more.
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Gobos
Gobos are patterned templates fixed in front of lens to shape the light. Much like a stencil. These can be custom made with the right tools and martial and there are thousands on the market. Custom made gobos are often used to project logos and graphics for specific events. Apologies for the video quality but if give you a good example of how gobos work and how to install them. |
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Gels
When using traditional lighting Gels are what gives the light colour. Gels are made of a heat proof paper and are slid in front on the lamp. Again apologies for the video quality but if gives you an idea of what and how to install a gel. |
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Breakdown on the different lighting fixtures
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Examples of Fixtures
The Stage
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Lighting Plan
When producing a lighting plan you will need an overhead diagram of the stage you intend to light. It's important to gage what lights you have to work with and where you can hang lights from. Next you need to know the positions of actors and map movement for each scene. Once yourself and the director have discussed ideas on the mood you require for each scene you can begin to plot out your design by annotating the overhead diagram. Then its a matter of hanging/focus lights mapping out the scenes on the controller and fine tuning through technical rehearsals. Here is a video showing how they hang and focus lights at the National Theatre. |
Stage Plan temaplate
Lighting Rig template