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One element of theatrical arts that is frequently overlooked by amateur groups is lighting. The equipment needed for a professional look is either too expensive for their budget or is too difficult for untrained hands to use. The result can be a less-than-spectacular experience for the audience. But it doesn't have to be this way. There are many ways that professional lighting effects can be achieved on a limited budget. All the equipment needed may be as close as the neighborhood hardware store or well-stocked
garage.
One aspect of professional stage lighting is very important to keep in mind when using these methods, however. Effective stage lighting is about controlling the darkness as much as the light. Professional stage lights and control boards may look complicated, but their overall purpose is simple- light only the areas that you need to light and keep everything else dark. All those flaps and shutters you see on stage lights are merely filters that focus light only on those areas that need lighting. Here are some ideas on creating professional lighting effects with an amateur budget.
1. Make the lighting you already have more effective. This means blocking out any extraneous sources of light- windows, doors, room lights, etc. Cover as much extraneous light sources as you can with black cloth or paper, and extinguish all unnecessary light sources. You may even consider covering the walls with black material to deaden reflections. By simply eliminating ALL outside light sources, you put the focus back on the stage where you want it to be. Even a basic 'single floodlight' set-up can be improved dramatically by simply darkening the surrounding area.
2. Flashlights can be modified to become pin spots or even follow spots. A pin spot is a fixed light source that only illuminates a specific area of the stage. Usually this is used to accent one performer during a monologue or other break from the main action. Singers often employ pin spots for solo singing. In a professional set-up, the pin spot is usually suspended on a framework above the stage and is carefully focused on the desired area by means of flaps surrounding the bulb. Some pin spots are also controlled by pulling a focal lens. You can achieve the same effect by bracing a strong flashlight above the stage and controlling the available light with a cone of paper. Darken the stage area entirely, then move the flashlight until it illuminates the intended area. Brace it with duct tape or a c-clamp to a sturdy structure.
You may have to assign a stage crew member to operate the light during the performance.
Flashlights can also serve as emergency follow spots, if you choreograph the maneuvers thoroughly in technical rehearsals. A follow spot usually follows a specific actor as they move about the stage area. These can be rented at some expense or borrowed from other theatrical groups or schools. If you cannot afford a professional spotlight, then use the flashlights sparingly. Assign a crew member to follow the actor with a flashlight, minimizing extraneous body movements or 'searching' patterns. When the lighting effect is no longer necessary, the flashlight should be extinguished immediately. This effect is not very professional, but can be useful in a pinch.
3. Floodlights- the duct tape of the lighting world. In the same way that duct tape is considered the life's blood of stage building, floodlights are the workhorses of amateur theater.
Floodlights have almost all the same advantages of professional lights without the cost- they can be clamped into place easily, provide powerful amounts of light and can be controlled by a single board. If you have only enough money in the budget for a rudimentary lighting system, you should invest heavily in flood lighting.
Even with their advantages, there are a few drawbacks to using floodlighting in theatrical productions. Focusing is often limited and difficult with a standard home floodlight. You can add a reflector dish to increase the amount of light hitting the stage, but you'll have to construct some elaborate filters and light traps in order to get professional results. Floodlights work best as overall illumination, but can be manipulated into specific lighting duties with some creative thinking. You can use some gels on floodlights, or purchase colored lights for effect. Night scenes call for blues and blacks, while yellows and white are better for day scenes.
One professional effect you may be able to duplicate on a budget is crossfading. Once you have secured your individual floodlights, plug one 'side' into a power strip, then plug the other 'side' lights into a separate power strip. You may even divide your lights into right, left and center stages. The lighting crew can then control the lights with a combination of ons and offs. This can be more effective than the standard method of 'Stage lights on, stage lights off'. This is the same effect created by a professional lighting board, at a fraction of the cost.
4. Strobe lights, blacklights and other special effects. You can also achieve some very interesting lighting effects through the use of strobe lighting. This effect can be very easily overused, but judicious usage can add tension and drama to a scene. Very often a strobe light is employed at moments of powerful action, such as the final death scene of a villain or the crucifixion scene in a church play. The audience only gets bits and pieces of information, and the action is slowed down considerably. Strobe lights are usually quite affordable, or can be borrowed from any number of people. Used in conjunction with a smoke machine or dry ice, strobe lighting can be highly effective in haunted houses.
Another special effect light that can be very impressive in small doses is the blacklight. Angels or other supernatural forces can appear to glow with the use of a blacklight and white clothing. Floodlights can also be easily rigged with blacklights, giving a new element in night scenes or to emphasize certain pieces of flourescent scenery. Again, less can be more. By using this effect sparingly, the audience will be dazzled by the powerful glow but not disoriented by the distortion of natural colors.
Strings of Christmas lights can also be employed to accent a fairy tale land or create a positive mood in a party or wedding scene. Try using a few strings of small white lights to emphasize the fantasy element, or use Chinese lanterns to create a festive atmosphere without elaborate lighting effects.
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