Theater lighting is a very important part of theatrical productions. Different types of lighting work in specific ways to create the correct mood. If the wrong type of lighting is used, and the placement is not correct, it can potentially ruin the stage ambiance. Technical directors who have studied light placement and focus are able to create many types of effects with theatrical lighting. The elements of basic lighting is much the same as it was generations ago, but greater control of the lighting effects has been made possible through technological advancements.
Lekos
Lekos are also referred to as ellipsoidal spotlights. They produce a concentrated, defined light beam that can be focused on a particular area to distances up to 75 feet. They have a focusing lens and are good to use in side and overhead lighting. Besides a focusing lens, they also have shutters that allow for partial obstruction of the light beams produced. This can create the effect of a partially lit stage. Intensity of the beam can be controlled to give varying degrees of light.
Fresnels
Fresnels contain lenses that evenly spread light with virtually no shadows. Because of the uniform coverage of the light, it eliminates hot spots. Fresnel lights are used to produce soft luminescent effects.
Scoop
Scoop lights are used for theater, backdrop lighting and as downlights. They are not usually used during performances because of the difficulty in controlling the light beams. They are used more commonly as floodlights, illuminating a large area of the stage.
PAR Lights
Parabolic aluminized reflector (PAR) lights are capable of sending an impressive amount of light to the stage area. In addition to theater, these lights are used in large structures such as warehouses. They are also commonly found at concerts.
Cyc Lights
Cyc lights are also called strip lights and cyclorama lights. They are typically made up of rows of lamps and used to produce different lighting effects. Advances in technology have allowed for control over the lights to produce an even greater number of effects by the lighting director using a dimmer.
Tags: lights used, focusing lens, light beams, lighting effects, used produce
