Lighting

The National's rep system (in which one theatre has several plays swapping in and out of the theatre with ‘changeovers' a couple of times a week), means that automated lights - which can be programmed to change direction, colour, focus and even a projected pattern (‘gobo') automatically are immensely useful.

A short film about how you get to be a lighting designer

Lighting programming of a console for a show and then operating during a show.

When a show changes round in the rep, there's not enough time for each scene to be laid out exactly as it is in the show to allow the lights to be focused on it. So a grid system is employed, making use of two large canvas tapes, which enables the lighting crew to see where the lights should be focused for the forthcoming show.

The National's rep system (in which one theatre has several plays swapping in and out of the theatre with ‘changeovers' a couple of times a week), means that automated lights - which can be programmed to change direction, colour, focus and even a projected pattern (‘gobo') automatically are immensely useful.

Follow spots have a lot more to them than just being a light that an operator can point at an actor to ensure they are well enough lit. All kinds of different types of light can be produced by skilful manipulation of the controls, and follow spot operators must be able to aim the light accurately while following cues from the Deputy Stage Manager.

Lights with lenses, like the profile spots, fresnels and PCs in this video, are very versatile and can be used to create a range of effects, with different sizes and shapes of beam.

Parcans, birdies and floods have a range of uses, from lighting the vast expanses of a large cyclorama (a possible use of a flood) to a small bit of uplighting (often achieved with the help of a birdie, or Par 16).

A short film detailing the history of the follow spots and explaining how they are used in a production.

Moving lights were created for live concerts. In theatre they are used as a refocusable special for a specific lighting effect. They also enable bigger and more elaborate sets.