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How to Create Stage-Light Layout

There are nearly as many theories about lighting layout as there are stage lighting designers. Each director, designer and technician has their own favorite tricks, mostly discovered through long hours of experimentation. Although it can take a lifetime to develop and master a style, the basics can be learned in a relatively short amount of time. Your main goal should be to be able to light the whole stage evenly, while keeping the flexibility to light individual areas.

Things You'll Need

  • Leather gloves
  • Wrench
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Instructions

  1. Basic Layout

    • 1

      Divide the stage into at least three sections, right, left and center. Divide the number and style of lights you have available into these groups.

    • 2

      Use a wrench and leather gloves to loosen and turn lights. Tighten the clamps back once you have them where you want them. Focus one third of your lights on stage center, so that they cover as much of the stage from the front apron, or edge of the stage, to the back wall or curtain. Focus mostly on the area that will be used most, then light other areas as you have instruments.

    • 3

      Aim one-third of your lights to stage left, or to your left as you stand on stage facing your audience, and the remaining third to stage right. Focus them so that the three pools of light overlap, so that the entire playing area is covered when all three groups are lighted.

    Three-Point Lighting

    • 4

      Position at least one fixture in each group to provide front, or key light. This instrument, or group of instruments, should be overhead and as close to a 45-degree angle from center stage as possible. (If the mounting pipe is 15 feet overhead, then it should be as close to 15 feet back from the stage as possible) Position lights with focusing beams, such as ellipsoidal spotlights, in this group first, to create "spot" lights for specials that can be lighted while the rest of the stage is dim.

    • 5

      Add light focused from the front angled onto each section from one side if you have enough lighting instruments. Light the left from the right and vice versa. Focus the lights so that a performer in that area is lit from the side, creating rim, fill or side light. Add an instrument focused on each section from the other side if possible to get even more definition. Use par cans or Fresnel lenses for this group.

    • 6

      Point at least one fixture down onto each section from the rear of the stage. Position this light more overhead than your front light to help cancel any shadows that may be cast around a performer's sides. Angle the lights onto each section from the side opposite the side light in front, if only one side light is available . Use par cans or Fresnel lenses for this group.

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