Theater Spot Lights

Theater spotlights are powerful stage lighting instruments that highlight a specific point on the set. They can separate a character from the backdrop and focus attention on critical dialogue to add dramatic impact.

When using spotlights be sure to aim them at performer head height – this helps avoid dark spots as actors move around the stage. Also be sure to check that they are covering the whole acting area.

Ellipsoidal Reflector Spotlights (ERS)

A coveted piece of equipment for any theater, an ellipsoidal spotlight (ERS) shines intense light across large distances and sharp edges to illuminate performers’ costumes, facial expressions and movements. This can make your audience feel more deeply immersed in the performance and can help convey that what you’re saying is the most important thing to hear.

An ERS light is a focusable luminaire that has four shutters that can be used to shape the beam of light. It can also accept slide-in gobos (templates) that can project specific images onto the stage. These can be anything from realistic images (corporate logos, etc.) to textures (window frames, foliage) and even splashes of color.

ERSs can be mounted both axially, where the lamp enters directly through the reflector, or radially, where it enters at an angle. Axially-mounted fixtures are typically cheaper but less efficienct than radially-mounted ones.

Ellipsoidals are usually the go-to light for a theatrical lighting rig because of their versatility and power. They can highlight a single performer in a powerful pool of light or create an impressive visual effect like rain, wind or fire.

PAR Spotlights

The PAR spotlight is a simple stage lighting tool that has been around for almost a century. These classic sealed beam lights are used to illuminate the stage and highlight performers, making them a staple in many theaters, clubs, studios, convention halls, houses of worship, and more. Their lightweight design and inexpensive cost make them an easy choice for many facilities.

The “PAR” in PAR spotlight stands for Parabolic Aluminized Reflector, which helps give this type of lighting its distinct look and functionality. Usually seen in can-shaped fixtures, the bulbs inside are fitted with color media (gels) to generate different color washes for mood settings and transitions. These lights are also able to emit a wide spread of light, ideal for lighting up larger stage areas.

Because of their versatility, PAR spots are popular choices for theatrical productions and bands where a range of atmospheres need to be created in sync with the music and performance pacing. Unlike incandescent and halogen lighting, LED PAR lights can be powered by LED Strobe Mobile Light much more efficient power sources, reducing energy costs. HyLite offers LED solutions that retrofit directly to existing PAR can lights, allowing facilities to make the switch to more efficient lighting without replacing their entire system.

These new LED PARs are known for their durability and longevity, delivering a high-quality performance even after long periods of use. They feature a high color rendering index to show colors as true-to-life as possible, whether they are broadcast on TV or seen by audiences in person.

Follow Spots

A follow spot is a powerful stage lighting instrument used to track actors or presenters with a bright beam of light. They are often found in concerts, musicals and large-scale presentations in which highlighting a mobile individual is critical to the overall production. Follow spots are typically located overhead on catwalks but can also be found in purpose-built “follow spot rooms” or control booths.

A traditional follow spot uses a halogen light with an adjustable lens to create a narrow or wide beam, while more modern models use LED lights and other more advanced features like color-changing capabilities. They can either be operated from a ground-control position onstage or remotely controlled from a spot light booth. Most of these rooms are enclosed to allow for sound isolation and incorporate cooling fans and other hardware.

Spotlights are a key tool in the arsenal of any theatre or opera lighting designer. They are used to highlight specific performers and bring a sense of drama and excitement to the show by capturing their movements, expressions and costumes.

A good follow spot operator can make or break a show, which is why learning to operate these powerful machines is one of the first steps for aspiring lighting technicians. The skills required to be a successful follow spot operator include patience and a keen eye for detail. It is also important to be comfortable working high up as many followspots are located in special, dedicated spaces.

Fresnel Spotlights

Known for their versatility and control capabilities, Fresnel spotlights (pronounced fruh-NEEL) get their name from the lens that’s situated in front of them. This lens has concentric rings that help focus and cast light in a soft, even illumination. The lights can also be adjusted to change from a narrow “spot” beam to a wider “flood” beam, depending on the requirements of the production.

The focusing ability of a Fresnel spotlight allows it to be used as Moving head light supplier a follow spot, which helps highlight the movement of a performer and add depth to scenes. The light can also be shaped using external “barndoors” and can project patterns with the use of gobos, although these are not as sharply cut as the beams produced by an ERS.

Fresnel spot lights are also able to reach farther than ERSs and minimize the amount of spill light, which makes them ideal for stage lighting. These are workhorses of the theater industry and you can find them on TV and film sets around the world.

If you’re looking for an affordable LED fresnel, look no further than the Lupo Dayled 650 daylight LED Fresnel with DMX. This fixture has a powerful output equivalent to a 650-watt tungsten spot and is fully dimmable. It also has a carbon fiber reinforced technopolymer shell that feels solid and durable, ready for years of use. It even comes with barn doors and is 100 percent DMX-controllable.