Within each type of light, we also have categories of lights based on the type of light that they output: they may be spot fixtures, they may be wash fixtures or beam fixtures. It also needs a DMX512 connection, from the lighting desk. Entertainment Technology Resources & History, Theatrecrafts.com > Topics > Teaching Technical Theatre in Schools > Lighting > Stage Lighting System. Any lighting system consists of the following parts: More information on each part of the system can be found below. A permanent system usually consists of a number of scaffolding bars mounted to the ceiling or walls of the room to form the lighting rig. 
The lighting console takes the ideas from the hands of the lighting director and ultimately translates them into the DMX protocol to instruct the lights. Lanterns are plugged into their nearest socket. Because somehow, some way, we need to get the data signal from the console (usually DMX, sometimes through sACN or Art-Net) to the lights and we need to get them power, too. Though wireless DMX has gained some popularity, there isnt a safe way to do wireless power yet! They require a different method of connection so your lighting system will need some modification to make it easy to use them. They are terminated with 5 pin XLR connectors usually, but can also be used with 3 pin XLR connectors (as the DMX standard only uses 3 pins). A massive lighting show takes up a whole arena, bathing an artist or speaker in vibrant light. Wash Lights A soft-edged pool of light is produced, similar to that from a Fresnel. There are two types of cables in UK-based lighting systems; These cables are terminated with 15 Amp round-pin plugs and sockets, and have been the standard in UK theatres for many years. A corporate speaker gets up before his sales team in a 5,000 seat room with lights overhead. (There are 1 or 2 exceptions out there, where a moving light also takes a dimmed power , but that is rare). As you may have guessed, cables are what ties that bind all of this lighting together. These consoles can work great for conventional lights and a few LEDs, but really get difficult to work with as the amount of channels each light has increases. Additionally, Moving Lights can be used to replace some of the fixed lanterns in your rig both above the auditorium and above the stage. The lighting desk can be positioned anywhere around the space, and is plugged into the dimmer racks using a DMX512 control cable. Hang the lantern on the bar in the correct position (assuming the bar has been lowered to floor level). November 27, 2019 inTechnical and Artistic.
Written by Jon Primrose please send comments / requests for additions to me via the Contact Us button above. It may be possible to use a portable system in conjunction with the permanent rig. It requires a constant undimmed power supply. 2022 Learn Stage Lighting .com. They often feature large touchscreens, wheels to set attributes of the lights, buttons to type commands and faders for playback.
Please log in again. In addition, cable is the best, most reliable way to move data and power to your lights. 
Instead, we connect our lights to constant, non-dimmed power (wall power) and also connect DMX to each light to control it. 
A church hosts a service with 20 lights shining on the stage. DMX Terminators should be used at the end of a run of DMX cable. See Moving Lights under Lanterns (below) for more information. There are, ironically, more safety hazards and chances of things going wrong with a portable system, so please take care to read and understand the following section. A difference in color or moving light position isnt necessarily higher or lower than where it was before, and it is very difficult to control these new lights on an older-style console. DIAGRAM SHOWING MOVING LIGHT CONNECTION COMING SOON. Learners (and staff) can then safely hang the lanterns on the bars, plug them in, colour them and even give them a rough focus, and check they work, before raising the bar up to working height. Many permanent systems will also use relays to switch on and off the power to LEDs and moving lights in order to make them live a longer life. While the type of events may be very different, the lighting systems actually have a lot in common. As with fixed LED lanterns, moving lights need a constant undimmed power supply, and a connection to the DMX512 signal from the lighting desk. A portable system consists of a number of lanterns which can be rigged (set up) on telescopic stands at floor level. The mostvisiblepart of the lighting system are the lights themselves. There are many health & safety restrictions in place, which are currently preventing learners from making full use of the stage lighting rig. These can be controlled by a modern computerised lighting desk, and (after an initial learning curve) are straightforward to use. Which brings us to: Most modern lighting consoles and/or PC software are designed from the ground up to control moving lights and LED fixtures, often with a lesser focus on conventional lights. It may seem a surprise to you that the tiny coffee shop lighting system uses the same type of equipment as a large-scale event, but its true. Open the barn doors (Fresnel or PC) or pull the shutters out to open position (Profile). The permanent dimmers are an important part of the electrical installation, and should be maintained regularly. Each type of fixture has its own use and strengths/weaknesses. Sometimes its a blurry line between what is a PC and what is not, but the control software is the same these modern software packages are built from the ground up to control a mix of moving/LED lights and conventional lights. Next we move on to the distribution and dimmers. DIAGRAM SHOWING LED CONNECTION, INCLUDING WAYS OF CONNECTING DMX512 COMING SOON. Many schools seem to use scaffold towers for this operation, but these can only be assembled by a suitably trained member of staff (or, more likely, an external contractor). In some TV studio situations, the newer 16 Amp plugs and sockets may be used, but these are bulkier (and more fragile) than the 15A version. There are a few solutions which make using permanent lighting rigs usable in schools. barn doors for a Fresnel or PC, shutters for a profile). LearnStageLighting.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Dimmers can vary from a simple 1 channel unit, which only dims 1 channel of light at a time, all the way up to 96 channel or greater dimmer racks for large shows and installations. For this reason, the best plan is to use portable temporary lighting equipment. Enter the modern lighting console or software. Older moving lights use discharge lamps, which remain on all of the time the unit is switched on. In the professional world, moving lights initially had a completely separate console and programmer, but for beginners or intermediate-level users that just didnt happen. This is where the you turn on and off the lights and give instructions for movement. To focus the lanterns, youll still need to get up to rig height, but this is considerably safer than having to rig them at height. As moving lights and LEDs began to take over the stage lighting world, these consoles have become much less common and useful. The dimmer racks are connected to industrial-type power sockets which give them enough power to run all of the necessary lanterns, and to a control connection from the lighting desk. Not as much as you think! These can be really useful in class, and mean you dont need to get the lighting desk every time you want a couple of lights on. If the bars contain numbered sockets for stage lanterns to be plugged into, theyre known as Internally-Wired Bars or IWBs. All Rights Reserved. But when were using LEDs or moving lights, we do NOT connect them into dimmers even if the dimmers are kept at full! The most common small dimmer pack is 4 channels, which can be hung with your lighting to give you flexibility in your setup. I may often work in both a church and large event situation in the same week, goingin betweenlarge hotel ballrooms and small sanctuaries, using many of the same skills to bring excellence in lighting. LEDs are revolutionising the stage lighting world. The most expensive option is to reinstall the lighting bars so that they are on motorised winches. The internally wired bars are then connected to a patch panel (consisting of a row of numbered plugs) which connect into the dimmer racks which are usually positioned above the patch panels. Lights can be fixed-position LED or conventional lights, or moving lights. If the system is correctly designed, the number of cables that have to be run around the lighting rig should be very small. Gobos can also be used in spot lights. Understanding the basics can give you a great grasp on how to use any piece of lighting equipment.
Learn more and find out how to choose your lighting console by clicking here! Today, there are 2 main types of consoles may will run into: Back in the wild west of lighting, this is what you would see every single day simple lighting boards with rows and rows of faders each controlling a light or group of lights. A scaffold tower should not be kept at the school for this purpose there are too many chances to make errors when assembling it. {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}, __CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"df70c":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default","value":{"colors":{"df70c":{"val":"var(--tcb-skin-color-28)","hsl":{"h":53,"s":0.4194,"l":0.8176,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]},"original":{"colors":{"df70c":{"val":"rgb(55, 179, 233)","hsl":{"h":198,"s":0.8,"l":0.56,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__. Whether a small or large system, these basic pieces make every lighting rig function. Undo the hook clamp bolt. However, an LED lantern must not be connected to a dimmer. Spot Lights A hard-edged spot of light, similar to that from a Profile. These control signal cables carry a data signal from the control desk to the dimmers, but are also used to send control information to LED fittings around the rig and also to any moving lights or other effects units you may be using. A small band plays in front of 2 lighting stands at a coffeehouse.
I hope this article has helped you to understand the very basics as to how a lighting system works, and what you need to make one! When lights with color, movement, and gobos began to become popular, the industry had to change. Although they are far more complex than standard lanterns, moving lights can save vast amounts of time, and can also solve the problems of access to fixed lighting bars mentioned above. The first part of a stage lighting system is the console. The rig can provide a basic general wash (possibly using two colours a warm and a cold gel) and the portable system can provide any special effects or colours. Thats all. The login page will open in a new tab. Any damage to the cable sheath should put the lantern out of service to get repaired. Prepare the lantern. Most modern lighting desks can operate in three ways; Check lantern for any visible damage, especially around the cable. This avoids the need for access platformsand working at height, and can still produce excellent results. These consoles are pretty simple, and some offer the ability to make a cue list to pre-program a show, or a chase function to offer some beat-based music playback. Learn Stage Lighting is also in a participant in other affiliate programs. A purpose-built mobile access platform such as the Esca range is the way to go. More current moving lights use LED light sources which are far more energy-efficient, and also offer a wide range of colour possibilities. A modern stage lighting system consists of a few main parts- consoles, fixtures, distribution/dimming, and cabling. Roughly point the lantern in the direction it will be focussed. All of the hook clamps should be around the same way. These utilize special links that give us a small commission if you buy, with no additional cost to you. relays to switch on and off the power to LEDs. Make sure the cable is free hanging and not wrapped around the lantern. Looking at these different lighting situations, there isnt really much in common, is there? For the most part, a DMX cable simply works, no matter what the situation, where a wireless setup can be difficult to make work reliably in situations where there is a lot of wireless activity in the space. For the moment, seeTypes of Lanterns, VIDEO DEMONSTRATING THE ABOVE COMING SOON. Components: Information coming soon. As well as the permanent installed dimmers, you should try to have a couple of portable dimmer packs available. Make sure it has a safety bond attached and that any accessories are present (e.g. Just because a fixture is good for one use or type of event doesnt mean that itll work for another use! Back in the old days wed simply connect the dimmers to the console via DMX, bring power into the dimmers, and then only connect dimmed power out to the lights. There are huge differences in the designs of all these systems, right? TRS stands for Tough Rubber Sheath, and describes the cable, so its not strictly the correct abbreviation for any type of cable with connectors on. While microphone cable can sometimes be used to carry DMX signals it isnt good practice as the signal is more likely to develop faults if its not carried over the correct data cable. Cable management systems (such as the Jacobs Ladder system shown in the video below) exist which mean the lanterns can remain plugged in and connected to the dimmers when the bar is at rigging height (around 3 feet above the stage floor). What are the Basic Parts of a Stage Lighting System? A traditional lantern is plugged into a dimmer. This seems to be a major issue in many schools. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. UNDER CONSTRUCTION Life was simple! The older-style consoles really only dealt with intensity of light, which by principle can be raised or lowered during your show or service.
The lighting console takes the ideas from the hands of the lighting director and ultimately translates them into the DMX protocol to instruct the lights. Lanterns are plugged into their nearest socket. Because somehow, some way, we need to get the data signal from the console (usually DMX, sometimes through sACN or Art-Net) to the lights and we need to get them power, too. Though wireless DMX has gained some popularity, there isnt a safe way to do wireless power yet! They require a different method of connection so your lighting system will need some modification to make it easy to use them. They are terminated with 5 pin XLR connectors usually, but can also be used with 3 pin XLR connectors (as the DMX standard only uses 3 pins). A massive lighting show takes up a whole arena, bathing an artist or speaker in vibrant light. Wash Lights A soft-edged pool of light is produced, similar to that from a Fresnel. There are two types of cables in UK-based lighting systems; These cables are terminated with 15 Amp round-pin plugs and sockets, and have been the standard in UK theatres for many years. A corporate speaker gets up before his sales team in a 5,000 seat room with lights overhead. (There are 1 or 2 exceptions out there, where a moving light also takes a dimmed power , but that is rare). As you may have guessed, cables are what ties that bind all of this lighting together. These consoles can work great for conventional lights and a few LEDs, but really get difficult to work with as the amount of channels each light has increases. Additionally, Moving Lights can be used to replace some of the fixed lanterns in your rig both above the auditorium and above the stage. The lighting desk can be positioned anywhere around the space, and is plugged into the dimmer racks using a DMX512 control cable. Hang the lantern on the bar in the correct position (assuming the bar has been lowered to floor level). November 27, 2019 inTechnical and Artistic. Written by Jon Primrose please send comments / requests for additions to me via the Contact Us button above. It may be possible to use a portable system in conjunction with the permanent rig. It requires a constant undimmed power supply. 2022 Learn Stage Lighting .com. They often feature large touchscreens, wheels to set attributes of the lights, buttons to type commands and faders for playback.
Please log in again. In addition, cable is the best, most reliable way to move data and power to your lights. Instead, we connect our lights to constant, non-dimmed power (wall power) and also connect DMX to each light to control it. A church hosts a service with 20 lights shining on the stage. DMX Terminators should be used at the end of a run of DMX cable. See Moving Lights under Lanterns (below) for more information. There are, ironically, more safety hazards and chances of things going wrong with a portable system, so please take care to read and understand the following section. A difference in color or moving light position isnt necessarily higher or lower than where it was before, and it is very difficult to control these new lights on an older-style console. DIAGRAM SHOWING MOVING LIGHT CONNECTION COMING SOON. Learners (and staff) can then safely hang the lanterns on the bars, plug them in, colour them and even give them a rough focus, and check they work, before raising the bar up to working height. Many permanent systems will also use relays to switch on and off the power to LEDs and moving lights in order to make them live a longer life. While the type of events may be very different, the lighting systems actually have a lot in common. As with fixed LED lanterns, moving lights need a constant undimmed power supply, and a connection to the DMX512 signal from the lighting desk. A portable system consists of a number of lanterns which can be rigged (set up) on telescopic stands at floor level. The mostvisiblepart of the lighting system are the lights themselves. There are many health & safety restrictions in place, which are currently preventing learners from making full use of the stage lighting rig. These can be controlled by a modern computerised lighting desk, and (after an initial learning curve) are straightforward to use. Which brings us to: Most modern lighting consoles and/or PC software are designed from the ground up to control moving lights and LED fixtures, often with a lesser focus on conventional lights. It may seem a surprise to you that the tiny coffee shop lighting system uses the same type of equipment as a large-scale event, but its true. Open the barn doors (Fresnel or PC) or pull the shutters out to open position (Profile). The permanent dimmers are an important part of the electrical installation, and should be maintained regularly. Each type of fixture has its own use and strengths/weaknesses. Sometimes its a blurry line between what is a PC and what is not, but the control software is the same these modern software packages are built from the ground up to control a mix of moving/LED lights and conventional lights. Next we move on to the distribution and dimmers. DIAGRAM SHOWING LED CONNECTION, INCLUDING WAYS OF CONNECTING DMX512 COMING SOON. Many schools seem to use scaffold towers for this operation, but these can only be assembled by a suitably trained member of staff (or, more likely, an external contractor). In some TV studio situations, the newer 16 Amp plugs and sockets may be used, but these are bulkier (and more fragile) than the 15A version. There are a few solutions which make using permanent lighting rigs usable in schools. barn doors for a Fresnel or PC, shutters for a profile). LearnStageLighting.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Dimmers can vary from a simple 1 channel unit, which only dims 1 channel of light at a time, all the way up to 96 channel or greater dimmer racks for large shows and installations. For this reason, the best plan is to use portable temporary lighting equipment. Enter the modern lighting console or software. Older moving lights use discharge lamps, which remain on all of the time the unit is switched on. In the professional world, moving lights initially had a completely separate console and programmer, but for beginners or intermediate-level users that just didnt happen. This is where the you turn on and off the lights and give instructions for movement. To focus the lanterns, youll still need to get up to rig height, but this is considerably safer than having to rig them at height. As moving lights and LEDs began to take over the stage lighting world, these consoles have become much less common and useful. The dimmer racks are connected to industrial-type power sockets which give them enough power to run all of the necessary lanterns, and to a control connection from the lighting desk. Not as much as you think! These can be really useful in class, and mean you dont need to get the lighting desk every time you want a couple of lights on. If the bars contain numbered sockets for stage lanterns to be plugged into, theyre known as Internally-Wired Bars or IWBs. All Rights Reserved. But when were using LEDs or moving lights, we do NOT connect them into dimmers even if the dimmers are kept at full! The most common small dimmer pack is 4 channels, which can be hung with your lighting to give you flexibility in your setup. I may often work in both a church and large event situation in the same week, goingin betweenlarge hotel ballrooms and small sanctuaries, using many of the same skills to bring excellence in lighting. LEDs are revolutionising the stage lighting world. The most expensive option is to reinstall the lighting bars so that they are on motorised winches. The internally wired bars are then connected to a patch panel (consisting of a row of numbered plugs) which connect into the dimmer racks which are usually positioned above the patch panels. Lights can be fixed-position LED or conventional lights, or moving lights. If the system is correctly designed, the number of cables that have to be run around the lighting rig should be very small. Gobos can also be used in spot lights. Understanding the basics can give you a great grasp on how to use any piece of lighting equipment. Learn more and find out how to choose your lighting console by clicking here! Today, there are 2 main types of consoles may will run into: Back in the wild west of lighting, this is what you would see every single day simple lighting boards with rows and rows of faders each controlling a light or group of lights. A scaffold tower should not be kept at the school for this purpose there are too many chances to make errors when assembling it. {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}, __CONFIG_colors_palette__{"active_palette":0,"config":{"colors":{"df70c":{"name":"Main Accent","parent":-1}},"gradients":[]},"palettes":[{"name":"Default","value":{"colors":{"df70c":{"val":"var(--tcb-skin-color-28)","hsl":{"h":53,"s":0.4194,"l":0.8176,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]},"original":{"colors":{"df70c":{"val":"rgb(55, 179, 233)","hsl":{"h":198,"s":0.8,"l":0.56,"a":1}}},"gradients":[]}}]}__CONFIG_colors_palette__. Whether a small or large system, these basic pieces make every lighting rig function. Undo the hook clamp bolt. However, an LED lantern must not be connected to a dimmer. Spot Lights A hard-edged spot of light, similar to that from a Profile. These control signal cables carry a data signal from the control desk to the dimmers, but are also used to send control information to LED fittings around the rig and also to any moving lights or other effects units you may be using. A small band plays in front of 2 lighting stands at a coffeehouse.
I hope this article has helped you to understand the very basics as to how a lighting system works, and what you need to make one! When lights with color, movement, and gobos began to become popular, the industry had to change. Although they are far more complex than standard lanterns, moving lights can save vast amounts of time, and can also solve the problems of access to fixed lighting bars mentioned above. The first part of a stage lighting system is the console. The rig can provide a basic general wash (possibly using two colours a warm and a cold gel) and the portable system can provide any special effects or colours. Thats all. The login page will open in a new tab. Any damage to the cable sheath should put the lantern out of service to get repaired. Prepare the lantern. Most modern lighting desks can operate in three ways; Check lantern for any visible damage, especially around the cable. This avoids the need for access platformsand working at height, and can still produce excellent results. These consoles are pretty simple, and some offer the ability to make a cue list to pre-program a show, or a chase function to offer some beat-based music playback. Learn Stage Lighting is also in a participant in other affiliate programs. A purpose-built mobile access platform such as the Esca range is the way to go. More current moving lights use LED light sources which are far more energy-efficient, and also offer a wide range of colour possibilities. A modern stage lighting system consists of a few main parts- consoles, fixtures, distribution/dimming, and cabling. Roughly point the lantern in the direction it will be focussed. All of the hook clamps should be around the same way. These utilize special links that give us a small commission if you buy, with no additional cost to you. relays to switch on and off the power to LEDs. Make sure the cable is free hanging and not wrapped around the lantern. Looking at these different lighting situations, there isnt really much in common, is there? For the most part, a DMX cable simply works, no matter what the situation, where a wireless setup can be difficult to make work reliably in situations where there is a lot of wireless activity in the space. For the moment, seeTypes of Lanterns, VIDEO DEMONSTRATING THE ABOVE COMING SOON. Components: Information coming soon. As well as the permanent installed dimmers, you should try to have a couple of portable dimmer packs available. Make sure it has a safety bond attached and that any accessories are present (e.g. Just because a fixture is good for one use or type of event doesnt mean that itll work for another use! Back in the old days wed simply connect the dimmers to the console via DMX, bring power into the dimmers, and then only connect dimmed power out to the lights. There are huge differences in the designs of all these systems, right? TRS stands for Tough Rubber Sheath, and describes the cable, so its not strictly the correct abbreviation for any type of cable with connectors on. While microphone cable can sometimes be used to carry DMX signals it isnt good practice as the signal is more likely to develop faults if its not carried over the correct data cable. Cable management systems (such as the Jacobs Ladder system shown in the video below) exist which mean the lanterns can remain plugged in and connected to the dimmers when the bar is at rigging height (around 3 feet above the stage floor). What are the Basic Parts of a Stage Lighting System? A traditional lantern is plugged into a dimmer. This seems to be a major issue in many schools. After logging in you can close it and return to this page. UNDER CONSTRUCTION Life was simple! The older-style consoles really only dealt with intensity of light, which by principle can be raised or lowered during your show or service.