Lighting National Theatre
-
- Arte
Lighting, special effects and video are used to create moments of stage magic. The choices a lighting designer makes about how a set and actors are lit have a major impact on the mood of a scene. The National Theatre's Lighting Department deploys everything from the humble parcan to complex automated lights.
-
- video
Automated lighting profiles
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.
-
- video
Becoming a lighting designer
A short film about how you get to be a lighting designer
-
- video
Programming and operating the lights
Lighting programming of a console for a show and then operating during a show.
-
- video
Focusing lights for the rep
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.
-
- video
Automated lighting - wash
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.
-
- video
Follow spots
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.