Lighting National Theatre

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.