The following three tutorials deal with the topic of theater lighting. I will go into concepts and explain the realization with StageLight.
The optimal illumination of the actors, in which the face looks most natural, is achieved with 2 spotlights. Ideally, this should be positioned 45° from the top and 45° from both sides.
![](https://stagelight.app/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/45-1-1024x773.png)
On theater stages, however, this is not done for all actors, but instead, the stages are divided into so-called light zones. Also, 45° cannot always be achieved structurally for all areas. In the example project used, the stage is divided into 3×3 zones (A1-C3). 2 spotlights are positioned for each zone, as shown here in the example of A1.
![](https://stagelight.app/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Lichtzonen-1024x773.png)
I create a group in StageLight for each of these 2 zone spotlights. For A1, that’s the ETC Source Four with DMX addresses 2 and 4. Since the ‚Source Four‘ isn’t in the fixture library, I’ll use a generic fixture („Desk Channel“) with an intensity channel.
![](https://stagelight.app/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/A1-1024x768.jpeg)
In addition to the 9 zone groups, I create a group for all zones together.
I put these groups on the last bank of 10 pages in the mixer. With this, I reserve the first banks for the cues of a scene but more on that in the next tutorial.
![](https://stagelight.app/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Zonen-1024x768.jpeg)
In addition to the 18x ETC Source Four, there are 6 other Fresnel spotlights that illuminate the stage from above and 12 Martin Mac Aura Wash for the colorful atmosphere.
![](https://stagelight.app/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Lichtzonen_2-1024x773.png)
In the current example, zone B2 is active. The auras in the room glow blue and those for the windows are turquoise. The front 3 Fresnel lights are minimal to give the room more contour.
![](https://stagelight.app/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Beispielszene-1024x768.jpeg)
Links
- Download Example project
- Theatre Lighting 2: Creating Cues
- Theater Lighting Part 3: 5 Tips for the Live Use
- Capture & Mobile Visualizer