I’m a non-lighting guy, but I’m trying to learn, so excuse my stupid questions.
In the old days, I’d watch lighting guys set up their 1k PAR 64s and ellipsoidals for concerts. It was always “even wash” except for specials. When I got involved in theatre, it was basically similar, just different instruments, even washes, no hotspots. Specials will always be specials.
Someone pointed me in the direction of some sample lighting plots, as well as archived Broadway plots. I’m reading them and trying to make sense, but I’m a little confused. Is there a “floor” for lux/lumens/fc that’s considered minimum? The symphony usually asked for a minimum of 100 fc (I know, I speak in ancient terms) for concerts without stand lamps, and our usual director for the community group seemed to think 150 was a good brightness for regular scenes. Obviously night or special effects are different.
Since I have zero training in professional theatre, is there a magic number that exists? I go to see shows, and I understand the difference in color temperature, but what I don’t understand is how some of these plots are bright enough, yet seem to work. I ordered a few college texts, just waiting for them, but sometimes they don’t explain the real world. Any help is appreciated.
In the old days, I’d watch lighting guys set up their 1k PAR 64s and ellipsoidals for concerts. It was always “even wash” except for specials. When I got involved in theatre, it was basically similar, just different instruments, even washes, no hotspots. Specials will always be specials.
Someone pointed me in the direction of some sample lighting plots, as well as archived Broadway plots. I’m reading them and trying to make sense, but I’m a little confused. Is there a “floor” for lux/lumens/fc that’s considered minimum? The symphony usually asked for a minimum of 100 fc (I know, I speak in ancient terms) for concerts without stand lamps, and our usual director for the community group seemed to think 150 was a good brightness for regular scenes. Obviously night or special effects are different.
Since I have zero training in professional theatre, is there a magic number that exists? I go to see shows, and I understand the difference in color temperature, but what I don’t understand is how some of these plots are bright enough, yet seem to work. I ordered a few college texts, just waiting for them, but sometimes they don’t explain the real world. Any help is appreciated.