Instead of buying a new lantern, consider using an inactive stage light.
Great lighting can often mean the difference between a sold-out performance and an empty theater. Because the stage always needs to convey the emotion of a scene, lighting helps create elements of tension, romance or suspense. Even in a practical sense, lighting can ensure that an audience understands where exactly the action is taking place, whether a basement or a beach. If you know a few lighting tips and tricks, you can make your show much better and much cheaper.
Double Up Your Lighting
One money-saving trick is to ensure that each light in a theater production has at least two responsibilities. Not only will this keep the production costs extremely low, it can also make your lighting team work more efficiently. For example, instead of using a dedicated and paid-for "focus lantern," try using one of the "dynamic stability control" overhead lights instead. Don't waste money and manpower setting up a new lantern or spotlight. Consider, instead, what lights are not being used in a scene and if there is a lantern that is inactive, use that one.
Breakup Gobos
A neat little trick for creating an artistic effect on a budget is to use a breakup gobo. A gobo, which is cheap and easy to make, is one of the oldest stage-lighting effects, and it gives impressive results. Essentially, a breakup gobo is a sheet of metal or glass that has a pattern of shapes cut into it, such as circles, moons or stars. Gobos can even have words and images carved into them. Gobos also have an infinite amount of creative options and you can experiment with several colors and shapes. To get the most out of a gobo, ensure that the backing lamp is at an angle of 90 degrees and is set as a narrow beam. This will ensure that the image is sharp. Alternatively, to blur the gobo, use a wide beam and angle the light at roughly 50 degrees.
Back-of-the-Head Trick
One thing that is absolutely vital to theater lighting is to point the stage lights in the right direction. It simple enough, but it is actually much more difficult than it looks. The best way to ensure that every light is directionally perfect is to use the "back-of-the-head" trick. Essentially, you must understand where each scene's action is taking place and then stand directly in the middle of all the actors involved. If there is one actor in the scene, stand from where he will be presenting. Turn away from the lights and have another lighting technician shine the lantern directly into the center of the back of your head. This will ensure that the light is leveled and central to the action. There is nothing more embarrassing than feeling confident you have the correct angle in rehearsal, and being a few yards out in the live show.
