Stage lights are an essential element of any live performance, providing an atmosphere and adding drama. Not only do they illuminate the stage, but they also highlight performers and costumes. Nowadays, there are various types of stage lights available on the market and each serves a specific purpose. In this blog post, we’ll look at eight distinct types of stage lights and their uses.
PAR Lights
PAR (Parabolic Aluminized Reflector) lights are one of the most widely used stage lights. They’re easy to operate and can be utilized for various applications such as stage lighting, concert lighting and architectural illumination. PAR lights consist of a sealed unit containing a reflector, lamp and lens. These come in different sizes with wattages ranging from small 150-watt lamps up to large 1000-watt lamps. PAR Lights.
It make up one of the most basic types of stage lights: PAR (Parabolic Aluminized Reflector) lights.
PAR lights produce a focused beam of light that’s ideal for highlighting specific areas on stage or creating a spotlight effect. You can also customize colors by applying colored gels or filters over the lens.
Fresnel Lights
Fresnel lights are a common stage light type, similar to PAR lights but with a slightly different design. A Fresnel light consists of a lamp, reflector and lens made up of concentric rings which focus and disperse the light, creating an soft-edged beam of illumination.
Fresnel lights are ideal for theater productions, as they create a natural-looking spotlight effect and cast light over an extensive area of the stage. Available in various sizes and wattages ranging from small 100-watt lamps up to large 2000-watt lamps, fresnel lights provide versatile lighting solutions.
Ellipsoidal Lights
Ellipsoidal lights, also referred to as Leko lights, are a type of stage light often used in theater productions. Their unique design produces an intense beam of light from their lamp, reflector and lens system with two plano-convex lenses.
Ellipsoidal lights are ideal for theater productions as they can be focused precisely. They’re also great at creating various effects, like gobos (patterns). Available in a range of sizes and wattages from small 250-watt lamps up to large 2000-watt lamps, ellipsoidal lights offer versatility to meet any need.
LED Lights
LED (Light Emitting Diode) lights are a relatively new type of stage light, but they’re becoming increasingly popular due to their energy efficiency and long lifespan. It consist of small diodes that emit light when an electrical current passes through them. They come in various colors and can be controlled using a DMX lighting controller.
LED lights are ideal for concert and theatrical lighting, creating vibrant and colorful effects. Not only that, but LEDs also work great to create different moods and atmospheres in films.
Moving Head Lights
Moving head lights are a type of stage light that can be adjusted in different directions with a DMX lighting controller. They’re perfect for use in concert lighting and theatrical productions, as they produce dynamic lighting effects.
Moving head lights come in various sizes and configurations, some models featuring multiple heads that can move independently. They can be used for creating various effects like gobo projections, color washes, and spotlights.
Strip Lights
Strip lights are a type of stage light composed of an extended strip of LEDs that can be cut to size.
Light strings can be connected together to form a continuous line of illumination, ideal for architectural lighting applications such as highlighting specific areas of a building or creating vibrant backdrops.
Strip lights can also be utilized in theatrical productions to achieve various effects, such as color washes or accent lighting. They come in various colors and can be controlled using a DMX lighting controller.
Black Lights
UV (Ultraviolet) lights are a type of stage light that emits ultraviolet radiation. They’re often used in concert lighting and theatrical productions to create an eerie atmosphere. Black lights can cause fluorescent objects and white clothing to glow in the dark, providing viewers with an impressive visual treat.
Black lights are commonly used in haunted houses and escape rooms to create a creepy atmosphere. They come in various sizes and wattages, which can be controlled using a DMX lighting controller.
Follow Spots
Follow spots are stage lights operated manually by a lighting technician. They create a spotlight effect on performers or objects on stage by using powerful lamps, reflectors and lenses that allow the technician to focus the beam of light onto one area.
Follow spots are ideal for theatrical productions, as they create a dramatic effect onstage. Concert lighting often incorporates them to follow the movement of performers onstage.
Last Thoughts
Finally, stage lights come in a variety of styles and purposes for different productions. Whether you need to create an atmospheric effect on stage, highlight a performer, or create an eye-catching backdrop – there is sure to be a light type that meets your requirements. From traditional PAR and Fresnel lamps to modern LEDs and moving head lights, there is no limit to what types of stage lighting options are available. By understanding these different options you can select the right ones for your production and create a lasting impactful performance!