

Each submaster on the lighting desk can have a memory recorded “onto” where the scene can be faded in and out using the submaster and even added to the output of another submaster memory. In a “theatre stack”, each scene is played back in numbered order every time the “go” button is pressed and, as the name suggests, this system is common in theatre shows where the cue sequence should be the same every night.Īn alternative way to playback lighting scenes it use Submasters. A lighting desk that has a “go” button plays back scenes using “sequence control”, also known as a “theatre stack”.

These scenes can be faded in and out using a pre-recording time or timed manually by the op. Memory Playback – Stack Control and the Go button.Įven simple lighting desks have often a degree of Memory Playback which enable the operator to record “memories” of different scenes and their channel levels and then play them back using a fader or “Go” button. More sophisticated lighting desks have a number of playback features: Lighting desk’s that have “2-Presets” enable you to set your next scene up on another set of channel controls and then crossfade that scene in when required. At it’s simplest, playback is simply setting the channel faders on the desk to a given level and then fading up the relevant Master Control so that the result appears on stage. “Playback”, relating to a stage lighting desk, is a term used to describe the “playing back” of different scenes, looks or states during the show. It is worth remembering that, on a lighting desk with intelligent lighting control, the Master control faders only actually adjusts lighting intensity level channels. The SubMasters can control different groups of lighting channels while the Grand Master adjusts the intensity of every channels as it leaves the lighting desk. The master control faders on a stage lighting desk adjust the output channels levels on a global scale. Where lighting intensity is controlled by faders, an additional “flash button” is useful for quick flashes of each channel. These wheels give the operator the ability to adjust parameters and levels, particularly in the control of intelligent lighting. A modern lighting desk controls these “channels” using different input methods such as faders/sliders for intensity, numeric keypad (where you type in a value) and other weird wheels and dials. A lighting desk controls this channel which can be used to adjust a range of lighting equipment, traditionally the intensity of a stage light via a stage lighting dimmer. This enables the operator to adjust the “level” (sometime expresses as a percentage – 0% – 100%) of a “control channel”. There are very few things that you have to understand about DMX512 and using it in lighting control and they are detailed in DMX Lighting Systems? Channel ControlsĮven the most basic lighting desk has a degree of channel control. The standard in stage lighting control is the DMX512 protocol which means that that many lighting desks, big and small, output one or more DMX signals.
#What is stage lighting design professional
Some basic dimmers use different analogue voltages to interpret their channel “levels” and some top notch professional kit uses an ethernet network like a PC. How a lighting desk controls your rig depends on what kind signal it outputs to the various bits or equipment that it “talks” to. Check out our Stage Lighting Courses page and look at the online courses currently available. Update: You can learn modern stage lighting control and busking moving light systems with me.

Although there are many different types of lighting control, a great deal of the features are common to most and On Stage Lighting explains these features in the first part of beginner’s guide to the lighting desk. This can range from adjusting the “levels” on stage lighting dimmers to controlling complex intelligent lighting systems and media servers. The Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Alice in Wonderland was choreographed by Derek Deane with scenic and costume design by Sue Blane.The lighting control, “board” or “desk” is the a key part of any stage lighting set up and it is using the lighting desk that an operator is able to control the equipment. The Houston Symphony Orchestra performed at this very special dinner for the MD Anderson Cancer Clinic at Minute Maid Park in Houston. This new Off-Broadway musical imagines a muse who came to the scientist in his dreams and helped him unlock the secrets of time and space.Īudio, video, and lights play in sync to create unique shows for travelers. We pride ourselves on our artistry, our impulsivity, and our ability to communicate visually with both audiences and clients. HGLD also creates permanent installations: our work can currently be seen in airports, museums, and theme parks across the country. HGLD is a full-service lighting design firm specializing in live theater, dance, and corporate events.
