Rounds

[the kid]

I have got word that for out next major school production we may be doing it in a round I was just wondering if anyone had done a round and exacaly how easy it/they is/are to light. I think that we will almost definalty hire a circle of tri-lite truss, it its just a matter of how do I light it, do I do it as normal ie just do a average design in order to light and use as many barndoors as possible or what?

[Stu]

If you can get hold of

 

The Stage Lighting Handbook

Francis Reid

ISBN 0-7136-3439-1

 

from your local library etc, then you'll find quite a bit about in-the-round lighting in it.

 

HTH

Stu

[Andrew C]

You really don't need the circular truss, unless your venue has no grid/bars or whatever.

 

What you do need to do is light the back of the stage from a very steep angle (to keep the light out of punters eyes) and the front from a flatter angle; from each side.

 

It's not too difficult, but you do have to keep yourself moving around the auditorium, checking each scene is ok for everyone.

 

Have fun, it's a learning experience.

[Guest lightnix]

You could also refer to Lighting Techniques for Theatre-in-the-Round by Jackie Staines, price £24.95.

 

You can order a copy here (scroll down a bit to find it) from Blue Room member, Paul J. Need of 10 Out Of 10 Productions.

 

Click here for Jackie Staines' biography.

[Just Some Bloke]

The 'text-book' way to light a show end-on is to split the stage into between 2 and 9 areas depending on size and shape, then light each area from 2 front angles, each 45 degrees out, plus a backlight (i.e. 3 lanterns for each area).

 

The 'text-book' way to light in-the-round is to split the stage up in the same way then light each area from 4 angles, each 90 degrees out from each other. You don't need a circular grid to achieve this - most in-the-round venues don't have this and just use a standard grid system. Specials are difficult, each requiring 4 lanterns to light properly. Don't forget there is no such thing as frontlight or backilght in-the-round, as one man's frontlight is another man's backlight. It's also very difficult to use footlight as you run the risk of blinding the person sitting opposite. The only angle you can used which is the same for everyone, is toplight.

 

Having said all of this, I love lighting in-the-round, because the challenge is so great!

 

Have fun!

 

JSB

[benweblight]

yeah I would recommend the bible (stage lighting handbook)