What Is Light Control In Theatre

Lighting control systems have evolved over the past couple of years. Lighting systems are possibly the most important part of any theatre production. The modern control system is typically computerised as they have more features and can do more than the average manual lighting board. They began as manual single channel dimmer sets and have become multi-channel automatic control systems. This essay will explore all of the features of a modern control system and how they differ from the original control boards, the impact of modern control systems in theatre, and what could be next in lighting control systems.
As electricity evolves, the way it is controlled changes also. When lighting was first used in theatre, the lighting system was a bank …show more content…
Lighting is the most important part of theatre aside from allowing the audience to see the action onstage, lighting can have a large impact on a show. Lighting can set the scene and create a certain mood. As described earlier, when lighting was first used in theatre lights were only used in groups and only a set of lights could be controlled at one. As technology has evolved lighting has been able to create selective viewing, where the lighting designer can show the audience what is important to the scene. Also colours can be added to show the emotion of the scene, lights including LEDS, even gels can be used in adding colour to a performance. With modern technology there are so many possibilities to lighting a show, the lighting control system is the most important piece of technology in the advance in lights. What would moving lights be if they can’t be controlled? LEDs and Movers have functions built into the light which can allow the light to change colour or move around without DMX control, this is an exciting function if used for an event where lighting is not specific. When using ‘intelligent lights’ in theatre they need to be in a specific space or colour and therefore need to be controlled, lighting systems such as the one and two-scene presets obviously do not have the capabilities to control these lights, only conventional …show more content…
It is very convenient to be able to carry around a lighting console in your pocket but it probably would not be as accurate as a lighting board. It is predicted that although this new technology will be invented and available for theatres, major companies who use an amplitude of ‘intelligent fixtures’ will continue to use a lighting board. The programs on the consoles will continue to be upgraded as technology evolves but until lights are able to be controlled by your mind, companies will continue to use lighting