BertLighting can make or break the mood of a live performance, especially in small spaces and close, intimate performances. It forms one of the main elements in creating the atmosphere, focusing attention on the performers, and making the act even more enjoyable for the audience. Smaller spaces may not need the extensive lighting systems that are used in arenas or festivals, but this does not mean that planning and selection of equipment are any less important to create a great show. Click here for the best moving headlights. This article will look at the most important aspects of lighting for small venues and gigs and how you can achieve a professional look without breaking the bank.
Most Important Lighting Fixtures for Small Venues
Even for smaller gigs, one has to be very careful when selecting the lights to use since the number of lights used in such gigs is relatively low. Below are some of the basic lighting requirements that should not be missing in small venues.
LED PAR Cans
LED PAR cans are one of the most flexible and affordable solutions that are small, energy-saving lights designed for general stage illumination. They come in a variety of colors and intensity, which makes them suitable for use in lighting up the whole stage, or simply as a backdrop. LED PAR cans are quite popular in small venues because they are compact, cheap, and easy to operate.
Moving Head Lights
Moving headlights are very effective in any performance as they produce beams that can move, swivel, and change direction. Larger moving heads are used in big concerts while the smaller and cheaper ones are used in small events. These lights are perfect for generating energy during high-tempo songs or for some soft movements during the slow and emotional parts of the songs.
Spotlights
Spotlights are very important in a gig to highlight certain performers or certain moments. They assist in directing the attention of the audience to certain events on stage such as a solo or an emotional scene. For small venues, one can use lightweight and portable LED spotlights since they are easy to set up and give a directed and bright light.
Wash Lights
Wash lights are ideal for creating a general lighting effect on the stage with no harsh shadows or glare. They offer a wide coverage that gets rid of dark spots and makes sure that the performers are well-illuminated. For smaller gigs, compact LED wash lights can be perfect as they do not occupy much space but give the right amount of light.
Color and Effects: How to Set the Mood
The color and effects are very crucial in determining the mood of a performance. In small spaces, it is possible to alter the mood of the space with the use of color in lighting.
Color Washes
Color washes are useful in changing the atmosphere of the performance; for instance, using warm colors for a ballad or bright colors for an upbeat song. LED PAR cans and wash lights can be easily programmed to show different colors and this is a plus for lighting designers or musicians.
Effects Lighting
In small spaces, it is possible to create a big impact with basic effects. For instance, strobe lights can be used in energetic songs to make the environment lively while slow fades or color changes can be used in slow songs to make the environment more comfortable. Most of the small and cheap moving heads also have effects such as color change, gobo, and prism which can be used to add variety.
Backlighting
Backlighting gives depth and dimension on stage, which helps the performers to be highlighted in the background. It also gives a more professional touch to the setup and makes the area look bigger and more active than it is. For small venues, one can use a few wash lights or PAR cans as backlight and this will enhance the production value without having to spend a lot of money or even having to set up complex rigging.
Staying Within Budget
Small venues and independent artists are usually working with a small budget and therefore, it is crucial to choose the most effective lighting solutions. LED lights, especially, are cheap, durable, and consume less power, which is suitable for small performances.
Affordable Lighting Kits
Many manufacturers provide cheap lighting kits that contain several fixtures, stands, and controllers. These kits are easy to set up and take down and are ideal for small events where a portable lighting system is required.
Renting vs. Buying
For those venues that only hold events from time to time, it may be cheaper to rent the lighting equipment rather than buy them. Rental companies offer equipment that is professional standard at a much cheaper rate and also offer setup and technical assistance.
Conclusion
While lighting in small venues and gigs may not be as elaborate as in large productions, it is still an essential element that can help make the performance more interesting and enjoyable for both the performers and the audience. It is therefore important to understand that with proper planning and the right equipment, lighting can make a small space look like a stage.