Types of stage lighting equipment

1.) PLANO CONVEX SPOTLIGHT
DESCRIPTION The PLANO-CONVEX (or PC) spotlight is the earliest form of theatre spotlight, to use a lens. It consists of a simple 'box' housing containing a lamp and reflector behind a plano-convex lens. Modern units range from 300 to 2000 watts. Lens diameters include 5", 6" and 8" wide. Beam spreads typically are variable from approximately 10 to 65 degrees in a single fixture.
This fixture provides a circular beam pattern with a sharply defined 'hard' outer edge. Unfortunately, the field of light, (distribution of light across the beam) is often quite uneven. Further, optical aberrations in the form of rainbow effects, are often seen at the edges of the beam.
The lamp and reflector are mounted together, and move forward or backwards, in relationship to the lens. As they move closer to the lens, the beam expands in size. As they move away from the lens, the beam becomes narrower
APPLICATIONS Plano-convex spotlights are useful in providing ACTING AREA lighting and localized lighting to specific areas of the stage. They have no beam controls (shutters, iris, barndoors) available.

2.)ELLIPSOIDAL REFLECTOR SPOTLIGHT
DESCRIPTION The ELLIPSOIDAL REFLECTOR spotlight, (sometimes known as the LEKO or LEKOLITE) is a common fixture for many stage lighting applications. The 'ER' as it is sometimes called is available from many different manufacturers and is available in a number of different sizes and beam spreads.
APPLICATIONS The ER spotlight provides a narrow, directional beam with a hard edge. It is able to provide a sharp focus of integral metal shutters, an iris or a metal projection template. The ability to project a metal etched pattern (template or gobo), makes this fixture particularly useful to the stage lighting designer
TYPES Modern ER spotlights have beam spreads of 5 to 50 degrees and are available in wattages of 500 - 2000 watts.
They are available in both fixed focal length and variable focal length (zoom) models. Standard focal lengths include 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 degrees, and many others in between. Generally, the adjustable focal length units are less efficient, heavier and more expensive than their fixed focal length counterparts. Some modern 'zoom' ER's however do perform very well and may indeed be the choice over comparable fixed focal length units.

3.)FRESNEL SPOTLIGHT
The FRESNEL SPOTLIGHT, (pronounced: 'fren-el') provides adjustable beam spreads, from SPOT to FLOOD, (about 15-70 deg.) all in one fixture. This fixture produces a directional beam with a very soft edge (only). Fresnels are used as an efficient means of providing ACTING AREA or COLOR WASH lighting.
Fresnels are considerably less expensive than comparable ellipsoidal reflector fixtures, however, they do not have the ability to project a pattern or produce a sharp beam cut-off edge, as does an ellipsoidal fixture. Fresnels are very similar in size and construction to their counterparts, the plano-convex spotlights, the only significant difference is one uses a fresnel lens, the other a PC lens.
A fresnel lens is easy to recognize from a series of concentric rings on it's surface. In addition, most fresnel lenses have a 'stipple' etched on the back side, to further soften the beam. The higher the wattage of the fixture, the heavier the fixture weight will be, due to the larger housing and lens diameter required to withstand the extra heat generated by the lamp.
APPLICATIONS
Fresnels are particularly useful in providing COLOR WASHES to acting areas or scenery. Typically, 27 fresnels might be arranged above the stage to illuminate 9 areas (with 3 fixtures each). Each area is said to have a 3 COLOR WASH. With dimmer control, and colored filters, it is possible to mix many different color combinations to each areaFresnel fixtures tend to 'flare' more than do ellipsoidal fixtures and as a result they are usually used with a barn door accessory, to help control unnecessary 'spill' light.
TYPES
Fresnels are generally available in wattages of 150 to 5000 watts, and come in lens diameters of 3, 6, 8, 10 and 12". The units most often used for the stage, include the 6" 1000 watt and the 8" 2000 watt fresnel.
4.)PAR64 SPOTLIGHT
DESCRIPTION
The PAR64 SPOTLIGHT (Parabolic Aluminized Reflector) fixtures, consist of a sealed beam lamp (like an automotive headlight), in a simple metal housing. PAR fixtures are highly efficient as the; reflector, filament and lens are all optically aligned and sealed into the lamp at the factory. The beam spread of PAR fixtures is determined by the design of the lamp, not by the design of the fixture.

PAR LAMPS are available in a number of different diameters and wattages. Typically PAR64 (1000 watt) lamps are used for stage and studio lighting applications. Smaller PAR lamps are used for display and architectural applications, and include the PAR56 and the PAR38.
APPLICATIONS
Where flare and a very soft beam edge is not a problem, these fixtures are particularly useful for ACTING AREA and WASH LIGHTING. They are also usually the fixture of choice for COLOR WASH and BACK LIGHTING for entertainment productions, again, where flare and spill are not a problem
TYPES
The most common PAR fixture used in the theatre industry is the PAR64-1K (1000 watts). The fixture is generally available in both steel and aluminum. Both black and chrome versions are available. The color frame for a PAR64 fixture is usually 10" x 10".
This fixture uses the PAR64 lamp. This lamp has an 8" diameter lens and comes in four different standard beam spreads, and several different voltages. This 1000 watt lamp is extremely efficient at producing light - more so than an equivalent 1000 watt ellipsoidal or fresnel fixture. The PAR64 has is the only spotlight that has an oval (not round) beam pattern. The PAR64 has a very soft beam edge and a high degree of beam 'flare' making it totally unsuitable for many lighting applications and very well suited to others.

5.) BEAM PROJECTOR SPOTLIGHT
DESCRIPTION
The BEAM PROJECTOR (or BEAM LIGHT), is similar to a fresnel fixture, without a lens. A typical Beam Light produces a very narrow intense beam of light with a very soft edge.
Beam lights range in wattage from 500 to 2000 watts and they typically have an open circular front (10-24" in dia.). They uses a parabolic reflector to provide a near parallel beam of light. In this respect, the beam light is not really a spotlight, instead, it is more of a searchlight
APPLICATIONS
Where a near parallel, intense beam of light is need, the beam projector is the fixture of choice. Designers find this fixture useful to simulate sunlight, moonlight and to provide strong motivated beams of light. The edge of the beam light is generally round, but has a very soft edge.
Beam lights are also sometimes used as follow spots, due to their tight, near parallel beams. They can be excellent for this application and sometimes are mounted directly behind the prosecenium arch in a 'perch' or 'tormentor'position.

6.) FOLLOWSPOT SPOTLIGHT
DESCRIPTION
The FOLLOW SPOT is simply a narrow spotlight, used to 'follow' or to spotlight a performer on a stage. The follow spot usually consists of a 'movable', high power fixture mounted on a stand, with an attendant operator. Typical mounting distances range from 25 to 250 feet.Modern followspot fixtures, usually consist of a cylindrical housing, 4-6 feet in length, mounted on a telescopic stand with castered legs. They are usually fitted with a manual iris and a color filter changer. Usually a followspot is designed to provide a 'hard' beam edge. Controls often exist, to 'soften' the beam edge, when required.
APPLICATIONS
Designers typically use the followspot fixture to provide HIGHLIGHTS to a performer or a group of performers. Modern musicals, operas, and other large productions, may frequently use from 2 to 12 followspots or more.
Followspots are traditionally mounted 'as high as possible' at the rear of an auditorium, so as to 'front light' the actors. Followspots are also gaining increased use in a 'bridge' position, above the stage, providing a steep' front, back or side light to the performer.
TYPES
Today, follow spotlights are available that use either incandescent or HID (discharge) type of lamps. They are manufactured for; short, medium and long throw applications and usually are mounted on stands. Various arc lamps used include: CIS, HID and Xenon. They come with color changers and usually have an iris and sometimes a dowser. Beam spreads are very narrow and typically range from approximately 1 to 10 degrees. Followspots range in size from the small 600 watt model suitable for community theatre to the giant 2500 watt "Strong Super Trouper" used in large arena events.
6.) FLOODLIGHTS
DESCRIPTION
FLOODLIGHT fixtures, (Scoops and Box Floods) are the simplest of all stage lighting fixtures, consisting simply of an enclosed light source in a box with one open side. Floods are designed to provide a wide, even distribution of light, over a large area. Typical beam spreads range from 70-150 degrees. Most units come with a fixed 'beam spread' however a few units are adjustable between 'flood' and 'wide flood'. Typical wattages range from 500 to 1500 watts. Floodlights do not use lenses, however some may have a clear protective safety glass. The 'scoop' is really just a streamlined box flood, usually with similar lighting characteristics.
THE BOX FLOOD
The single unit box flood has been a standard stage lighting fixture for many 100's of years and was probably the first actual stage lighting fixture. First using oil or candles, then gas and now the electric filament lamp, this simple flood light is still the most basic of all lighting instruments. The design of the box floodlight has changed little over the years however, the modern box flood now uses an internal reflector, for greater efficiency.
APPLICATIONS
Floodlight fixtures are particularly well suited for lighting backdrops and sky cloths. Typically, a continuous row of floodlights is arranged above and parallel to the backdrop, at a distance of 3-10 feet away. For additional interest and impact, a row of fixtures may be also used to 'bottom light' the drop, from the floor.
Floodlights are also sometimes used for the lighting of scenery or to provide large area WASHES. Less often they are used for toning and blending. Floodlights are typically used in every theatre as 'work lights'.
TYPES
Individual fixtures are commonly available in both SCOOP (round, open front) and BOX FLOOD (square or rectangular, open front) designs. Few manufacturers now make the scoop, preferring to offer the more sophisticated box flood instead.

The BOX FLOOD is available, either as a single unit, or as a 'ganged', or multiple unit of 2, 3 or 4 compartments, usually connected, end to end. This type of fixture is used to provide a 1-4 color wash to backdrops and large areas of scenery.

Box Flood fixtures are available with either a SYMMETRICAL or ASYMMETRICAL reflector design. The SYMMETRICAL type, (standard) provides regular square law illumination. That is, if the fixture is placed on the floor at a distance of 4', from a backdrop, the bottom of the drop will be much 'brighter than the top, (say 25 feet away). A fixture with an ASYMMETRICAL reflector, will 'push' more light to the top of the drop, and provide less to the bottom. The visual result being, more even overall illumination. The fixture type and mounting distance must be carefully selected, to provided the required distribution of light and visual effect.