Stage Lighting Practicals

Practicals for the Stage

Definition: Practicals are any unit on stage that needs to be electrified whether it is considered scenery, properties, or costumes.

Practicals are most always in demand for any realistic production, but are certainly possible for non-realistic plays as well.
Physical appearance of the practical is the jurisdiction of the scenic or costume designer.
How the practical is electrified and controlled on stage is the jurisdiction of the lighting designer.

Issues to be considered:

Does the practical need to be portable?

This decision will determine if the power will be AC or DC.
Illusion of portability is often a possibility.

Will the actor need to be able to contol the power source?

If so, where should switch be located?
Is the implied source of light electrical or a flame of some sort?

Does the practical need to be on a dimmer?

Other options:

Constant
Non-dim

If controlled by a dimmer, but the illusion of no electricity is needed, how can AC cable be concealed?

Rugs or carpets
Tape zip cord to deck and paint
Marshall stage lift cracks

Wattages

Usually low, just enough to appear to be on
Stage lighting used to create the effect of the light source

Examples of Light Sources Used in Theatrical Productions

Born Yesterday
Larry Larson, Scenic Designer
Summer Repertory Theatre

The Nerd
Arden Weaver, Scenic Designer
Minnesota Repertory Theatre

Romantic Comedy
Roger Anderson, Scenic Designer
Minnesota Repertory Theatre

Non-traditional light sources

Aircraft landing lights
Locomotive headlights
Window display lighting - MR16
Household flood lights
Police beacons
Neon
Fiber optics
Strobes
LEDs

Gas Lamps
flicker lights behind frosted glass

Rebecca
Ann Gumpper, Scenic Designer
Summer Repertory Theatre

Lanterns

Space to hide battery pack on board
Tungsten-halogen flashlight lamps with gel hood
Match voltage of batteries to lamps
Types of switches: momentary, toggle, or mercury

Flourescent Lights

Steel Magnolias
Ann Gumpper, Scenic Designer
Summer Repertory Theatre

Car Headlights

Fool for Love
Steve Draheim, Scenic Designer
UMD Theatre

Fiber Optics

Great God Brown
Arden Weaver, Scenic Designer
UMD Theatre

Neon Lights

Fool for Love
Steve Draheim, Scenic Designer
UMD Theatre

Jukebox

Scapino
Elizabeth Hupperich, Scenic Designer
UMD Theatre

Underwater Lights

Man of the Moment
Tom Thatcher, Scenic Designer
UMD Theatre