A Guide to Lighting Design…in a Barn

posted Jul 15, 2013, 6:54 PM by Robert Schulz   [ updated Jul 16, 2013, 2:53 AM ]

Light Board Operator Courtney Young and
Lighting Designer Chris Oca.
Photo by Robert Schulz

From Chris Oca, Lighting Designer:

I’ve had the privilege of working with the Barnyard Theatre on three plays:  The Sterling Affair, Psyche, and now, She Creatures.  Each play has its own unique challenges when it comes to lighting.  With Sterling Affair, it was creating a “film noir” look.  Psyche had the barn engulfed in an “inferno” during the final act.  This year is no exception and we've got a few tricks up our sleeves that we hope you’ll enjoy!

My experience with the Barnyard Theatre has taught me several things over the years that I’d like to share:

1)  Theatrical lights make great bug zappers!
2)  Never cross your wiring.  (Insert Ghostbusters joke here.)
3)  Hanging lights in 100+ degree weather (in a barn) helps no one.
4)  Who needs hazers or fog machines, when you have barn dust?
5)  Keep it simple!
6)  The best special effects are not as expensive or complicated as you think.
7)  Always think outside the box.

I’m sure I’ll learn a few more things this time around.  Stay tuned!

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