From Ropes to WiFi: the surprising story of stage lighting control
Tracing the history of the control of light on stage, and the many technologies that have been used.
About
Almost all performances make use of lighting, from those in pub theatres to the opening and closing ceremonies of the Olympic and Paralympic games. Lighting helps shape the audience’s experience and tell stories – it can go un-noticed, or be visually thrilling.
In the court theatres of Renaissance Italy, wood and rope technologies controlled candles and oil lamps to create extraordinary stage transformations to amaze and delight the audiences of the time. Victorian theatres used the latest technologies of limelight and gas flames, while the early 20th century saw sky domes on stage, recreating the natural world, complete with animated cloud projections.
The introduction of electricity allowed far greater control of stage lighting, with experimental systems using cinema organ technology, and the early use of vacuum tubes to regulate power. Today, lighting rigs may have hundreds of individual light sources, and thousands of controllable parameters – brightness, colour, direction, texture, beam shape – all changing continuously throughout the performance.
In this talk, I trace the history of the control of light on stage, and the many technologies that have been used. I look at how lighting is controlled now, and suggest some possible future developments, as performance makers seek to do what they have always done: make the most compelling experience for audiences.
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Continuing Professional Development
This event can contribute towards your Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours as part of the IET's CPD monitoring scheme.
13 Dec 2024
11:30am - 3:30pm
Organiser
- London Local Network
Registration information
These lectures are preceded by an optional lunch where there is an opportunity to network with colleagues.
If you wish to attend this lecture, please book a place on the IET website.
During the booking process you will have the opportunity to pre-book a lunch at Savoy Place. The cost for a two-course meal with wine is £20.83 + vat (£25 inc vat). It is ESSENTIAL to pre-book lunch and pay for it on this website.
Reservations for lunch can be made up to 11pm on the Monday prior to the event (subject to availability).
Bookings for the lecture only can be made up to noon on the day prior to the event (subject to availability).
No payment for the event lunch can be made at Savoy Place.
FAQ’s
You don’t need to be a member to log into the system.
You can book for more than one person; you just need to add the other guest(s) name(s).
You can add any special dietary requirements during the booking process.
The website price quoted is exclusive of VAT. VAT will be added when you pay.
You will receive a confirmation of your booking & payment if made.
You can cancel your booking - the T&C’s are below. You can do this by contacting: events@theiet.org
Terms and conditions
5+ days before event date - Full refund
4 days before event date - No refund
Name substitutions are accepted at any time by email, the IET reserves the right to charge a transfer fee
Speakers
Dr Nick Hunt
Professor of Lighting Design and Performance Technologies - Rose Bruford College
After studying for a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Nick began his career as a lighting technician and designer for theatre, dance and opera. He moved into academia, teaching lighting design at Rose Bruford College, going on to become Head of School. He is now a research fellow, investigating the performative potential of light, digital performance, and theatre technology history.
Reasons to attend
Lighting, theatre, performance, stage technology, the history of technology.
Programme
| 11.30 | Arrival for optional lunch It is essential to sign in at the Faraday reception desk which is on the second floor for IET building before entering the Faraday Centre |
| 12:00 | Optional lunch There is a £25 charge for the optional lunch |
| 13:45 | Arrival for lecture It is essential to sign in separately for attendance at the lecture. Note this is required for IET attendance records purposes and is different to the Faraday signing-in procedure. |
| 14:00 | The lecture starts promptly |
| 15:00 | Questions and discussion |
| 15:30 | Optional tea/coffee in the Faraday Centre Free for members only. |