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All of the articles on Learn Stage Lighting are listed below - to find exactly what you need, I recommend using the search box at the top of the page! Happy learning!
How Do I Begin Lighting My First Theatre Show?
One of the things I love about the theatre is that it's one of the most intentional forms of lighting.[...]
Episode 25 – How to Use Beam in your Lighting
This week's Podcast we will be tying up the 4 Week Series on the IFCB Concept. We will dive in[...]
What is HTP? What is LTP? Why Should I Care?
Imagine this...You sit down at your lighting console and start bringing up various looks on stage and recording the scenes[...]
Episode 24 – What Colors Should I Use in My Lighting?
Main Segment This week's Podcast we're at Sweetwater's GearFest in central Indiana and we have two special guests from ENTTEC.[...]
Fundamentals of a Mixing Console – The Master Control For An Audio System
I remember the very first time I stepped up to a large format analog mixing console. It was in Chicago[...]
Can You Use Microphone Cables for Lighting? DMX Vs. XLR Demystified
There is a significant debate raging in the world of DMX cables. Some people are purists and claim that nothing[...]
Episode 23 – How Do I Use Focus in my Lighting?
Main Segment The past couple of weeks we have been covering the 4 Letter Formula to Make Great Lighting Design:[...]
How to Begin With the LightShark
I had the opportunity to work with LightShark and created videos on how the LightShark LS-1 and LS-Core work. In[...]
How Can I Control Lighting From My Mac?
We see posts on a weekly basis in the forums and on Facebook groups where people will ask what lighting[...]
Episode 22 – How Do I Use Intensity In My Lighting?
Lighting News! This week we will discuss how to use and adjust Intensity to spice up your stage lighting! 4-Wall[...]
Episode 21 – The 4 Letter Formula I Use to Make Great Lighting Design
Lighting News! Earlier this week I read a great article by Brad Dureya about running audio with a tablet and[...]
Episode 20 – What are the Rules to Designing Stage Lighting?
Lighting News! This week in the I have been working on the 30 Days to Become a Lighting Ninja Series[...]
What is the Lightshark?
If you have been following Learn Stage Lighting for a while now you know that at times I will review[...]
Episode 19 – How Do I Visualize My Lighting on The PC?
Lighting News! This week in lighting news there wasn't much that really caught my attention but I wanted to share[...]
Episode 18 – How Do I Get Started Controlling Stage Lighting for Under $500?
Lighting News This week in lighting news we do have a grim story but it needs to be discussed. There[...]
Programming: How to Set Up Your Cues for Success!
Whether you've got a simple console or something complex, learning how to lay out your lighting looks into something useful[...]
Episode 17 – How Do I get started controlling lights for less than $100?
Our Podcast is Growing! Thanks to our listeners sharing episodes the Podcast is growing and now reaching worldwide listeners! I[...]
ShowCockpit is a program that allows you to use various control types to control different lighting consoles. It's basically an[...]
Online Training For Elation M-PC
Elation's M-PC software is hands-down my very favorite professional-grade software for running lights. Not only is the software freely downloadable,[...]
Episode 16 – How Bright Does My Light Need to Be?
This week, we're going to dive in to "how bright does your light actually need to be?" But first: Lighting News This[...]
Episode 15 – Getting in the Atmosphere – What are Haze, Fog and Faze, and When Do I Use Them?
Lighting News This week I don't have any recent news that caught my attention. But I do want to share[...]
Episode 14 – Moving Lights – When and Why Should You Use Them?
Lighting News! This week we have no updates as the NAB and Pro Light and Sound Trade Shows ended last[...]
Episode 13 – Barndoors, Lenses, Gel and Gobos, oh my! How to Shape the Light!
Lighting News! This week we have a few updates in the Lighting industry that I wanted to share with you.[...]
Episode 12 – What Are The Different Types of Lights and When Should I use Them (Part 2)
This week, we're continuing our series on lighting fixtures by talking about spot fixtures and beam fixtures. Listen in to[...]
The Basics of Band Lighting: How to Begin With Band Lighting
Most, if not all of us, have been to some kind of rock concert at some time of our life.[...]
Episode 11 What Are All These Different Types Of Lights, And When Should I Use Them?
In Episode 11, David is so excited because he has a few things to talk to you about. He is[...]
How to Connect The Capture Visualizer with DMXIS
I often get the question of "How Do You Use a Visualizer with DMXIS?" or other consoles that do not[...]
Are you ready to take on your first project of running lights for a live band? It doesn’t have to[...]
Episode 10 – How Do I Solve DMX Problems?
Today, this podcast is going to be a change in how David does things. He is introducing a new segment on[...]
What is Theatre Lighting? (And what makes it different from other types of lighting?)
I love the theatre. Many of my early and formative experiences were spent figuring out how to make lighting work[...]
The Complete Guide to Spot Fixtures
We started off our guide to basic lighting fixtures with the wash fixtures. Today we will overview spot fixtures or[...]
How Do I Setup My First Lighting Network?
Whether you like it or not, networking is quickly becoming a necessary part of stage lighting. While you still can[...]
The Complete Guide to Wash Fixtures
Today, I want to take you on a tour through the different types of lighting fixtures that you may encounter.[...]
Episode 9 -What are Art-Net and sACN…and how do I use them?
This is Episode 9 of Learn Stage Lighting Podcast. Today David is going to examine Art-Net and sACN in a less[...]
The Complete Guide to Beam Fixtures
Want a huge beam of light that zooms across the sky? Stepping back into history, the first way to accomplish[...]
Episode 8 – How Do I Wire DMX?
In this podcast, David is excited to talk about wiring DMX! How do you make it all talk together? The[...]
If you’ve played around with controlling LED pixels, you know that getting the infrastructure set up to control your pixels[...]
Episode 7 – What DMX Channel Mode Should I Put My Lights In?
Today, David is so excited to talk about DMX Channel Modes If you had been enjoying these Podcasts head over[...]
DMX, the signal we use to talk to our stage lights, requires the use of DMX cable so that everything[...]
What is Cloning, and How Can I Use it To Save Time?
Cloning is not just for sheep. If you're using a professional-grade lighting console, then you have the ability clone fixtures[...]
Edisode 6 – Let’s Talk About DMX Addresses!
This is Episode 6 in the series about Stage Lighting. David is going to talk about Mail - Not mail that[...]
Episode 5 – What is DMX?
In today's Podcast David talks about DMX or Digital Multi-Plex. It is a digital signal, a serial type signal and[...]
Episode 4 – How Do I Make an Even Wash of Light Across My Stage?
Welcome back to the 4th episode of The Learn Stage Lighting Podcast, we are so happy to have you here.[...]
LED Tape and Pixels 101 – How to Create Custom Lighting for Your Stage!
Over the past few years, using custom LED tape has been all the rage on stages of all sizes. Just[...]
Episode 3 – Where Should I Position My Stage Lights?
In this 3rd Episode, David Henry discusses where to position your stage lights. Most of the time, people have already[...]
Episode 2 – How Do I Control My Stage Lights? (and Why Is a Console So Critically Important?)
Welcome to Learn Stage Lighting Podcast. This is the 2nd Episode by David Henry as he gets you started on[...]
Episode 1 – What Are The Parts of a Stage Lighting System? – Learn Stage Lighting
Welcome to the Learn Stage Lighting Podcast! In this debut episode, host David Henry walks you through the very basics[...]
Should I Use Wireless DMX? The Complete Guide to Running Data to Your Lights Wirelessly
Until we get wireless power, running wireless data to our lights is one of the biggest time-savers and problem solvers[...]
Review – ENTTEC Pixel Port
ENTTEC has a new way to get control of LED pixels - and it's easier than ever! A few months[...]
Review: City Theatrical DMXCat
Want a DMX test device and so much more - all from the palm of your hand? For years, having[...]
How Do LEDs Save Money?
I remember the day I first worked with LED stage lighting. Back in the time frame of the mid-2000's, I[...]
What is TouchOSC and How Do I Use it With Lighting?
I'm a big fan of getting as much hands-on control as possible when I'm programming and running lights. That's why,[...]
Review: Chauvet DMX-AN
Part of my commitment to you, the Learn Stage Lighting reader, is that I am always on the lookout for[...]
Review: ENTTEC D-Split
The has been one of my favorite DMX splitters for a few years now. Whether you're looking to simply your cabling,[...]
How Do I Begin with ENTTEC D-Pro?
If you're looking for a lighting console that a) isn't going to break the bank, b) isn't too basic, but[...]
What is DMX 512?
When you're beginning with lighting, it's not going to be long before you have questions about DMX. In lighting, DMX[...]
Do I Need Need Moving Lights? + Moving Lights Buyers Guide
Moving lights are a load of fun! Whether you're a band, church, DJ or in the theatre world, the dream[...]
How Do I Begin Working With A Professional Lighting Console?
It used to be that there was a divide in the lighting world between professional and consumer - between big[...]
What is RDM and Why Does It Matter to Me?
If you've been working with lighting for a while, you might be aware of the term RDM, or remote device management. [...]
What are Art-Net and sACN?
Running DMX signal over ethernet is something that we are going to see more and more of as we move[...]
How Do I Create Great Lighting Effects With Color?
Color is by far my favorite attribute of light. Whether you're a professional lighting designer, or just want a great[...]
When Should I Use Color on My Stage?
Color is probably the most powerful single tool that we have in our toolbelts as lighting folks. Whether on the[...]
How do I Use MIDI Hardware to Control My Lighting Console?
In the past 10 years, lighting consoles have changed and progressed A LOT! Particularly, in the last few years we've[...]
So You Want A Lighting Visualizer…
Visualizing your lighting on the computer is one of the very best ways to waste a solid afternoon. 🙂 Seriously,[...]
How Do I Set Up a Lighting Console “Show Computer”?
A funny thing is happening as we move forward in time. Computers are getting faster, cheaper and more reliable, and[...]
What Lights Should I Buy?
When you write a website dedicated to teaching stage lighting, the most common question you get is "Should I buy[...]
How to Prevent Power Loss When Using a Mobile Generator
Today's post is a guest post written by Lukas Conant of ATI Electrical. Have you ever had a power[...]
What Do I Need to Get Started With DJ Lighting? 3 Lighting Setups That Won’t Break The Bank!
Deciding what DJ lighting gear to buy next has got to be one of the most confusing things ever. You're[...]
How Much Light Do I Have? Footcandles, Lumens and Lux
If you've ever sat down to attempt the purchase of new lights, one of the first questions you have is[...]
How Do I Choose My First (or Next) Lighting Console?
Perhaps this is your dilemma - you run lights for a band/school/church/small company, and you can't figure out which console[...]
How Do I Create Great Church Lighting with NO Money?
Ever built a lighting design completely out of "no money"? If you've been working in the church for any amount[...]
What is DMX Polarity and Why Do I Care?
Many entry level DMX consoles, such as the Chauvet Obey 40 and 70, have a curious little switch that is[...]
Review: M-Play Lighting Console and Wing
I recently had the opportunity to demo and review the brand-new M-Play for you guys. Check out the video review[...]
Band Lighting Walk Through – How to Create a Basic Show that Looks Awesome!
Creating a great lighting show for your band isn't always easy. You've got to figure out what to buy, how[...]
How To Get Started In Set Design Without The Hassle
Set design can be one of the most underutilized aspects of stage lighting in many circles. Sometimes it's because people[...]
My Introduction to Band Lighting
In the summer of 2015 I got a band together to play a theatrical set of rock songs about the[...]
Lighting My First Bands with DMXIS Lighting Software
It’s been an interesting six months. I joined Learn Stage Lighting Labs in March, having never even heard the term[...]
How to Go from No Lights to a Dynamic Band Lighting Show in Just 6 Weeks
Back in February of this year, I got a virtual knock on my door from a nice fellow named Pete,[...]
Introduction to Jands Vista
I remember the first time that I sat down behind a Jands Vista when they first brought the console out[...]
Upcoming Webinar Trainings
Here on Learn Stage Lighting, we offer free live training webinars once a month or so. Check them out and[...]
How Do I Begin With M-PC?
M-PC is a professional-grade lighting console just waiting to be unleashed on your computer! It allows you to control any[...]
I Just Bought An ENTTEC DMX Interface – Now What?
One of the very best ways to begin controlling DMX lighting is with a ENTTEC USB interface and any number[...]
Bit By The Lighting Bug – Interview with Jeff Waful
If you've been reading Learn Stage Lighting for awhile, you may know that I am quite a fan of jam[...]
Church Lighting Q&A + Basic Gear
What Do You Need To Get Started With Stage Lighting At Your Church? Getting started with lighting can be difficult[...]
What Lighting Console is the Best?
And the best lighting console is... (Drumroll Please) (Crickets) Did you really think I was going to name just one?[...]
How to Wire DMX for Stage Lighting
For beginners in stage lighting, one of the ideas that can be baffling is how to wire up all of[...]
Church Question: Does my Church Need Colored Lights?
"...But all big stages all have colored lights", said the worship pastor of the small church. "So we must need[...]
How to Create Movement (Without Expensive Moving Lights)
There's no doubt that moving lights are cool. Really cool. And a lot of fun to play with. But the[...]
6 Ways to Speed Up Your Portable Church Setup Time
A couple years ago I was attending a portable church that met in a middle school close to where I[...]
Microplex to DMX – The Complete Guide
Say you have a DMX lighting system and want to use a microplex dimmer or console. Can it be done?[...]
What Are the Rules to Using Color in Stage Lighting?
If you open your eyes, and you're like most people, you see color. I know this is simplifying it a[...]
LXQ: How Can I Get a Rock Concert Feel From My Small Lighting Rig?
Question: Emil wrote in with a great question about concert lighting. He writes: Dear David, I am very intrigued by[...]
How Do I Add Energy to My DJ Set With Lighting?
Nobody wants to be the DJ in a room of un-attentive people, with a completely empty dance floor... Of course[...]
What to Do When the Show Runs Off it’s Tracks
Picture this: You're running through your setlist, down the agenda, or through the service flow....things are going well. You're hitting[...]
How to Choose a Lighting Console for Your Church
There are about 10,000 different lighting consoles available today. And about half of them are buying advertising to get you[...]
How Do I Begin with Set Design for My Band?
If there's one way to really up your band's lighting game, it's this... Set design is by far the the[...]
What Angles are Best for Stage Lighting?
Go to any theatre, large church, or other entertainment event space, and you'll see lights mounted everywhere, all pointing at[...]
How to Begin With Lasers
Lasers are cool. Who doesn't want a pencil-thin beam of light scanning across the room to add to their show?[...]
Review: Stage Light Company Hex Par Pro 12 and Pix Bar Hex Pro 6
Recently, I was given the opportunity to review the Stage Light Company Pro Par Hex 12 and Pix Bar Pro Hex[...]
How to Begin With The Chauvet Obey 40
The Chauvet Obey 40 is a really popular and basic DMX lighting console. If you've sat down at one, however,[...]
Review: M-Touch Lighting Console
Recently, I took the opportunity to do a full review of the lighting console which I recently purchased. I really[...]
How Do I Create Good Front Lighting for My Church’s Stage?
Ever been to a performance or church service where it was difficult to see the person on stage? Front light[...]
How Do I Program My Band’s Lighting To Music?
If you want to create great lighting for your band, you've found that it can be difficult to get started.[...]
How to Begin With Wireless Uplights
I love wireless DMX and battery powered uplights. You can't argue with the fact that wireless uplights can save you[...]
How Do I Organize My Band’s Lighting For Quick Setup?
As the old adage goes, "Time is Money", and this can't be more true when you're setting up your band's[...]
How to Build (and Light) a Custom DJ Booth
Appearance is a big deal when you're a DJ. The second that guests walk into the room, they're going to[...]
How to Pre-Wire Your Lights to Save Yourself Time and Frustration…
Pre-wiring has been one of the tricks that professionals have been using for years to cut down setup time. If[...]
How Do I Choose a Contractor for My Church’s AVL System?
Do you want to save $50,000 today? The single biggest decision you're going to make for your church's audio, video[...]
How to Create Movement and Energy in Your DJ Lighting…
...Without using sound active mode! Whether you're new to DJ lighting, or have been in the biz for awhile, you[...]
How to Program With DMXIS
is one of the very best pieces of DMX software for bands wanting to run their own shows. But like[...]
How to Begin With Chauvet ShowXpress
When it comes to creating great lighting, the single most important tool you have besides yourself is your lighting console.[...]
How to Fix Broken DMX Cables
If you're like many folks doing lighting, and you setup and teardown your lights, cables are gonna break! It's just[...]
Big Lighting Designs on a Small Budget
Let's not pretend here...we all have tight budgets, right? This is especially true in the church- the home of the[...]
How to Create Movement in Your Band’s Light Show
One of the best ways to really upgrade your lighting show is to add movement. The best part is -[...]
How to Get Started With DJ Lighting in No Time
As a DJ, one of the most important factors to having a great show is getting and keeping the attention[...]
Rig Blueprint: Basic Drama Lighting Rig
I really love LED lighting. As we continue to move forward in time, LED lights just keep getting better and[...]
What is the “Standard” Lighting Design?
One of the questions that often hits my inbox starts like this: "What is the standard lighting design for a[...]
Where Do I Focus My Lights?
You may have just read the headline to this article and thought "duh! At the stage!" as the answer to[...]
How Do I Focus Moving Lights?
Moving lights are wonderful tools that are becoming more and more commonplace in the lighting world every day. The ability[...]
How to Make Your Big Event Special (Without Losing Your Shirt)
This post has been brought to you by Pro Lighting Rental. Imagine this: You have a big show/service/drama/production coming up,[...]
How Do I Run My Show From Stage?
Picture this - you're in a band, and you want to have a killer light show every night, but you[...]
What is Beam Angle? What is Field Angle? Why Does it Matter?
If you've been reading LSL for any amount of time, you know that I am big on making you an[...]
Band Lighting: The Resources to Create an Amazing Show
Congratulations - you've found it! If you are looking to take your band's lighting to the next level, or just[...]
Band Lighting – How To Light a Great Show
Picture this: You've just finished setting up your band's lighting rig. Maybe you're in the band, the audio guy,[...]
How to Troubleshoot DMX Problems
One of the most crushing feelings you can when working with lighting comes when things don't work right. The uncertainty[...]
How to Keep Your Lights Running in Tip-Top Shape
If you want your lights to live a nice, long, happy life, it's important to take great care of them.[...]
Learn Stage Lighting in 2015
What to Expect, and What to Get Excited About in 2015 Hey Guys, I am really excited for 2015 in[...]
Don’t Despair! – How to Be Inspired In Lighting
If you're like many people who take up lighting as a hobby, you've probably spent a few hours looking at[...]
Uplighting 101
Want to learn about uplighting today? In the video below, I share with you the basics of uplighting, so that[...]
Controlling the Mood of the Room – Interview With Steve Mashburn
Today I am really excited to share with you an interview with Steve Mashburn - a reader of this website.[...]
Light Inspiration – Lighting Designs from the LSL Community!
Some of the most inspiring emails I find in my inbox come straight from you guys! I love to read[...]
Starting From Scratch – How to Start a Lighting Rig on the Cheap!
One of the things that I really love about the community that we have, is that you guys often write[...]
Grow Your Lighting Skills Today: Interview with Brad Schiller
Once again, I'm really excited to bring you an interview with a lighting professional! Brad Schiller has been in the[...]
Your Lighting Shown – August 2014 – Pictures and Inspiration from the LSL Tribe!
Every month, I am inspired greatly by the photos that you send in! This month is no different, and I[...]
Starting in EDM Lighting with Dante Ison
Have you ever spent time behind a lighting desk for a club or rave? I can tell you that it's[...]
EDM, Rave & Club Lighting 101
It's make or break time - you know you've got to make an impressive display, but you're not sure what[...]
Get Inspired By What’s Around You – Nook Schoenfeld Interview
Whether you are just starting out, experienced or a lighting expert, today's interview has incredible value for you. Today I[...]
Your Lighting Shown – Pictures and Inspiration from the LSL Tribe!
Every month, I am inspired greatly by the photos that you send in! This month is no exception - on[...]
The Ultimate LED Stage Lighting Guide
The year 1961 brought the world the very first light emitting diode - what we now commonly call the LED. While[...]
What Makes Big Concerts So Cool? The Dynamic Range of Light:
You might know what dynamic range is in the audio world; it’s the difference between the loudest and softest sound. Good[...]
Check Out YOUR Pictures – Stage Lighting from The LSL Tribe
Good day lighting fans! As you may have noticed lately, I've been asking (bugging, bothering) the folks on our email[...]
Why Moving Lights aren’t just for rock stars: When Moving Lights DON’T Move!
I was recently speaking with a church tech director who was working out the details for a future lighting purchase[...]
LXQ: House and Stage Lighting on a Budget
Hey Lighting Fans - Today we've got another great installment of LXQ: Lighting Questions. Brian writes in with some ministry-related[...]
Fog and Foggers – The Ultimate Guide
Have you ever woken up, looked outdoors and seen beautiful, hanging fog with the sun streaming through? Perhaps you were[...]
Say Goodbye to Light Noise – DJ Lighting Interview With Steve Johnson
Today I am really excited to share with you a short interview I had over email with Steve Johnson, a[...]
Video: Lighting and Visuals in Corporate Worship
Attention Church People! I recently ran across this really great video on Youtube that I think will be really interesting[...]
LXQ: Solo Concert Lighting Design Ideas
Lighting Questions are sent in from readers of our FREE email newsletter, or via our contact page. With the permission of the[...]
LXQ: Easy & Inexpensive Environmental Lighting For a Portable Church
Lighting Questions are sent in from readers of our FREE email newsletter, or via our contact page. With the permission of the[...]
Videos – Jam Band Lighting How To – You Will Learn Something Today!
Today I want to introduce you to some really great tutorials on band lighting that I was introduced to by[...]
LXQ: How to Improve Our Setup With Color?
Lighting Questions are sent in from readers of our FREE email newsletter, or via our contact page. With the permission of the[...]
How to Use a Multimeter for Stage Lighting + Buyers Guide
One of the top 5 tools that I recommend to anyone getting into stage lighting is an electrical multimeter. An[...]
LXQ: How Do I Spec a Small Theatre Lighting Rig?
Lighting Questions are sent in from readers of our FREE email newsletter, or via our contact page. With the permission of[...]
LED Efficacy and Why it Matters to You
Today's post, I'll admit, is on the geekier side of things, but still important. It centers on the idea of[...]
LXQ: What Moving Heads For A Christian School?
Lighting Questions are sent in from readers of our FREE email newsletter, or via our contact page. With the permission of[...]
Your 5 First Steps to Stage Lighting Success
Thanks to you, my readers, I get a lot of really helpful emails in my inbox sharing your current struggles[...]
LXQ: Remodeling Church & Need Lighting Advice
Lighting Questions are sent in from readers of our FREE email newsletter, or via our contact page. With the permission of[...]
Video: The Basics of DMX
I recently stumbled upon this really great video that breaks DMX down into simple, easy to understand language for anyone[...]
LXQ: Imported LED Fixtures and Their Mystique
Lighting Questions are sent in from readers of our FREE email newsletter, or via our contact page. With the permission of[...]
The Complete Guide To Stage Lighting Data Connectors & Plugs
In the last post, I wrote about the common power connectors and plugs the stage lighting. If you haven't already[...]
The Complete Guide To Stage Lighting Power Connectors & Plugs
When you're looking to install a lighting system, buy new gear or begin in stage lighting, the amazing variety of[...]
5 Actionable Tips to Use TODAY When Planning Your Christmas Event
Want to make your Christmas events rock this year? Have you ever been at your church or venue until 2am[...]
How to Wrap Cables Properly (And Save Time!)
Do you ever come across poorly wrapped cables that just tangle and knot the second you go to use them?[...]
The Process: Lighting a Worship Service
It's 8:45am on a Sunday morning. Coffee in hand, rehearsal over, it's almost time to start the first service. As[...]
5 Simple Values That Will Propel You Forward in the Entertainment Industry
Working day in and day out in the entertainment industry, I naturally see a lot of people and meet a[...]
How do I Convert, Split and Merge DMX? What if I Do it Wrong?
If you're using more than a few DMX fixtures, or have them spread out across your stage, you're going to[...]
How to Light For IMAG – 5 Ways to Improve Your Lighting Rig for the Camera
If you've recently gone visited a large church, attended at child's graduation or flown to a national sales meeting, chances[...]
What Content Would You Like to See on LSL?
Happy 4th of July, Learn Stage Lighting readers! I've got a favor to ask of each one of you. Would[...]
Hazers – Oil or Water Based? – The Ultimate Guide
Let's just start off by acknowledging the elephant in the room. Haze is cool. Hazers are really cool. If you[...]
What Stage Lighting Fixtures Promise The Most Longevity?
When churches talk about installing new stage lighting, one of the chief concerns from the executive pastor is almost always[...]
Event Lighting for Fun and Profit Pt.2
How to do Special Event Lighting For Your Church - Part 2 This is another post that gets me excited.[...]
NSI Lighting Controllers – The Complete Guide
If you've landed on this page, you probably have a NSI lighting controller. And...as you look around for stage lighting[...]
NSI Dimmers – The Complete Guide
Do you have a NSI Microplex system? Looking for a new NSI dimmer pack, or need to replace one that[...]
What Inexpensive Dimmer Pack Should I Buy?
Many churches are the proud owners of inexpensive dimmer packs to dim their incandescent stage lights. These 4-channel units are[...]
How Do I Set Up My Console For Band Lighting?
Band Lighting Advanced: Setting Up Your Console For Flexibility and Ease At this point in the game, we have lights[...]
How do I Build a Basic Band Lighting Rig?
When you're first beginning with band lighting, it's really difficult to know what you should buy. "Company A" has these[...]
God, the Ultimate LD
Right now I am sitting above the peace of a 6am Las Vegas sunrise, working a show here. Due to[...]
Event Lighting for Fun and Profit
How to do Special Event Lighting For Your Church - Part 1 This is a post that gets me really[...]
How do I Bolt Together Lighting Truss?
I remember my first job in lighting clearly. I was working as a tech/laborer for a small, rural lighting company[...]
5 Basic Things You Need to Know About Moving Light Consoles
I have been accused of being "old school" in the past. True, I was the only guy in my lighting[...]
How To Clean Your Stage Lighting (Without Making a Mess)
When was the last time you cleaned your stage lighting equipment? Perhaps it's been awhile since you last were up[...]
What are Fixture Numbers and Why Do I Need Them?
The first lesson I learned on a modern, moving light console was how to patch fixtures. The 2nd lesson I[...]
What is Bench Focusing? + My Complete Bench Focusing Guide
Do your ellipsoidals not seem as "punchy" as they once were? Do you want to get significantly more output from[...]
3 Reasons Why LTP Rules, Even For Conventional Lights
Back Here, I talked about the differences between HTP and LTP, and why it's important. I remember, not all that[...]
What Are Stage Directions?
Whether you are working directly with musicians, setting up equipment, or planning your next staging design, clear communication is really[...]
How Can I Speed Up LED Programming?
Have you ever found the need to compress down the number of channels that your LED fixtures take up? Maybe[...]
Is it True That I Shouldn’t Touch the Lamp?
If you work with churches, in theatre, or production, you've probably heard the rumor that you aren't supposed to touch[...]
How do I Tape Down a Cable? – The Complete Guide to Taping Down Cables
When it comes down to it, we run a lot of cables in the world of lighting. Data one way,[...]
How do I Setup a Portable Lighting System?
As I work and talk with people in the church world, I find a lot of churches that rent or[...]
How do I Light for Video?
I recently had a conversation with a coworker who had just returned from a 4-day conference gig run by some[...]
How do I Wrangle My Volunteers?
If you've been in church AV for any amount of time, you know that there are all types of volunteers-[...]
What Do I Need To Know About Software Based Lighting Consoles?
I have walked into countless churches, theaters and other venues, and seen about every type of lighting console in just about any[...]
What Are Cues and Cuelists?
Yesterday I told a story of a venue I worked at that had no ideas of the capabilities of their[...]
What are Submasters and Playbacks?
Sitting down over a meal with a venue owner, I was asked the question "Do we need a computer software[...]
Church Question – How Do I Buy Used Lighting?
A few months ago, I walked into a venue prior to load-in for the show I was traveling with. Looking[...]
How do I Program a Two-Scene Lighting Console?
A two-scene lighting console is a great way to learn the basics of stage lighting- it's just you, a handful[...]
How do I Hang a Light?
I often walk into churches where I either a) see something unsafe or b) go "what were they thinking?", when[...]
How Do I Address My DMX Dimmer Packs?
So you've decided to re-arrange your small lighting system, but now the numbering of the dimmer packs don't make sense.[...]
How do I Focus Lighting Specials?
In this post, we"focused" on creating an even wash of light - what I would call "the foundation of a[...]
What is an NSI Microplex Lighting System?
Today I just want to write a quick post outlining NSI Microplex- a popular type of lighting control that many[...]
How do I Create an Awesome, Even Wash of Stage Light?
You've got lights, dimmers and a console all setup and working, but when you turn everything on you've got huge[...]
How do I Focus Stage Lighting?
Many churches have small, conventional lighting systems that are focused for a few positions around their stage. When it's time[...]
What is a Lighting Console?
You walk into a room- lights are fading up and down, moving, colors and shapes are dancing on the walls.[...]
What is a Moving Light?
Go to any concert, corporate event, tradeshow, theme park...even churches and you'll see moving lights(ML's) gracefully coasting their beam across[...]
Can I Buy Cheap LED Lights?
LED lighting is all the rage today. I often speak with churches, bands and other venues who are looking into[...]
What Lighting Does my Church(Or Any Venue) Need?
So you want some lighting for your church? Perhaps you have used rented lighting for special events in the past,[...]
What are the Basic Parts of a Stage Lighting System?
A large, massive lighting show takes up a whole arena, bathing an artist or speaker in vibrant light. A corporate[...]
What is Stage Lighting?
Stage lighting, in the obvious realm, is lighting that is on a stage. Equipment, using electricity to create photons, illuminating[...]