Lighting Can Make or Break Your Show No Matter How Great You Are

Lighting is an essential part of any music performance. It can set the mood, highlight the performers, create a visual spectacle that enhances the overall experience, and it can ruin the show. It can give performers a professional look or completely washout a concert leaving audiences unimpressed despite the quality of the music.

63% of concertgoers believe that lighting is the most important element of a live music performance.

There are many different ways to use lighting in a music performance. And light must be used according to your music and size of venue. Yet generally, lighting is used to create a mood or atmosphere, highlighting the performers and creating visual effects. This makes lighting key to the visual of any performance.

Just How Important is Lighting?

A study conducted by the University of California, Los Angeles, found that audiences were more likely to rate a performance as being "exciting" and "engaging" when the lighting was used effectively. The study also found that audiences were more likely to remember the details of a performance when the lighting was used to highlight important moments.

Another study, conducted by the University of Texas at Austin, found that audiences were more likely to be emotionally affected by a performance when the lighting was used to create a specific mood or atmosphere. The study also found that audiences were more likely to connect with the performers on an emotional level when the lighting was used to create a sense of intimacy.

Here is the impact of stage lighting on audience perception:

• A study by the University of Southern California found that 72% of theatergoers believe that lighting is the most important element of a live performance.
• A study by the University of Michigan found that 63% of concertgoers believe that lighting is the most important element of a live music performance.
• A study by the University of Toronto found that 54% of operagoers believe that lighting is the most important element of a live opera performance.

Lighting Tips for Small Venues

The type of lighting that is used in a music performance will vary depending on the style of music, the venue, and the overall aesthetic of the performance. For example, a rock concert might use bright, flashing lights to create a sense of energy, while a classical concert might use more subtle lighting to create a sense of atmosphere.

Lighting for small venues can be a challenge, but it can also be very rewarding. Here are some tips on how to light for small venues:

• Start with a plan. Before you start setting up your lights, take some time to think about the overall effect you want to create. What kind of mood do you want to set? What kind of atmosphere do you want to create? Once you have a plan, you can start to put it into action.
• Use a variety of light sources. This will help to create depth and interest in the lighting design. You can use a combination of spotlights, floods, and washes to create different effects.
• Pay attention to the color of the light. Different colors can create different moods and atmospheres. For example, warm colors like red and yellow can create a sense of intimacy, while cool colors like blue and green can create a sense of distance.
• Use light to create movement and energy. Moving lights can help to keep the audience engaged and add visual interest to the performance. However, if you are working with a small venue, you may not have enough space for moving lights. In this case, you can use static lights to create movement by changing the colors or intensity of the light.
• Experiment with different lighting techniques. There are many different ways to use light in a music performance, so don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you.

Here are some additional tips for lighting for small venues:

• Use light to highlight the performers. This is especially important in small venues where the performers may not be very visible. You can use spotlights or washes of light to focus attention on the performers.
• Use light to create depth. This can be done by using different light levels or by using different colors. For example, you could use a darker light to create a sense of depth in the background of the stage.
• Use light to create atmosphere. The type of light you use can help to create a certain atmosphere in the venue. For example, you could use warm light to create a sense of intimacy or cool light to create a sense of mystery.

No matter what the style of music, lighting can play an important role in creating a memorable and impactful performance. Experiment with different lighting techniques. There are many different ways to use light in a music performance, so don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. With a little planning and creativity, you can use lighting to create a memorable and impactful performance in any small venue. 

Our Biggest Tip Yet.

As a performer, remember this is your show and how audiences will remember you as a performer.  During rehersal you must do a lighting check. Have someone film you performing for a few minutes or anytime the lighting changes or moves. Make sure you look like the performer you want to be. It is your image that matters.