Lighting on a Budget

 Stage Lighting on a Budget

Sometimes, the difference between an amateur and a professional performance – or the difference between a positive and negative experience for the audience – is lighting. Often, stage lighting can make or break your event, and usually the amateurs don’t have the budget or skill to pull off a better-quality event. With a few tricks and the right tools, you can create stage lighting that is both high quality and affordable.

LED Wash Lights

Whether you’re a coffee shop owner or church director, a set of LED wash lights falls within any stage lighting budget. Simple, rugged light fixtures, LED wash lights create a soft, unfocused beam edge. Beam sizes and patterns are determined by the type of and size of the light. LED wash lights come in varying sizes, colors, brightness, and beam angle. Starting under $30 a piece, LED wash lights are easy stage lighting tools – make them the backbone for your event.

Ellipsoidal and Fresnel Lamps

More pricey than LED wash lights, ellipsoidal and Fresnel lamps act as multi-tasking stage lighting specialists. Since One light does the work of several lights, you’ll save money in the long run. Ellipsoidal units are the “workhorses” of theatrical stage lights – they can create broad washes, pinpoint spotlights, or be used to project background patterns. With soft-edge focusable beams, Fresnel lamps provide ideal solutions for backlighting, side lighting, and area washes. If you have a little more money to spend, consider investing in a couple of these versatile lamps.

Special Effects

Whether you’re planning a wedding reception or performing a high school dance on stage, a variety of affordable special lighting effects can add excitement and intrigue. For under $100, most effect lights create a myriad of colors that crisscross the room– get one with a built in mic to sync the lights with the beat of the music. A high-quality center light rotates 360 degrees, throwing tiny beads of colored or white light around the room while adding energy or romance to your performance. Playing around with fun additions like strobe lights, black lights, rope lights, and chasers enhance the mood of your event without costing a lot of money.