How do you deal with the challenges of lighting outdoor or site-specific theatre?

1 Assess the site

Before you start designing your lighting, you need to visit the site and evaluate its features and limitations. What is the size, shape, and layout of the space? How much natural light does it get and how does it change throughout the day and night? Where can you place your lighting equipment and how can you access it? What are the power sources and how reliable are they? What are the safety hazards and how can you avoid them? These are some of the questions you need to answer to plan your lighting design effectively.

2 Adapt your equipment

Outdoor or site-specific theatre often requires you to use different types of lighting equipment than you would in a conventional theatre. You may need to use battery-operated or solar-powered lights, waterproof or weather-resistant fixtures, wireless or remote-controlled devices, or portable or flexible units. You also need to consider the impact of your lighting on the environment and the audience. For example, you may want to avoid glare, noise, heat, or pollution from your lighting equipment. You may also want to use low-voltage or energy-efficient lights to save costs and resources.

3 Be creative and flexible

One of the advantages of lighting outdoor or site-specific theatre is that you can use the natural and architectural elements of the site as part of your lighting design. You can enhance the mood and atmosphere of your production by using the sun, moon, stars, clouds, trees, buildings, or other features as lighting sources or effects. You can also create contrast, depth, and texture by using shadows, silhouettes, reflections, or projections. However, you also need to be prepared to adjust your lighting design according to the changing conditions and circumstances of the site. You may need to have backup plans, alternative options, or contingency solutions in case of weather changes, technical failures, or unexpected events.

4 Communicate and collaborate

Lighting outdoor or site-specific theatre is not a solo endeavor. You need to communicate and collaborate with your director, actors, stage manager, sound designer, and other crew members to ensure that your lighting design supports the artistic vision and the practical needs of the production. You also need to coordinate with the site owners, managers, or authorities to obtain the necessary permissions, licenses, or regulations for your lighting equipment and operations. You may also need to consult with the local community, residents, or stakeholders to address any concerns or complaints about your lighting design.

5 Test and rehearse

Finally, you need to test and rehearse your lighting design before the show. You need to check that your lighting equipment works properly, safely, and consistently. You need to make sure that your lighting cues are timed correctly, synchronized with the sound and the action, and adapted to the natural light. You need to verify that your lighting design creates the desired effects, mood, and atmosphere for each scene and character. You also need to get feedback from your director, actors, and audience to see if your lighting design enhances or distracts from the production.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?