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Lights On: The Story of Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
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What is the process like for lighting design? Read on to find out, and try out the quiz at the end to test your knowledge of what a Lighting Designer does!
In every live performance, there are a few very important elements that bring the show to life—like the set, costumes, sound and of course, lighting! A designer is responsible for each element and together they make up the show’s creative team, which includes other people like the director—and in some cases such as musicals—a choreographer and musical director as well!
Lighting design is essential in any live performance. Without lights, you would not be able to see the stage at all! Can you think of other reasons why lighting design is important? What makes a good lighting designer? Let’s find out from Genevieve!
As a lighting designer, Genevieve gets to work closely with different members of the production team at each different stage of the process. She says, “One of the things I love about being a lighting designer is working with a huge team, collaborating together, and seeing how the project comes to fruition at the end.”
So how does one go about designing the lighting for a show? There are some occasions where a lighting designer might be required to design for a roving performance (acts that usually move around) or outdoor performances where there may not be fixed light and electrical sources. Can you imagine how challenging lighting design could be for such shows? Each production is unique in its own needs and a lighting designer has to be creative and adaptable to be able to work within the resources that they are provided with.
Lighting design is a long process and it is not uncommon for lighting designers to be working on multiple projects at the same time. Let’s take a look at what the lighting design process for a show in Esplanade Theatre is like!
Curious to find out more about the magic (or science) that goes behind lighting design? Learn how lighting designers can create different lighting effects and colour combinations on stage here.
Unlike other designers who are able to start working on their designs before the show such as constructing set pieces or sewing costumes, a lighting designer is only able to execute their design when they enter the theatre during bump in. This is because it is only during bump in that they will be able to finally see the actual stage, and work with all the lighting instruments.
Thankfully, there are many tools that help them plan their design thoroughly beforehand, and when they are at work in the theatre itself. Let’s find out what some of these tools are!
When the show is finally open, that’s when the lighting designer’s job is done! There are many things to love about the job of a lighting designer but to Genevieve, there is certainly one moment that stands out—
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Q: How long have you been a lighting designer?
Genevieve: I have been in the theatre industry since 2006, and a lighting designer since 2012.
Q: Why did you want to become a lighting designer?
Genevieve: My interest was piqued in secondary school when I was part of the audio-visual club. As I did more projects, I realised I enjoyed the creative process and that it was possible to make a career out of my passion.
Q: What training did you have to go through before you became a lighting designer?
Genevieve: I studied lighting and projection design for three years at the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Before that, I took on roles such as lighting operator and production crew while observing and learning from other lighting designers.
Q: What are some challenges you’ve faced while on the job?
Genevieve: One of the challenges would be the irregularity of hours. Sometimes we have projects that are back-to-back and there are times where you only have one project in the month, so you need to be able to live with that irregularity. And depending on the project, there are occasions where you would have to work late into the night.
Q: What advice do you have for someone who is keen to be a lighting designer?
Genevieve: If someone is interested in being a lighting designer, perhaps one way they could start—if they see a show that they like, they can write in to the company and ask to be linked up with the designer to follow for a show or two and see what the process is like. If they decide that this is something they are really interested in, they can apply to mentorship programmes or go to school to study more about lighting design.
Do you have what it takes to be a lighting designer? Take this quiz to find out!
