Basic Stage Lighting and Bulb and Gel Selection

[Cody Hazelwood]

Hello,

I'm trying to install some lighting for my church. We had 6 PAR56, 4 PAR38, 2 4 Channel Dimmer Packs, and a very simple Elation DMX Operator donated. I'm trying to figure out how to use these best to light a stage that's about 25 ft, wide and 15 ft, deep. The ceilings are very low (about 10 ft)(which I think is about half of my problem).

I chose to use SuperStrut to hang the lights, because it was quite a bit cheaper than Black Iron pipe, and even though hanging the lights is more difficult, once they are up, they stay closer to the ceiling and out of the way.

The problem I'm having is that the bulbs in the PAR38's look like outdoor flood lights (maybe R40 or something like that), and the beam that they project is weak, spotted, and uneven. 4 of the PAR56's look okay, but are harsh. 2 of the PAR56's have bulbs that look like the headlight of a car, and they project a very uneven beam.

I'm looking for the best combination of bulbs (PAR vs. BR, Flood vs. Spot, etc.) and gels I can buy to create an even, non-harsh, wash on the whole stage. I'm also looking for dealers, so feel free to comment or PM your site information.

Thanks,

- Cody Hazelwood

 

[TJ Cornish]

Re: Basic Stage Lighting and Bulb and Gel Selection

What's the throw distance?

You do need to use "real" PAR bulbs, not BR 30 or BR40 flood bulbs. That will make a big difference. Your throw distance will determine what beam angle. Here's a thread on PAR bulb types.
PAR 56 beam angles - Blue Room technical forum

 

[Cody Hazelwood]

Re: Basic Stage Lighting and Bulb and Gel Selection

Based on those angles, I should probably be using Medium or Wide Floods. Should I be using any diffusion gels? The goal is even, non-harsh coverage, not necessarily highlighting certain areas of the stage.

I've attached some pictures of the space if that helps.

 

[Tim Weaver]

Re: Basic Stage Lighting and Bulb and Gel Selection

You need some wide floods. Also some tough silk gel would help. That is diffusion gel that spreads the beam in a fan shape instead of all around.

Those lights are simply too close to the stage to get any decent beam spread.

 

[Rob Timmerman]

Re: Basic Stage Lighting and Bulb and Gel Selection

You need some wide floods. Also some tough silk gel would help. That is diffusion gel that spreads the beam in a fan shape instead of all around.

Those lights are simply too close to the stage to get any decent beam spread.

Agree on everything except the silk. PAR56 lamps already have an oval beam, and spreading it further in that direction isn't really what is needed here. I'd probably use a moderate frost to spread and soften the beam, plus probably a touch of color correction blue.

The PAR38 fixtures will be a bit more problematic, as the "flood" lamps are only a 25-30 degree beam, and the "wide flood" lamps are only a 40 degree beam. Not much spread, so you'll need a moderate to heavy frost to get any coverage, but that'll cut down on your output significantly. Name brand (Osram, Philips) lamps tend to have a bit more output and a better beam quality.