Using The Lights

Auditorium, Courses

The auditorium’s lighting system is designed to provide simple yet effective control over the stage, house, and pit spotlights. At the heart of this system is a touchscreen lighting controller, which allows users to quickly adjust lighting settings based on the needs of an event.

Where is the Lighting Controller?

The lighting controller is a touchscreen interface located just behind the proscenium arch* on stage right**. This placement provides easy access for stage managers, directors, and staff to make quick adjustments as needed.

What Can the Lighting Controller Do?

The touchscreen interface controls the following lighting zones:

• Stage Lights – Illuminate the main stage area for performances and presentations.
• House Lights – Control the audience seating area for general visibility and ambiance.
• Pit Spotlights – Four spotlights positioned above the orchestra pit for focused lighting.

Predefined Lighting Presets

To simplify operation, the controller includes four preset lighting configurations tailored to common auditorium events:

1. All On – Turns on all available lights at full brightness for general use.
2. Chorus Mode – Dims the stage lights, turns on the pit spots and arch lights while turning down the house lights
3. Band Mode – Turns up the stage lights and pit spots while turning down the house lights
4. Presentation Mode – If that stage lights are enabled, this turns the front stage lights off and turns the back stage lights to green. It also dims the house lights, including the arch lights to minimize extra light on the screen

Each preset is designed to create the ideal lighting environment for its intended event with minimal manual adjustment. In the following sections, we will explore how to activate these presets, make minor adjustments, and troubleshoot common issues.

*What is the Proscenium Arch?

The proscenium arch is the large, framed opening that separates the stage from the audience. It acts like a picture frame, focusing attention on the performance area.

**What is Stage Right?

The terms stage right and stage left refer to directions from the performer’s perspective when facing the audience. Stage right is to the performer’s right (audience’s left), while stage left is to the performer’s left (audience’s right).

House and Work Lights – Quick Guide

This guide covers how to control the lighting in the room, including emergency (panic) lights and everyday work lights.

1. Panic Button – Quick Full Room Lighting

• A panic button is located next to each door.
• Pressing the button will turn ON or OFF all of the house lights at once.

Use them if:

• You need to quickly light the whole room.
• You’re entering or leaving and need light fast.
• There’s a situation where full light is needed right away.
• The button is toggle-style: press once to turn on, press again to turn off.

Pro Tip: This is the fastest way to get all lights on or off. Great for emergencies or fast setups.

2. Work Lights – Everyday Lighting

• In the backstage area near the double doors, you’ll find a set of regular light switches.
• These switches control the work lights — two rows of fluorescent lights above the stage.

Work lights are:

• Ideal for everyday use.
• Cheaper to run than the overhead LED theatrical lights (Electric 1 and Electric 2).
• Good for rehearsals, setup, takedown, or general prep time.

Use the work lights instead of the LED electrics when you don’t need full theatrical lighting. It saves money and extends the life of the stage lights.