top of page
Search
  • Writer's pictureSimon Loh

Stage lighting: Correct Installation Methods



The stage lighting adds a colourful and aesthetic ambience to both indoor and outdoor functions. Proper and accurate stage lighting installation is quite important for that reason. You must be precisely familiar with the location where you plan to set up the lights. Here’s what you need to be mindful of outside of taking stock of the location, its surrounding, and the props.

Front Lights


Front lighting is the first and foremost step in stage lighting installation. Front lighting highlights the function. Whether it is a religious assembly, an academic conference, corporate meeting or any other type of gathering, the function needs lights from the front side, above the audience space.


Ideally, the general guideline is that you can have two front lights up in a higher position and make them point down at the middle of the stage at an angle of 45 degrees. If the location does not have the proper props for that, you may consider bringing in trusses or lighting stands.


The trusses are helpful for setting two lights at the front corners of the stage. However, make sure that the trusses do not obstruct the audience's view. The whole purpose of proper stage lighting installation will be lost if a truss stands in the way of visibility. The success of an event depends on how it keeps the audience’s attention focused. You must be familiar with this fundamental if you want to make the event a success.

Back Lights

Once the front lighting is done, focus on the backlighting. Once again, the location plays a decisive factor. Some locations do not support a backlighting system. It is always better to make sure your location supports the backlighting before venturing into the stage lighting installation. Backlights go right in the middle, or a little towards the rear, of the stage and above. The backlighting must be in a slightly more elevated position than the front lights, as the light directly touches the stage for the audience to view the function in a colourful atmosphere. The backlighting is always pointed and must not disturb the audience from viewing the stage.

Other Lighting Effects

Once both the front and backlighting are complete, you are almost through. If you focus on other lighting aspects, it will add more glamour to the event. The other lighting can be miscellaneous. They may include moving lights, spotlights and even LEDs. Other lighting effects can fit in when the stage support is more sophisticated. Extra lighting is normally propped up on both sides of the stage. They can pull a blinder in terms of performance. LEDs are usually a cheap option in stage lighting installation that can add colour to any event. They can be easily utilized to make any event stand out and truly photo worthy.

Other Points to Ponder

Stage lighting installation has the primary purpose of making any event eye-pleasing. Front lighting, backlighting and other lighting serve that purpose. However, if you want the event to be above average, do not limit yourself to these parameters. Perhaps you can add a few more other aspects such as fans and beams to turn the event into an awesome experience.

Maintaining a Balance

Although the correct touch of lighting can set the perfect ambiance for any event, over-usage could make an event look over-glamorous or even gaudy. On the other hand, the scarce use of lighting may make an event look shabby. Therefore, how you lay out your lighting really matters. Try to strike a balance. Use lighting as moderately and sparingly as possible, and you will be geared towards a memorable aesthetic visual experience.


Always remember the basic steps of the stage lighting installation. You must be mindful of the angles so that the lighting would not disturb the audience.

For more information on professional stage lighting packages, contact SL Pro Group.


96 views0 comments
bottom of page