Lighting
Use DVDs or Youtube to watch some professional performances of plays, musicals and/or concerts.
Analyse the lighting effects used in as much detail as you can.
Some things to consider:
- what colours are being used and when they are kept separate or combined
- spotlights on individual performers
- where are the lights (above, below, behind, to the side etc)
- how colour is used to set the scene/mood
- what effects are used to match the scene/mood, e.g. long fades/transitions, flashing/alternating lights to create movement/excitement
When you evaluate a live performance you will then be ready to see which of these effects were used, and which could have been added to make the performance better.
Sound
Use DVDs or Youtube to watch some professional performances of plays, musicals and/or concerts.
Explain the use of sound equipment in as much detail as you can.
Some things to consider:
- what sorts of microphones are being used and are they on stands, handheld or headsets?
- how are the different instruments being connected to the sound system? Look for microphones pointing at guitar amps or overhead condenser mics picking up a whole section of an orchestra.
- how are the singers able to hear themselves? Look for on-stage monitors (the angled speakers on the floor) or in-ear monitors (that look like a cross between iPod earphones and hearing aids)
- can you hear everything clearly? Are there any mistakes in the sound control?