Initial Goals and Concepts!
My goal for this production was to create a concert-like atmosphere. I planned to incorporate dynamic fly-outs with moving lights, as well as impactful effects and dramatic hits using the six PARs. Additionally, I aimed to enhance the storytelling through focus, color, and intensity, as Footloose conveys a powerful and meaningful narrative. To further integrate lighting into the set design, I utilized two six-PAR trees and strip lights to execute dynamic effects. This show was really fun to design!
I Need A Hero
I believe I Need a Hero best represents my goal of making this show feel more like a concert. The lighting closely matched the actions and lyrics on stage, such as the 'do, do, do, do' sequence, creating a dynamic and immersive experience. The flashes of red and bright light, combined with numerous effects across all fixtures, heightened the energy of the performance and made key moments stand out. I also enjoyed using my moving fixture to emphasize the 'AHs,' as seen with the polka-dot gobo effect, which added texture and movement to the scene. These choices helped create a visually engaging performance that complemented the intensity of the song. By syncing lighting changes with musical cues, I was able to enhance both the emotional impact and the concert-like atmosphere of the show.
Reflection and Final Notes
Photo Credit: Ethan Berger
Overall, this show was one of my favorite designs to work on. In addition to designing the lighting, I was also running the show backstage with my friends during the performances. This experience opened my eyes to how useful BPM effects can be and reinforced the importance of planning light placements in advance.
The biggest lesson I learned was time management and preparation. I wasn’t using my time as efficiently as I could have, which resulted in late nights at the auditorium—sometimes until 2 a.m.—trying to finish the design. While part of that was due to other commitments such as football, it taught me the importance of pacing myself, avoiding burnout, and pushing through to get everything done on time.
Photo Credits For Footloose: Mary Henry