Lighting the Stage
A magician, just like any other stage performer, has to be seen by your audience in order to be appreciated (except when he's doing a disappearing act, of course!). This means that one of your biggest concerns when it comes to your magician's performance is lighting. Often, if you've booked a large venue, lighting is already in place, and you can usually pay to have one of the venue employees run the lights, sound, and other equipment. However, if you have to handle lighting arrangements yourself, here are some tips on what you might need.
House Lights
House lights refer to the lights over the audience that is usually turned down or completely off during a show. If your venue doesn't have a dimmer switch on these lights, the change in lighting will be a little surprising, and you might want to warn the audience that the lights will dim abruptly. Generally, you'll want these lights to be on or at least half-lit before the show to help the audience find their seats and off during the actual performance itself. Turning them up signifies the end of the show or intermission.
Stage Lights
These are the lights above the stage that are almost always on during the performance. They're the main source of lighting for the show. Sometimes, sections of these lights will be on different controls, allowing you to light the left, right, or center of the stage more. Some colored lights may also be available. Talk to the magician before the performance about what lights he wants on. Ideally, meet the magician at the venue a day or so in advance so he can get an idea of what lighting is available and what lights he wants on and off.
Spot Lights
Large venues may have spot lights available. These are usually ran by hired professionals (again, the venue can usually provide crew for an extra fee) and can be used to highlight certain areas of the stage. If your venue has a spotlight or two available, ask the magician if he wants them used. If he does, you'll need to make arrangements to use them with your venue coordinator as soon as possible.
Lights On, Lights Off
Again, it's very helpful to bring the magician to the venue a few days before the event if at all possible. If you have lighting professionals involved, you'll want them there, too. Everyone should have a clear idea of what lights are to be on, when they're to be on, and what special lighting, if any, is to be used during certain tricks. While most of this planning and coordinating will be between the magician and lighting crew, it's good for you as the event coordinator to have a general idea of what's going on.
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Anders Boulanger is a professional corporate entertainer, magician and speaker. He makes his living performing for corporations all across Canada and the U.S. Visit his website at www.andersmagic.com
