How to Ensure a Well-Lit Magic Performance, Taking stock of Lighting in Magic
There are many aspects wherein magicians derive inspiration from nature and making effective use of light to create spectacular illusions is one of them.
After all, lighting does add a dramatic touch to any given situation. This, in itself, is reason enough for a stage performance, irrespective of whether it is a play or a magic show, thus it should be complemented by appropriate lighting to elicit appreciation from the audience.
Such is its importance that sans lights the show is not just regarded as being amateur, but dull and boring too. Bearing this in mind makes it easier to understand why magicians and theatrical productions lay much store in organizing what is termed as a well-lit show.
Courtesy of effective use of lights, a show could be illusive, deceptive, exciting and amazing, meaning it is replete with all the elements that render it interesting and memorable.
Lights invariably play the role of being a magician’s accomplice when they conceal tools and activities on stage under a shroud of darkness as per the situation.
When used in context of a magical act, the term ‘well-lit’ does not mean one hundred percent visibility – in fact it refers to clever use of lighting so that the audience is blissfully unaware of parts which the magician does not wish to expose.
Having realized the instrumental role played by lights, it is but natural for every magician to be familiar with ways in which these could be effectively used.
Enrolling for a course that provides tutorials along with practical training is one of the ways for grasping the basics and cultivating in-depth understanding.
Of course, checking the curriculum beforehand is strongly recommended so that you can rest assured of being well-informed on the subject by the end of the course.
Some of the aspects that you must master pertain to the types of lighting fixtures, their characteristics, as well as their behavior.
Ideally you ought to train yourself to visualize how the show would appear with various combinations of lights but do not worry in case you suffer from lack of imagination.
All it takes is a lighting designer who is a specialist in this field and identifying one who is compatible with your thought process is the next priority.
Lighting in Magic, Keep it relevant
Experts belonging to the field do have template designs but that should not deter you from communicating your own ideas, especially if it is in conjunction with a particular act.
Given that most of the pre-existing designs are meant to fit into any performance, opting for a certain degree of modification certainly renders the set unique.
Moreover, customization is a good way of echoing your personality as a performer and you can capitalize on it by formulating a signature style that becomes synonymous with your show.
Ultimately, all magical performances are virtually stories in motion and lighting must help not just to narrate the tale but also advance it further in a most subtle yet lucid manner.
Magical, mystical, tranquil or dangerous – it should create the mood by applying concepts like focus and selective visibility so that the magician stands projected in the best possible way.
Harmony is an important element too and on being incorporated, it adds to the magic show being well-lit, which is indeed the objective. Lighting in Magic.
