[SML] Gel colors for Sweeney Todd

[taco at peak.org]

When no one is looking, spatter the set and costumes with a grey wash. Tone the colors down so that the direction of the lights, and the shadows, can actually be noticed. Let go of the notion that nice definition and visibilty of the actor's faces is valuable, and work with a harsh key light and almost no fill. Use some floods on the set to create separation from the actors, instead of down or back lights. 
Or just turn on the fluorescent worklights. Who'll know the difference? 


From: "Bill Nelson via Stagecraft" <stagecraft at theatrical.net> 
To: "stagecraft at theatrical.net" <stagecraft at theatrical.net> 
Cc: billn at peak.org 
Sent: Thursday, April 20, 2017 2:39:31 PM 
Subject: [SML] Gel colors for Sweeney Todd 

Our local community theatre will be presenting Sweeney Todd in a couple of weeks. 

The director wants "harsh" lighting and I am trying to figure out the best way 
to accomplish this. 

We have a severe shortage of dimmers, only 23 2400 watt dimmers and 8 channels 
of 600 watts/channel. The stage width is 25 feet and the acting area is 
roughly 20 feet deep. 

There are no wings and the over stage light bars are at a fixed 14 foot trim 
height, so I will be limited to front lighting with very limited tops. Due to 
the two story set and lack of teasers/borders for masking, back lighting will 
not be possible. 

I am wondering if anyone has ideas on what gel colors might be most suitable 
to produce a murky "Fleet Street" atmosphere. Most of the lighting instruments 
will be 500 watt Fresnels. 

Bill 



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