How Do You Create Lightning Effects On Stage?
Lightning effects are used to convey a sense of drama and realism to a stage production when a storm is called for by the script. Here’s how to create the illusion of lightning for the stage. Use a strobe light to mimic the flashes of lightning. This is best done off stage so that the strobe effect can be muffled or bounced against a wall or drape. Use the flash speed knob on your strobe light to adjust the frequency of the flashes for maximum realism. A burst of strobe is most effective for creating a lightning effect. Create the alternating flashes of light and darkness with your light board. By controlling the lights from the main light board, you can synchronize the sound effects and lightning effects for maximum punch. Various lighting instruments can be placed around the stage area and brought up to full intensity then dropped to create the look of a lightning storm. In nature, lightning typically strikes in one area, then another, so varying the location of the lights you use fo
