Las Vegas is home to some of the most incredible shows this planet has to offer! The strip has become the Entertainment Capital of the World. A reputation like this does not develop by luck. Behind every show, there is a great team that brainstorms every aspect of the production. I’m going to discuss with you a few essential elements and stage design tips that can take a good show, and make it great.
5 Stage Design Tips for Any Production
Now, there are a countless number of things that can create a grand stage design, but we’ve narrowed it down to the top five most important tips.
Clear sound and acoustics
The first stage design tip of the day is to make sure you have clear sound and acoustics. Having optimal sound quality on your stage is single-handedly the most important aspect of any show or event. A clear sound will effectively communicate the target messages to your audience.
You MUST have excellent sound distribution across the entire venue. By doing this, you will ensure a uniform sound experience among the audience as the whole. Depending on what type of show you are producing, multiple speakers, amps, and subwoofers may be needed. If you are holding an intimate event, your show may not require big equipment like this. Consider finding proper seating alignment or stage positioning for sound quality that works best with your small stage design.
Optimal lighting
Lighting is another crucial factor in creative stage design. It can be either your best friend or your worst nightmare. Too much light can distract the audience from the actual production. On the other hand, not enough lighting may make things difficult for the audience to see.
Surprisingly, lighting is often the most-forgotten aspect of most shows, especially during the summer months. Most organizers assume the daylight will be adequate. Unfortunately, when the sun goes down, most presentations become too dark. Adding stage wash to your set can easily make your production burst with light, both before and after the sun sets.
Lighting will also set the scene and mood for most acts. Using the proper lens colors, textures, and intensities will capture the audience’s attention and help tell a better story. LED lights are highly recommended since they produce far less heat than other forms of stage lighting. This will benefits your cast as well as the first few rows in the crowd.
Use proper stage materials
Another vital stage design tip is to use proper materials! In most shows, props and other stage items are continually being moved around and stressed. Having durable, versatile, and lightweight materials can make stage production easier on the cast and crew.
For shows like those from Cirque Du Soleil, durable wire rope will help you maintain safe death-defying shows. Safety equipment that is reliable creates a trust for the cast members and prevents any major injuries in front of a crowd.
Consider the audience’s point of view
One of the best ways to create a fantastic stage is to view it from the audience’s perspective. By doing this, you may be able to pinpoint any flaws or gaps that must be addressed prior to show time. A particular stage prop may look good for the first 15 rows, but what does it look like from 30 rows? The sound may be clear on the right side of the stage, but not the left.
Understanding the point of view from each chair in the audience is ideal. A task like this is no easy feat, but if done correctly it can be the difference maker for people that like the show and love it.
Keep it simple
Having elaborate stage decor or sets can pose a distraction for the audience, as well as the cast members. Most will agree that the best staging is when the layouts and designs are elegant yet simple. Stage setups like this will always translate better in photos or video as well.
Simple stage designs will allow better access and maneuverability for cast and crew members. A stage with difficult or limited access can pose a threat to any successful event. Uncomplicated stage designs are also perfect if you plan on having guests come on stage to accept awards, recite a speech, or make any announcements.
Set the Stage with the Right Equipment
Silver State Wire and Rope offers state of the art entertainment equipment that will have your show operating at the highest level. Our wire rigging supplies will ensure the safety of your cast members and audience in attendance. Contact us today for more information!