When people come to the theater, they expect a powerful roller coaster of emotions, whether to laugh or cry. You need to create the right atmosphere and mood to perfectly position the audience for a truly fascinating show.
Creating atmosphere in a theater of any size can be a complex task. All aspects of the performance, such as stage lighting and sound, should be considered to set the right tone and atmosphere for the audience.
Yes, performance is key, but a brilliant performance in front of worn curtains and drapes, in a poorly lit room, with poor sound output, is not going to be a memorable show. It is a combination of all these things that will make the show special.
Some tips on how to create this atmosphere include:
1. Stage lighting. This is very important because lighting can create many different impressions. It is practical in the sense that it can convey the time of day to the audience watching a play. That is, lighter colors for sunrise or darker tones for sunset. It can also be very symbolic. Colored lighting is very popular as it can instantly change the mood of a scene on stage.
2. Staging systems, such as sound systems, are also important. Having a good technical foundation in controlling the types of sounds your audience hears is very effective in creating a mood. For example, placing speakers around the room may mean that different sounds are played around the theater to engage the audience in the performance.
3. The whole. The set can be a complex task because it is very difficult to keep changing the background of the set to convey the type of scene. However, accessories or small items can be taken on stage to help with this.
4. The performance is obviously a key part of the performance and is an important factor that influences how pleasant and atmospheric the play can be. One director says: “The performance is crucial, but it is also everything that happens around that performance that can bring everything together. It is about the whole theater, not just what is happening on stage.”
5. Finally, to create an environment it is vital that there are experienced behind-the-scenes staff who can help bring it all together by working efficiently and professionally behind the scenes. It is important to have the relevant technicians, as any technical problem can be solved quickly and with a minimum of complications. The smooth running of the production will always be shown in a performance from the moment the viewer enters the theater until the moment they leave.
