Dance Light Plot
A Dance Light Plot is a detailed plan that shows how stage lighting should be set up for a dance or ballet performance. Think of it as a blueprint or map that lighting designers create to show where lights should be placed, what colors they should be, and when they should turn on and off during the show. This is a crucial document in dance production because it helps create the right mood and atmosphere for each scene, ensures dancers are properly illuminated, and helps the technical team set up the lighting correctly. It's similar to a recipe that tells everyone involved exactly how to make the performance look beautiful through lighting.
Examples in Resumes
Created Dance Light Plot for annual Nutcracker production using industry-standard software
Supervised implementation of complex Dance Light Plot for modern ballet performances
Designed and executed Dance Light Plot and Lighting Design for touring dance company
Modified existing Dance Light Plot to accommodate multiple venue specifications
Typical job title: "Dance Lighting Designers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Dance Lighting Designers
Professional Organizations
Job Boards
Online Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you approach creating a light plot for a full-length ballet with multiple scene changes?
Expected Answer: A senior designer should discuss their process of reading the score, meeting with choreographers, planning transitions, considering touring requirements, and managing a lighting team while staying within budget.
Q: How do you handle last-minute changes requested by choreographers while maintaining the integrity of your design?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in quick problem-solving, explaining how to adapt designs efficiently while maintaining artistic quality and technical feasibility.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when designing lighting for different types of dance movements?
Expected Answer: Should explain how different dance styles require different lighting approaches, understanding of how lighting affects costume colors, and basic knowledge of dance terminology.
Q: How do you adapt a light plot for different venue sizes?
Expected Answer: Should be able to explain how to modify designs for different stages while maintaining the original artistic intent and working within equipment limitations.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic elements of a dance light plot?
Expected Answer: Should be able to describe the basic components: light positions, types of lights used, color choices, and basic cuing information.
Q: How do you ensure proper documentation of your lighting design?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic paperwork requirements including channel hookups, color schedules, and maintaining accurate records of changes.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of lighting instruments
- Ability to read and interpret basic light plots
- Knowledge of common stage lighting terminology
- Basic computer skills for lighting documentation
Mid (2-5 years)
- Creation of complete light plots
- Understanding of dance styles and movements
- Experience with lighting control systems
- Ability to work within production budgets
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex production lighting design
- Team management and coordination
- Advanced troubleshooting abilities
- Budget management and equipment planning
Red Flags to Watch For
- No experience with actual dance productions
- Lack of knowledge about basic stage lighting equipment
- Unable to read music or understand dance terminology
- No experience working with choreographers or dancers
- Poor communication skills with artistic staff
Related Terms
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