Haze Effect

Term from Theatrical Lighting industry explained for recruiters

Haze Effect is a technique used in theater, concerts, and live events to create a subtle, even mist in the air that makes lighting beams visible to the audience. Unlike fog or smoke effects which are thick and cloudy, haze is a fine, nearly invisible mist that helps highlight lighting design without obscuring the stage. Lighting designers and technicians use special haze machines (also called hazers) to achieve this effect. This is an important skill in theatrical and concert lighting because it helps create atmosphere and makes light effects more dramatic and visible.

Examples in Resumes

Operated and maintained Haze Effect systems for Broadway-style productions

Designed lighting plots incorporating Haze for concert tours

Coordinated Atmospheric Effects including Haze for large-scale theater productions

Managed Haze Effect and other atmospheric elements for television productions

Typical job title: "Lighting Technicians"

Also try searching for:

Lighting Designer Special Effects Technician Production Technician Stage Technician Atmospheric Effects Operator Entertainment Lighting Specialist

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you design a haze effect system for a large-scale theater production?

Expected Answer: A senior technician should discuss placement of hazers, air flow considerations, control systems, safety protocols, and coordination with lighting design, as well as mention experience with different types of haze machines and their best uses.

Q: How do you handle haze effect maintenance and troubleshooting?

Expected Answer: Should explain regular maintenance schedules, common problems and solutions, fluid types and their effects, and how to quickly resolve issues during live performances.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What safety considerations do you take into account when using haze effects?

Expected Answer: Should discuss proper ventilation, monitoring haze density, communication with performers and crew, fire alarm considerations, and ensuring proper fluid types are used.

Q: How do you coordinate haze effects with lighting design?

Expected Answer: Should explain timing of haze deployment, working with lighting designers to achieve desired effects, and understanding how different lighting angles interact with haze.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What's the difference between haze and fog effects?

Expected Answer: Should explain that haze is a fine, even mist that hangs in the air to make light beams visible, while fog is thicker and creates more of a cloud-like effect.

Q: How do you set up a basic haze machine?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe basic setup steps including placement, power requirements, fluid filling, and simple control operation.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic haze machine operation
  • Understanding of safety protocols
  • Basic maintenance procedures
  • Following cue sheets

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Advanced haze control systems
  • Coordination with lighting design
  • Troubleshooting equipment issues
  • Understanding of different haze types and applications

Senior (5+ years)

  • System design and implementation
  • Training and supervision of crew
  • Advanced atmospheric effect programming
  • Integration with show control systems

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No knowledge of basic safety protocols
  • Unfamiliarity with common haze machine types
  • Lack of experience with DMX control systems
  • No understanding of theater or concert operations