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Aspotlight (orfollowspot) is a powerfulstage lighting instrument which projects a bright beam of light onto a performance space.[1] Spotlights are controlled by aspotlight operator who tracks actors around the stage. Spotlights are most commonly used inconcerts,musicals and large-scalepresentations in which highlighting a specific mobile individual is critical. Spotlights are sometimes located overhead oncatwalks. In some theatres, they may also be located in thecontrol booth or purpose-built "spot booths" in addition to the catwalk.
Spotlights may be arranged in a variety of patterns for coverage. For example, they can be located to the back or rear of a theater and aimed at the stage in front of them. This location can become problematic due to the audience being distracted by fan noise or the spot operator speaking into their headset microphone. In circus and sports, spotlights may be arranged around the facility covering both sides and the ends. In a concert setting, they may be in afront of house (FOH) position, while other positions may have the spotlight upstage used as back or top light. Some concerts use truss spots on a truss downstage, but closer than catwalk spots in an amphitheater-style catwalk layout. In other places, spot locations are at the mercy of the architect who designed the space.
Characteristics of a typical spotlight include:
Some spotlights can be fitted withcolourchangers to colour the beam orgobo holders to create a variety of effects. Most spotlights can be fitted withcolour gels.
Agodspot is an effect used instage lighting for thetheatre. The effect is created using a powerful spotlight (usually abeam projector,Fresnel, orERS) placed directly above the stage at an angle of less than 10 degrees from vertical, i.e. almost straight down. The light has nocolor gel, and is usually directed downwards to hit a single actor or a huddled group of actors with a bright white light.
The effect is meant to evoke an understanding thatGod is present and directly watching the scenes proceeding below. Use of the godspot in this fashion often foreshadows adeus ex machina ending. The godspot can also be used at times to suggest an angelic nature of a particular character.
Sometimes this effect is used to simulate an alien abduction.
This is used in the science fiction TV showsStargate SG-1 andStargate Atlantis as part of theAsgard transporter effect.
