Hey, I can see everybody on the stage. Why do I need to put any color in the lights? Years ago when I was designing, several dance companies came through the local university road house from NYC. These were not major companies but smaller yet good companies. I noted a trend that no one was using much color and the colors that were being used were rather pale “washed out” colors. After one of the shows, I went backstage to ask what the deal was with the no color look as the dancers looked pale and not at all “ruddy”. I was told that it was a cost thing. The company did not carry much gel and preferred the lighter colors because they lasted longer. They were presenting rep works so the original designers either didn’t care or hadn’t seen the re-designs. I was a bit annoyed by this. Gel is one of the least expensive “frills” that a designer can use. It helps the performers look healthy, scenery look finished, and costumes look better. Even a small company should be able to afford color. Most theatres have a small inventory as well. Yes, the blue may not be the ideal blue or they may not all match but it will add to the “dimensioning” of the stage elements. It may be easy to cut the colors out of the lighting but remember that dancer from the northeast has been rehearsing in a dim studio and hasn’t seen the sun for awhile. Give them a break and “tan them up” with a Fatherless Amber (AP7050) or a Peach My Interest (AP7630).
