Lots of Moons: What is a “Theatrical Moon Light”?

26 March 2015

The Short Answer (TSA)

"Moon Light"

A moon light is type of “intelligent” theatrical lighting equipment sometimes used in large stage productions but, most often, used in outdoor shows such as stadium halftime shows. The name “moon light” comes from the obviously spherical appearance of the light instrument itself which is attached to a set of arms (or legs) that allow it to move in all directions.

Today, the term moon light is seldom used having been replaced with the term “moving head.” A profile view gives a better idea of where the new name came from. The word “moving” was added to the name because these lights are pre-programmed to move to certain locations at certain times.

"Moving Heads"

If you decide to watch the lights instead of the show, they present an odd picture as they suddenly shift and move, sometimes together and sometimes individually, apparently by themselves. Of course, the movement of these lights is not only remotely controlled but, often, pre-programmed with a computer directing the moment to moment movements.

In outdoor venues, such as the Super bowl halftime shows, theatrical lighting has always been a bit of a challenge.

Outdoor venues, after dark, require particularly powerful lights to properly display the performers and their performances. And, because outdoor venues do not offer a fixed stage with easy access to areas not visible to the audience, lighting is often used to introduce and feature different scenes or shows presented in a single outdoor performance.

In a basic example, three separate shows could be set up, one timed to follow the other, in different locations, but within a single outdoor venue such as a stadium field. Two of the three “theaters” will be allowed to remain in darkness and invisible to the audience until one show ends and the next is to begin.

With the beginning of each of the three shows, the featured show is brilliantly illuminated, while all light is withdrawn from the location of the show that has just ended. In a sense, the lighting works like a stage curtain in a conventional theater – timing the end of one “scene” and the beginning of another.