What used to be called “theater stills” is no longer still. And a new art is developing fast: the art of stage management. Indeed, using large electronic LED screens for decorating the stage scenery is becoming a must. Even small local shows are arranged to have one or two rental screens for the convenience of the audience. Large LED screens and other types of digital LED based dynamic structures are winning over the showbiz.
Recently the London Royal Philharmonic Orchestra presented an unforgettable show for the fans of the main space epic. Usually music is secondary for the film; this time the film was used as an illustration for the music. All visual effects were displayed on enormous LED screens. The effect on the audience was described as overwhelming. It seems that a new type of show was born.
“Eurovision 2009” song festival recently was conducted in Moscow. Journalists agreed that it was more spectacular than any other such show and an obvious candidate for The Guinness Book of World Records in 15 nominations. The audience was charmed not only by excellent performance of contestants but by the stage décor and brilliant engineering design. The screens were numerous and moved around the stage forming small or large surfaces, creating new effects for each singer. The performance of LED supporting equipment was a show in itself. This was mostly due to the company Procon Event Engineering, an official partner of Barco. Procon sent to Moscow 40 trucks with various electronic equipment, including LED screens and control systems.
We still remember the summer Olympics in Beijing. While sports fans were applauding achievements of athletes, the engineers cheered the achievements of designers and manufacturers of numerous and unique LED electronic screens and LED applications which turned sports events into colorful and dynamic entertainment. We already wrote in detail about this in our issue “Starring at the Olympics: LEDs at their best” and other similar events (like world tour of George Michael) where LEDs play an important support role in the success of the event.
One other such example is the recent tour of the group “Queen” with participation of a singer and composer Paul Rogers. The major concept in stage decoration was to “include” Freddy Mercury into the performance. The effect was overwhelming. Needless to say that this would never be possible without sophisticated LED screen technology.
We should remember that today LED decorations and screens are no longer an exclusive equipment available only for the world starts’ concerts. LED screens have become affordable and are now used practically everywhere. Recently our correspondent visited a remote village park in China and witnessed a show with a huge LED screen at the backstage.
No doubt, LED applications allow show organizers to create spectacular shows, offer great flexibility in stage decorations. LED screens and LED curtains, LED lighting and other LED based creative applications deeply affect the audiences around the world, became one of the major factors in attracting people to various shows. Constant demand for new stage solutions drives both developers and manufacturers to innovative designs. Once started, the flood of LED inventions will continue unstoppable.