Angela Mitchell: What's the biggest mistake people seem to make when running a lightboard?

Rob Sayer: Not spending enough time to set the console up and do preprogramming housekeeping such as groups, inverts, palettes and generally getting everything in order before trying to create looks on stage. This should be started as early as possible and done without directors or other crew hanging around waiting.

Sure, you can plug up your moving lights, sit down and start calling up fixtures, but if you have any significant programming to do, you need to do your prep first.

Angela Mitchell: Got any secrets or advice that will make running a lightboard easier?

Rob Sayer: Do your prep, and find a comfortable position that means you can easily see the stage and the desk simultaneously. You might be in for a long night.

Angela Mitchell: Your website 'On Stage Lighting' is truly one of the most comprehensive information sources out there on the subject of stage lighting. What was your goal in creating the site?

Rob Sayer: I enjoy thinking about the subject of lighting, as well as reflecting on my experience as a professional. Putting on shows day in, and day out, I also needed an outlet for my thoughts. Now that I am lecturing on the subjects of 'Lighting, Sound and AV' for the Theatre Production course at Bath Spa University [in the United Kingdom], I get other opportunities too, but On Stage Lighting was the original conduit.

Angela Mitchell: Working with color -- especially so many choices -- can be overwhelming for young designers. What advice would you give to young designers on that aspect of the work?

Rob Sayer: Try it out first. There are no calculations or theories that beat getting the right light source and firing it at whatever it is you want to test. When students ask me about any particular idea, using any technology, color or solution, I'll tell them to test instead of just giving the answer. It comes out like I'm holding back on the answers, but trying stuff out is really the best way to predict a result.

Angela Mitchell: On the flip side, what common pitfalls should they avoid?

Rob Sayer: Beware of using too many different colors in a show, or of having little cohesion to your color palette. It's much easier to use a smaller palette of colors that work with each other.

Angela Mitchell: What are some of your favorite tricks when lighting a production?

Rob Sayer: Plan the front light last. A common method starts using a general area cover of front light, then filling in around it with other modeling angles and specials. In the concert industry, they start with all the modeling and key light, and only fill in with front if they absolutely have to.

When building looks for any show, building the front light until last gives you much more of a chance of a really stunning stage picture. The same goes for planning the rig in general.

Angela Mitchell: That's great advice, and it's probably the exact reverse of what most young designers would expect to do when approaching the process. What other lighting designers or industry professionals inspired you, on a personal or professional level?

Rob Sayer: Every day's a school day in the business. I've picked up inspiration from everyone I've ever worked alongside, as well as those whose work I've seen.

Angela Mitchell: What upcoming or new tech out there are you most excited to see enter the industry?

Rob Sayer: The ability to create digital content and use it as a light source is great as an artist. In the technical space, more efficient light sources mean less power.

Angela Mitchell: If you could invent any magical device to solve any stage lighting challenge, what would you create?

Rob Sayer: Something that could simply stop light in mid-air, or that could make it go around corners. That'd make the whole business less fun, but would have solved a few past challenges with reflections or difficult rigging positions!

Find out more about On Stage Lighting by visiting its website. Meanwhile, do you draft by hand or work via CAD program on computer? What's your go-to lighting gel color? Share your tips and techniques in our forums!