A followspot is a special type of
light, used for
plays,
concerts, or other kinds of
show, which can be manipulated by a
followspot operator.
The main
control that the
followspot operator has over the followspot is the ability to
move it around(i.e. so it
follows the
actor/
musician/person). Other
controls on the followspot allow him to change the
focus, and an adjustable
iris is often available. Also, some followspots come with a detatchable
colour magazine, whilst others have one built in.
Followspots are especially useful in
musical performances (
musicals,
concerts, etc) when you want to pick out a single person. You could also pick out more than one person in a single
beam, or use more than one followspot.
Followspotting requires quite intense
concentration, as you have to have a very
steady hand, and also know exactly what you are meant to be doing. It is also useful to have a good eye for lines, which would help when trying to line up the followspot before turning it on. Some followspots do have
markers which will tell you where it will be pointing when it is turned on, which make the job slightly easier.
If you're after any other theatre tech information, then do take a look at '
Everything you ever wanted to know about theatre tech, but were afraid to ask'