But time and time again, somebody backstage is pumping out so much smoke you can hardly see the performers! In fact, I was at a Christmas concert this year where there was so much smoke during one number the soloist lost her bearings, started coughing, and almost fell off the stage!
Certainly there are times when smoke is an effect in itself, and how much is used should be based on the scene you’re designing and the emotions you want the audience to experience.
But for your next event, let’s start small. How little smoke will it take for the stage lighting to be clearly defined and enhanced?
Because in most cases, much more than that, and it becomes a distraction and takes the audiences attention away from the presentation rather than helping tell the story.
I’d love to hear about some of your nightmare smoke machine experiences!
This article about smoke machine and other overdone effects originally appeared here, and is used by permission.
