Plugging In the Future: Integrating LEDs Into Your Existing Lighting Inventory

If you’re sitting on a room full of trusty Source 4s, Fresnels, and a 20 year old CD 80 rack, the idea of “switching to LED” can feel like an all-or-nothing proposition.

Good news! it isn’t.

Most schools and community theatres live in a hybrid world for a long time. Incandescent and LED working side-by-side. Not only is that okay, it can actually give you the best of both worlds when you plan it well. (ControlBooth)

Why Add LEDs Instead of Replacing Everything?

You already know the sales pitch; you can run multiple LED fixtures where you used to run one traditional unit before you trip a breaker. And let me tell you, that can be a life saver in small spaces, especially found spaces and studios.

LED fixtures don’t get anywhere near as hot as traditional instruments. Hanging and focusing is safer and more comfortable.

All the colors! No more cutting gels or swapping frames mid show to get the perfect look.

It is where the industry is going. LEDs are what students will see in college, on tour, and in the live events world. (Theatre Crafts)

Even so, you don’t need to rip out your dimmers or toss your lekos. Start by letting LEDs do what they’re best at, and keep your incandescent inventory doing what it still does really, really well: provide that natural warm light that is powerful and yet easy on the eyes.

Take Stock of What You Already Have

Before buying anything shiny, answer a few questions about your current system:

What’s controlling your lights?

It has been probably 15 years since I have been in a theater that does not use DMX control. I have however been in a few schools recently that still run Express or Strand M consoles. While I have done some patch voodoo with early LED units to make them function on those consoles, modern multi channel units won’t play nicely with older control systems. If you want to start with LEDs and you are still using consoles that only account for dimmer functions in the patch, you will be very limited in what you can use.

I did however get our first movers, Martish Rush 5s, when we were using an ETC Express, early model. So it is possible.

What kind of dimming do you have?

LEDs prefer constant power, like relays. Newer LEDs are better at making use of dimmers, but you want to make sure to address the power supply for the long term health of your instruments. You can purchase relay drawers that plug into the rack the way a conventional dimmer does. This would be an excellent choice for a hybrid system.

Where do you actually need more flexibility?

What are you going to use them for primarily? The first thing we all think of is color. Your cyc could be any color? Amazing! But if you are using mostly projected scenery, as many high schools now are (that’s a whole other conversation), your cyc might not be the first place you look. Side light/high sides are a good place to start. Top light also, so you can get those full stage washes.

Write down where you’d like to have more options. This becomes your shopping list and replacement plan.

Where LEDs Shine (and Where Incandescents Still Win)

Start by using LEDs where they give you the most bang for your budget. Color washes, cyc lights, ground rows, and effects. Those wow moments you want to create with color.

Let your traditional instruments do the heavy lifting on front light. I had a school come look at our system when they were starting to shop for upgrades. I turned on three units in our front light system so they could compare. One Source 4, 575w, one Colorsource Spot, and one Source 4ward I was testing. The drop off from incandescent to LED was visible, and the drop to the Source 4ward was dramatic. If you can keep your traditional units for face light, do it. They are still more powerful and even with color correction, more natural on your actors. Hybrid rig mindset: Let tungsten handle clean front light and texture. Let LEDs handle color and flexibility.

As you start mixing LEDs into your existing inventory, remember, this isn’t about chasing the newest toy. It’s about giving yourself and your students more options. Your old gear still has a job to do. You’re just adding tools that make certain parts of the job easier, safer, and more creative. And, honestly, more fun.

Start small, be intentional, and pay attention to where LEDs actually solve a problem for you. Over a few shows, you’ll learn what you love them for, what you still prefer your lekos for, and where your next upgrade should go. That’s how you build a smart, sustainable hybrid rig, one show, one position, one thoughtful choice at a time.

Would you like help deciding how LEDs can fit into your inventory? Visit Backstage AIC’s webpage or join the Facebook Group! We love to help!