Last Thursday, the Studio D Theater in Walt Disney Studios Park turned into a discovery stage for Cast Members who had the chance to explore the passion and expertise of the lighting department teams. The event offered a unique opportunity to dive behind the scenes with those who illuminate every show and event across the entire resort.
Behind the Scenes of the Event
From encounters with the event teams to participating in an interactive simulation of a projection on Sleeping Beauty Castle, the activities covered all aspects. No detail was left in the dark during this open house that let the magic shine.
Workshops on the Art of Lighting
Specially organized workshops provided insightful explanations about the work of the lighting department. Participants discovered lighting consoles used for shows like "Mickey and the Magician" and "Disney Tales of Magic." This revealed the scope of tasks performed by lighting designers and operators, who carefully conceive and program every effect. The process is time-consuming, as programming the lights for "Mickey and the Magician" alone takes a full month.
The Role of the Lighting Technician
A lighting technician, known as "pupitreur" in French, is present at every performance. From the control booth, they ensure the smooth execution of the lighting design. Every show involves close collaboration between show directors and technicians for sound, video, and SFX to make the magic shine.
Exclusive Mini-Show as the Highlight
To conclude, the teams prepared an exclusive mini-show on the stage of the Studio D Theater, demonstrating how lighting can change an atmosphere and evoke unforgettable emotions. Thanks to the hands-on workshops, Cast Members stepped into the shoes of lighting technicians and discovered how essential their work is to enhance the performances of artists and characters at Disneyland Paris. While the performers shine through their talent, it is the lighting department that makes them shine even brighter.
