Glow Up: Interpreter Lighting 101
🎠Interpreter Green Room Lighting: What You Need to Know
We get tons of questions about setting up green room spaces for interpreters—especially when it comes to lighting. Great lighting isn’t just a bonus, it’s essential for visibility, clarity, and accessibility. Here are some helpful tips and resources to get everything prepped before the event.
đź’ˇ Best Lighting Setup for Interpreters
The most effective lighting setup for interpreters is a spotlight mounted from above, ideally installed on the existing lighting frame with the other stage lights. This spotlight should be programmed separately so it doesn’t follow the same cues or color changes as the main stage lighting. The goal is simple: consistent, clean lighting that keeps the interpreter visible without causing distraction.
🔦 Lighting Options (Based on Room Size & Setup)
Depending on your space, here are a few lighting options that work well:
Two large spotlights – Ideal for medium to large event spaces, especially if interpreters are on a riser or stage.
Mini spotlights – A great option for smaller venues or rooms where space is limited.
Selfie-style ring lights – These can work in a pinch or for breakout rooms, but they need to be tested for brightness and distance.
🚨 Common Lighting Challenges
One of the biggest lighting issues we see is distance. If the lights are too far away from the interpreter, the light diffuses and becomes too weak. On the flip side, if it’s angled too low or too high, it can create awkward shadows on the face or block audience sightlines.
✅ Pro Tip: Set up your lighting ahead of time and test it out with an interpreter. Adjust the height, angle, and intensitybased on their feedback—especially from Deaf attendees who rely on clear visuals.
đź“Ź Green Room Dimensions & Best Practices
Lighting is just one piece of a good green room setup. Want the full picture? DOOR has created a breakdown of ideal dimensions, placement, and best practices for interpreter-ready green rooms. Click below to download the full checklist:
