What Is A Ballyhoo?

There has been a joke within the event industry. If you have something that moves and isn’t supposed to, gaff tape it. If you have something that doesn’t move and should, WD-40 it. What does that have to do with a lighting ballyhoo? More than you might expect!

A Ballyhoo, or bally in short, is an event lighting cue where a spotlight operator moves their lamps in a random figure-8 pattern throughout a performance venue, but it can really be any movement. This lighting effect involves fast movements, intensity changes, and a variety of colors, which all help to build energy and excitement during an event. It can also be referred to as “Hollywood Lights”. Typically, it is used in collaboration with haze and shafts of light will appear to punch through to all corners of the event space.

When To Use A Ballyhoo?

The key to every ballyhoo is to know when TO, and NOT, to do one. Having a quiet moment of a speech to create a more serious environment? Not a good time. Having a video play with lots of information the attendees need to learn or be shown? Again, not a good time. Attendees walking into a General Session with high energy music playing? Perfect time for it! CEO being introduced to take the stage for a big speech? Another great time for a ballyhoo!

Where To Use A Ballyhoo?

Ballyhoos are typically used on events such as corporate award ceremonies and product launches where the desired effect is to excite and entertain audience. It’s a communication element that is completely driven by technology. To enhance the ballyhoo, event audio and visual elements can be used, giving the audience a more in-depth experience.

What To Use For A Ballyhoo?

So, you may be asking yourself, what is needed to perform an effective Ballyhoo?

Lighting Fixtures

Intelligent lights are needed, such as moving heads due to their controllable features in terms of intensity, color, beam, and movement. To get the most out of your fixtures, Advanced Staging Productions recommends utilizing Martin Mac Auras.

Lighting Console

A lighting console will also be required, that can trigger cues for multiple lamps so the fixtures know exactly what to do and when to do it. Advanced Staging Productions has found the grandMA2 Consoles have more choices to make the ballyhoo more vibrant or tame depending on the needs.

Lighting Technician

A creative and effective lighting technician is the most critical element to performing a ballyhoo. They are the ones reviewing the event’s run of show and designing a series of ballyhoos to enhance the event and captivate the audience.

Want to Know More?

Want to learn more about Ballyhoos, or understand how to get the impact you want from your event lighting? Contact the Advanced Staging Productions team to help you understand the nuances of all lighting options available. Our lighting engineers will expertly guide you through the different ways we can highlight your event through custom lighting solutions.