Big news in the world of lighting! On April 31st, manufacturers were required to start phasing out production of standard incandescent light bulbs, before they're banned completely in 2023.

What does that mean for us? This new policy applies to general service lamps, and theatre lighting is considered specialty, so we're off the hook with regard to our stage lighting - for now, at least. What that does mean, however, is that beginning next summer, we won't be able to get our hands on regular ol' type A light bulbs for practicals or house lights.

Ok, but is that really a problem? Yes and no. Say we're lighting a play that takes place in an office in 1940. There are old, leather-bound books on shelves, vintage chairs, a big oak desk, a proper ink blotter, and a desk lamp. In the past, getting a light bulb for that desk lamp would require answering two questions: What wattage do we need? Clear or frosted glass? With a switch to LED, new factors come into play. Is it dimmable? What color temperature do we need? Even a switch from a 7.5w incandescent night light to a 0.7w LED night light means an increase in lumens (30 to 50).