Stage equipment

  • Checking whether stage equipment such as LED spotlights or loudspeakers can be reused can prevent the premature purchase of new equipment.

  • Modular components can be reused for both in-house and external productions.

  • If new purchases are made via public supply chains or shops rather than online, this reduces transport distances and emissions.

  • The use of low-wattage equipment – such as energy-efficient LED lamps – reduces electricity consumption during performances and contributes to a reduction in energy consumption.

  • Performances that require less lighting equipment reduce energy consumption. This makes an event more sustainable.

  • Purchasing new equipment that can be repaired is conducive to the long-term utilisation of resources and the avoidance of electronic waste.

  • Certain items of technical equipment and stage elements are not in use continually. Loaning them out or passing them on supports the circular economy and reduces the need for new productions.

  • A digital inventory list for stage equipment that is suitable for lending makes it easier to pass on materials to colleagues. It is also helpful for the efficient use of materials.

Good to know

Legal aspects must be taken into account when hiring out or passing on items of technical equipment and stage elements, such as liability issues, copyright and the documentation of loan relationships. Rental contracts and insurance issues also need to be taken into account.

The choice of light sources must not restrict artistic freedom. Therefore, environmental and cultural sustainability should be weighed up carefully.

It is true that energy can be saved by using low wattage. However, it is important to ensure this is not cancelled out by the use of additional devices. This can be prevented by using devices with good energy efficiency and high luminous efficacy.

Further reading

Landesverband der Freien Theater in Sachsen e.V.: Technikverleih mit Sitz in der LFTS-Geschäftsstelle in der Villa Wigman in Dresden Neustadt

Good practice examples

The Schaubühne theatre takes social, cultural and environmental responsibility. This includes LED lighting, motion detectors, climate-friendly stage design, job tickets, electric cargo bikes and rail instead of air travel. They have been preparing an annual climate balance sheet and offsetting emissions associated with stage decoration since 2019. Plans are underway for additional measures such as the complete switch to LED and a photovoltaic system.

Schaubühne am Lehniner Platz: Sustainability

In the 2023/24 season, productions in the box at Deutsches Theater were checked for sustainability and initial measures for the 2024/25 basic stage certification were implemented: more material reuse, waste reduction, energy-efficient building technology and an initial sustainability plan. Further optimisations and a photovoltaic system will follow.

Deutsches Theater Berlin: The ETC Theatre Green Book and its use at DT

The Dutch National Opera & Ballet has been focussing on sustainability for stage sets and costumes for decades. Stage sets are erected using the modular, reusable “Layher” scaffolding system, which saves material and can be used flexibly worldwide. The costumes are also reused: fabric remnants are collected and reused; accessories and shoes are reused several times. Some costumes have even been in use for over 40 years. This allows the environmental impact to be reduced without compromising the artistic quality.

Dutch National Opera & Ballet: Sustainable set design and The costume cycle

Oper Leipzig relies on sustainable production methods and environmentally friendly materials to reduce its environmental footprint and ensure the quality of stage sets, costumes and props. Sustainability is understood as a social responsibility and is promoted by raising awareness among all employees in a targeted manner.

Oper Leipzig: Sustainable theatre workshops