One of the biggest challenges in live production is finding the time and space to experiment and hone new lighting skills. Setting up fixtures and support structures just for practice can be a logistical nightmare. Thankfully, previsualization (previs) software is a game-changer. Previs allows lighting designers like myself to program on any computer and see a realistic representation of the final product. I spend a lot of free time in pre-vis, virtually programming entire songs. It's incredibly rewarding to be able to explore new techniques in a stress-free environment, without the pressure of deadlines.

But previs is more than just a learning tool. When on-site time is limited, it's a lifesaver. I can build a complete lighting show at the studio, then arrive at the venue and simply playback the program on the actual fixtures. This not only saves time and money, but also elevates the production quality.

Previs also allows me to create detailed specifications for rigging, light placement, and even potential set pieces. This means catching potential issues early and generating clear documentation for the on-site crew, streamlining the setup process.