Lights, Savings, Action: How Theaters Are Reducing Their Energy Use

One of the most immediate and impactful changes local theaters can implement is upgrading to energy-efficient lighting systems. Traditional incandescent and halogen stage lights consume substantial power and generate excess heat, which often requires additional air conditioning to manage. Replacing these with LED stage lighting significantly reduces energy consumption and lowers operating costs. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, LED lights use at least 75 percent less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent lighting, making them a sustainable and cost-effective alternative for theater productions¹.

Beyond the stage, theaters can also retrofit their lobbies, rehearsal spaces, and dressing rooms with motion-sensor LED lighting to cut down on unnecessary energy use during non-performance hours. Investing in programmable lighting control systems allows technical crews to optimize lighting usage during rehearsals and shows, reducing waste without compromising artistic quality. By making these changes, theaters not only minimize their environmental impact but also enhance their financial sustainability, allowing more resources to be directed toward artistic programming.

Reusing and Recycling Set Materials and Costumes

The volume of waste generated by set construction and costume design can be substantial. A traditional production cycle often involves building entirely new sets and wardrobes for each show, only to discard them once the run ends. To reduce this cycle of waste, theaters can adopt a reuse-first approach. This involves cataloging and storing set pieces, props, and costumes in a way that makes them easily retrievable for future use. Theatres like the National Theatre in London have established prop and costume archives that not only serve their own productions but are also rented out to other companies, reinforcing a circular economy model within the arts².

Local theaters can partner with community organizations, schools, or other performing arts groups to share resources and donate materials they no longer need. Many educational institutions welcome used costumes and set pieces for student productions. Additionally, sustainable materials such as reclaimed wood, recycled fabric, and biodegradable paints can be prioritized during construction and design. This approach not only reduces environmental impact but also fosters creativity by challenging designers to work within existing constraints, often resulting in more innovative and resourceful staging solutions.

Reducing Single-Use Plastics and Waste During Productions

Backstage environments often rely heavily on single-use items, such as plastic water bottles, disposable makeup applicators, and packaging materials for costumes and props. To minimize this, theaters can introduce policies that encourage the use of reusable water bottles, install water refill stations, and provide washable makeup tools. These small changes can lead to significant waste reduction over the course of a production season. The Broadway Green Alliance, for instance, promotes green practices in professional theater and has successfully