Our Favorite Lighting Tools This Month for Schools and Community Theaters

At Port Lighting, we know the challenges that come with lighting school auditoriums, community theaters, and multi-use venues. You need equipment that’s durable, flexible, and easy to operate—especially when your team includes volunteers or students. That’s why every month, we highlight gear that stands out for its reliability, performance, and value.

Here are five of our current favorite lighting tools, all available now on portlightingstore.com. Whether you're upgrading your system or starting fresh, these are excellent choices for any education or performance space.

ETC ColorSource 20 Console

The ColorSource 20 Console is a compact yet powerful lighting controller that simplifies DMX programming for both new and seasoned users. With 20 faders and an intuitive touchscreen interface, it gives you control over LED and conventional fixtures without overwhelming complexity.

• 20 channel faders with clear layout

• Touchscreen for fast, intuitive operation

• Durable build for everyday use in high-traffic spaces

• For smaller applications

Why it's a favorite: It’s ideal for schools and theaters transitioning into more advanced lighting, offering both flexibility and simplicity, as well as its ease of use for smaller spaces.

Chauvet Ovation CYC 3FC

The Ovation CYC 3FC provides rich, full-spectrum washes that blend seamlessly across your cyclorama. This compact fixture uses RGBAL color mixing for an impressive range of hues, from vibrant colors to crisp whites—without fans, making it silent during operation.

• Designed specifically for cyc washes

• Compact and stackable for scalable systems

• Silent and convection-cooled

Why it's a favorite: Perfect for drama departments or theaters needing smooth, colorful backdrops without sacrificing sound control.

City Theatrical DMXcat-E

The DMXcat-E is a must-have tool for lighting techs and production staff. It pairs with your smartphone to test DMX and RDM networks, eliminating the need to pull out a console during setup or troubleshooting.

• Ethernet and Bluetooth enabled

• RDM support with full configuration tools

• Battery powered and pocket-sized for portability

Why it's a favorite: It’s a time-saving, problem-solving tool that gives crews confidence during tech days and show builds.

Ultratec FX Radiance Hazer with Block Swap

The Radiance Hazer is known for producing fine, consistent atmospheric haze with low fluid consumption and minimal noise. Its block swap feature makes maintenance fast and easy—ideal for schools or rentals where turnaround time is tight.

• Precise output control for subtle to strong effects

• Quiet operation, perfect for live theater

• Swappable heat block for convenient servicing

Why it's a favorite: It brings professional-level haze to any venue with reliability and low maintenance.

ETC High End Lonestar Ultra Bright

Compact in size but powerful in output, the ETC Lonestar is a moving light designed for theaters and performance venues that need advanced features in a tight space. With full framing shutters, a rotating gobo wheel, and high lumen output, it brings pro-level flexibility to schools and midsize theaters.

• Ultra-bright LED engine with smooth dimming

• Automated framing and zoom for flexible focus

• Compact enough to fit small grids and tight positions

Why it's a favorite: It’s a versatile, feature-rich moving light that fits where bigger fixtures can’t—without sacrificing power or control.

Looking Ahead: Don’t Miss Next Month’s Favorites

At Port Lighting, we're always testing, comparing, and recommending the best tools for real-world productions—and we love sharing what works. These monthly picks are just the beginning.

Each month, we'll spotlight our top lighting tools—from smart control solutions and fixture upgrades to backstage tech and atmosphere effects—hand-selected by our team of experts.

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