Laser show: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What laser show is

A laser technician runs laser lighting and effects for concerts, parties and festivals, with programmed patterns timed to music. People book one for a dance party, a festival stage or a launch event when they want a dramatic light show synced to the sound.

Signs you need it

  • You are planning a dance party, concert or festival that needs a strong visual effect
  • You want patterns timed to the music or to the moments of the event
  • The venue is dark enough for laser effects to show well
  • You want a show that matches a theme, such as a club night or a launch
  • You want an effect that a crowd will remember without a full stage build
  • You want a provider who can handle laser safety and the audience

What the pro does

  • Asks about the venue, the music, the timing and the audience size
  • Plans patterns and cues to match the music and the event flow
  • Checks the venue for the laser safety zone, the rigging points and the power
  • Sets up the laser units, controllers and any safety barriers
  • Runs the show with programmed patterns and manual changes as the event needs
  • Shuts down the lasers and packs up the equipment

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Length of the show and the number of performances
  • Number of laser units and the power needed to run them
  • Whether the show is programmed to music or run live
  • Venue size, rigging needs and the safety zone the show requires
  • The venue size, the ceiling height and the number of laser units needed
  • Whether the provider includes a second technician or safety monitor
  • Whether the show includes haze or other effects

What a written quote should spell out

  • Show length, the number of laser units and the power needs
  • Music or cue plan and who provides the music file
  • Laser safety plan, including the safety zone and any required approvals
  • Rigging, barriers and the placement of units
  • Setup, testing and teardown times
  • What happens if the show cannot run because of venue rules or weather

Questions to ask before you hire

  • What safety plan do you use for the laser, and who checks it on site?
  • Do you have the training and the equipment rules for the lasers you use?
  • How do you keep the beams away from the audience, pilots and cameras?
  • What power and rigging do you need, and how long is setup?
  • Can I see a video of a laser show at a similar event?
  • What is your plan if the venue does not allow laser effects?
  • Do you carry liability insurance that covers the equipment and the audience?

Red flags

  • They do not have a written laser safety plan or a safety zone for the audience
  • They point beams into the crowd, at windows or toward roads without a safety plan
  • They do not ask about the venue's rules or any permits required for lasers
  • They cannot describe the equipment class or the controls they use
  • They will not confirm the safety plan or insurance in writing

What you can do yourself

Do not operate laser equipment yourself at an event. You can prepare by checking the venue's rules for laser effects, choosing the music and the timing of the show, and keeping the audience away from any area the provider marks as unsafe. Hire a trained technician for the equipment, the safety zone and the programming, since laser beams can cause eye injury and other harm when used without training.

Licenses and permits

Laser shows are often regulated, and some areas require permits, approvals or a safety plan before a show. Check with the venue, the local authority and your state or local licensing agency before booking, and ask the technician to show the permits and the safety documents for the equipment.

Laser show questions

Does a laser show need a permit?

Often yes. Many venues and local authorities require approval or a safety plan. Ask the technician to show the permits before the event.

Is a laser show safe for the audience?

It can be, when the provider uses a trained technician, a clear safety zone, beam control and a written safety plan. Ask for the plan and check it with the venue.

Can lasers be used at a children's party?

Ask the provider for its safety rules for young audiences and check the venue's rules. Many providers do not run laser effects where young children are close to the beams.

About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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