How to Budget for Stage Light Improvement

Why Budgeting Matters for Professional Stage Lighting Projects

Investing in stage light improvements isn’t just about aesthetics — it’s about creating a professional and engaging atmosphere. Whether you’re upgrading theatre lighting for a school auditorium, enhancing production lighting for a church, or installing professional lighting for a broadcast studio, a well-planned budget ensures you get the best results without overspending.

A clear budget helps you:

• Prioritize essential lighting upgrades
• Avoid unexpected costs
• Choose the right mix of stage light fixtures for your space
• Determine whether a DIY approach or professional installation makes more sense

To help you get started, let’s walk through the budgeting process step by step.

Assessing Your Current Lighting Setup

Before purchasing new stage light equipment, evaluate what you already have. Ask yourself:

• Are your current fixtures outdated or inefficient?
• Do you need better control over dimming, color, or beam angles?
• Is your existing theatre lighting compatible with modern LED technology?
• Are maintenance costs increasing due to aging equipment?

If you’re unsure where to begin, consider a lighting assessment from a professional installer. They can identify areas for improvement and recommend cost-effective solutions. For more insights, check out 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Stage Lights for Your Theatre.

Planning Your Lighting Budget: What to Consider

A well-balanced stage light budget includes:

1. Equipment Costs

The price of professional lighting varies based on fixture type, brand, and features. Consider:

• LED vs. traditional fixtures
• Moving lights vs. static fixtures
• Wireless vs. wired control systems

2. Installation & Labor

While DIY upgrades might save money upfront, professional installation ensures long-term reliability. Factor in:

• Electrical work 
• Mounting and rigging costs
• Programming and system integration
• Support post-installation

3. Control Systems & Accessories

A great stage light setup isn’t just about fixtures — you’ll need:

• Lighting consoles for easy control
• Dimmers and DMX controllers for smooth transitions
• Rigging hardware to safely position fixtures

4. Ongoing Maintenance

Even the best production lighting requires occasional upkeep. Consider:

• Replacement bulbs and parts
• Routine servicing
• Troubleshooting guidance

For a deeper dive into budgeting strategies, check out this industry guide.

DIY Upgrades vs. Professional Installation: Which One Fits Your Budget?

Deciding between a DIY approach and hiring a professional depends on your budget, expertise, and project size.

For larger theatre lighting or production lighting projects, professional installation often provides a better return on investment.

Ready to hire a professional? Schedule a consultation!

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Get Started on Your Lighting Upgrade

A well-planned stage light budget ensures your venue gets the lighting it needs — without breaking the bank. Whether you’re looking for professional lighting for a church, upgrading theatre lighting for a school, or enhancing production lighting for a corporate space, we’re here to help.

Ready to upgrade? Learn more about our work with schools and higher education institutions.

Contact The Platts Company today to discuss your next stage light project!

Why Your Gym Scoreboard Matters More Than You Think

A gym scoreboard is more than just a way to keep track of the game — it’s a focal point for fans, players, and coaches that enhances school spirit, community engagement, and revenue opportunities. Whether in a high school gym, a college basketball arena, or a multi-sport facility, a modern LED scoreboard that incorporates a video wall transforms the space far beyond game day.

Traditional scoreboards are limited in function. What if your scoreboard could also be a video wall for school assemblies, graduations, and PTA meetings? Schools today need multi-use solutions that maximize budgets, and that’s where LED scoreboard/video walls come in.

If you’re an Athletic Director, school administrator, or facility manager, here are five signs it’s time for an upgrade.

Sign #1: Your Scoreboard is Outdated and Lacking Modern Features

Older gym scoreboards rely on outdated technology, making them difficult to operate, expensive to maintain, and less visually appealing. Many schools are now choosing digital scoreboards that double as video walls, allowing for instant replays, animated graphics, and player introductions — all in one unit.

Signs your scoreboard is behind the times:

• Limited or no video display capabilities
• Manual operation instead of wireless control
• Missing real-time player stats, replays, and animations
• Dim or hard-to-read LED panels

Why live in the past with a single-use scoreboard when you can have a cost-effective, multi-purpose solution? Schools that switch to LED scoreboard + video walls cut costs by eliminating the need for separate display technology for different events.

Out With The Old, In With The New!

Sign #2: Frequent Repairs Are Draining Your Budget

Does your gym scoreboard require frequent servicing? Traditional scoreboards aren’t built to last in today’s fast-moving digital world. Frequent breakdowns, outdated parts, and costly repairs make them more expensive to maintain than they’re worth.

If you’re dealing with:

• Flickering or dead pixels on the display
• Unresponsive controls or faulty wiring
• Hard-to-find replacement parts

…it’s time to upgrade. Instead of patching up an old system, invest in a future-proof, all-in-one display. A modern LED scoreboard/video wall is designed for longevity, eliminating these recurring costs.

Sign #3: Your Gym Needs More Than Just a Scoreboard

Today’s school gyms aren’t just for sports. They host assemblies, concerts, talent shows, PTA meetings, and even graduations. If you’re investing in a display, why settle for one that only serves a single function?

An LED scoreboard/video wall can display any A/V source — not just scoreboard software. This means:

• Live video streaming of games, ceremonies, or performances
• Presentations for school assemblies and meetings
• Dynamic digital signage for wayfinding or event schedules
• Stage backdrops for performances, pep rallies, and concerts

For gymnatoriums (gym + auditorium spaces), the Platts Company provides a full A/V solution, including:

• LED walls/scoreboards
• Sound systems
• A/V control rooms for video production and streaming
• Performance stage lighting
• Classroom A/V integration

These aren’t just upgrades — they’re game-changers for how schools engage students, communicate with their communities, and maximize facility use.

Sign #4: You’re Missing Opportunities for Sponsorship Revenue

A gym scoreboard is more than just a game-day tool — it’s a revenue generator. Schools and universities using an LED scoreboard + video wall can sell ad space to help fund athletic programs and school initiatives.

How a digital scoreboard boosts revenue:

• Rotating sponsor logos during timeouts
• Video commercials and banner ads displayed at key moments
• Community engagement with local business promotions
• Event sponsorships for non-sports activities

Many schools are already offsetting the cost of their investment by offering ad space to local businesses and school boosters, turning their scoreboard into a long-term revenue stream. Unlike traditional scoreboards, a digital scoreboard with a built-in video wall allows schools to showcase full-screen sponsor ads, video commercials, and rotating digital banners.

Sign #5: Your Gym is Competing for Attention and Recruits

For high schools and colleges, first impressions matter, and facilities play a major role in attracting students and athletes. Recruits, students, and alumni notice the quality of your athletic facilities, and an outdated gym scoreboard can make your program look behind the times. 

A modern LED scoreboard with a built in video all shows that your school: 

1. Is serious about athletics by investing in cutting-edge technology
2. Provides a high-quality experience for athletes and fans
3. Competes at a higher level for talent and engagement

For colleges and universities, an upgraded college basketball scoreboard can help attract top talent by showcasing instant replays, player highlights, and immersive crowd engagement tools​.y showcasing instant replays, player highlights, and immersive crowd engagement tools​.

What to Look for in a New Gym Scoreboard

Not just any scoreboard will work. Schools should link beyond scoring and invest in a system that enhances the entire facility. If you’re ready to upgrade, here’s what to consider when choosing a new gym scoreboard:

• High-visibility LED display for clear, bright scoring
• Wireless control system for easy operation
• Digital signage capabilities for use beyond sports
• Full A/V input compatibility (no scoreboard software required)
• Long-term cost savings with multi-use functionality

Why live in the past with a static scoreboard when you could have one multipurpose unit that can be used every day of the year? Look for a gym scoreboard that integrates a video wall for live footage, player highlights, and sponsorship messages. For a deep dive into why video scoreboards are growing in popularity, check out this article.

How to Get Started with Your Gym Scoreboard Upgrade

Upgrading your gym scoreboard isn’t just about getting a better display—it’s about making a smarter investment in your school’s future. The Platts Company brings over 45 years of experience in A/V system integration, helping schools create fully integrated solutions that go beyond the scoreboard. 

Next Steps:

• Learn more about sports venue solutions.
• Explore our K-12 solutions.
• See how we support higher education athletics.
• Schedule a consultation today and get expert advice on creating a full A/V solution for your gym.

Contact the Platts Company to discuss upgrading to a scoreboard-video wall  that transforms your gym into a multi-purpose, high-tech venue. Let’s take your facility to the next level!