Top 10 stage and theatre lighting​ Manufacturers and Supplier Brands in China

Top 10 Stage and Theatre Lighting Manufacturers and Supplier Brands in China

Searching for reliable stage and theatre lighting suppliers in China? This guide identifies the top 10 manufacturers and brands you can source in China—covering professional theatre fixtures, moving heads, profile spots, LED stage wash, followspots, and control consoles. It is written to help theatre managers, rental companies, production buyers, and project specifiers make informed procurement choices.

Why this list matters for stage and theatre lighting buyers

Market buyers look for proven performance, stable quality, after-sales support, and product availability of stage and theatre lighting. This list balances global innovation with local supply channels in China so you can compare brands that offer pro-level lighting fixtures and control systems suitable for live events, opera, and theatre projects.

How we selected the top brands for stage and theatre lighting in China

Selection criteria included product range for stage and theatre lighting, export footprint, distributor and service presence in China, reputation among rental houses and venues, and documented use in professional performances. Brands here are either Chinese manufacturers with export capability or international manufacturers with established China distribution.

1. Uplus Lighting — Guangzhou-based stage and theatre lighting manufacturer

About & product focus: Uplus Lighting, established in 2012 in Guangzhou, specializes in high-end stage lighting products designed for theatres, studios, concerts, and live events. Their portfolio covers professional moving heads, LED profile and wash fixtures, theatre followspots, and stage control solutions. Uplus supports OEM and customized development and emphasizes product stability and quality control for rental companies and project clients.

Why consider Uplus for stage and theatre lighting: Local manufacturing in Guangzhou reduces lead time for China projects, and their experience in supplying major concerts, opera houses, and TV programs since 2015 shows real project track record. Uplus is a good choice when you need custom solutions, OEM cooperation, or shorter delivery cycles in China.

2. ETC (Electronic Theatre Controls) — pro theatre lighting systems with China presence

About & product focus: ETC is a leading global manufacturer of professional theatre lighting fixtures, dimming systems, and lighting controls—best known for Source Four ellipsoidals, ColorSource and Eos family control consoles used in theatrical productions worldwide.

Why consider ETC in China: ETC’s fixtures and consoles are widely specified for opera houses, educational theatres, and professional stages. Their theatrical optics and control workflows are industry standards where precise beam shaping, color mixing, and console ergonomics are priorities.

3. Signify / Philips Entertainment Lighting — established theatrical and architectural lighting

About & product focus: Signify (formerly Philips Lighting) operates global theatre and entertainment lighting lines (including products under Philips and Color Kinetics). They supply high-quality LED stage fixtures, theatre house lights, and dynamic architectural luminaires suitable for cultural venues.

Why consider Signify in China: Strong supply chain, long-term warranties, and proven LED technology make Signify products a solid option for theatre house lighting, auditorium retrofits, and venues that need trusted, long-life fixtures.

4. Martin by HARMAN — moving heads and theatrical effects for large live events

About & product focus: Martin is known for powerful moving heads, beam and wash fixtures, theatrical luminaires, and large-scale effects used in concerts and touring productions. Their fixtures are popular with rental companies and large venues in China.

Why consider Martin in China: If your project requires high-output moving heads or established effects fixtures for touring productions and concert theatres, Martin has product lines and Chinese distribution to support procurement and service.

5. Robe Lighting — flexible moving lights and creative theatrical fixtures

About & product focus: Robe supplies a wide range of moving head fixtures, spot/wash hybrids, and theatre-friendly fixtures used in professional productions. Robe is appreciated for color rendering, mechanical reliability, and creative output.

Why consider Robe in China: Robe is frequently used by production designers and rental companies in China for theatre productions and concert tours due to its consistent performance and variety of fixture types suitable for different stage scales.

6. Claypaky — precision moving heads and theatrical spot fixtures

About & product focus: Claypaky is known for high-precision moving heads and theatrical spot fixtures. Their optical quality and beam control make them suitable for performance theatres and broadcast applications.

Why consider Claypaky in China: Claypaky products are chosen where precise beam definition and compact high-output fixtures are required—useful for venues that need tight beams, gobos, and accurate framing.

7. GLP — versatile fixtures for theatre, TV, and live events

About & product focus: GLP (German company) produces compact moving heads, LED wash/spot fixtures, and effects units that balance output, speed, and cost. Their products are used across theatre and television studios.

Why consider GLP in China: GLP fixtures often offer strong value for rental inventories and studio installations where compact, reliable fixtures and quick service are important.

8. Chauvet Professional — reliable mid-market stage fixtures and tour gear

About & product focus: Chauvet Professional supplies moving heads, washes, strobes, and theatre-appropriate LED fixtures. They are widely available in China through distributors and dealers.

Why consider Chauvet in China: Chauvet is a pragmatic choice for rental firms and schools seeking cost-effective, dependable stage and theatre lighting solutions with good dealer support.

9. ADJ (American DJ) — stage lighting for rental, theatre education, and live events

About & product focus: ADJ offers a wide array of stage lighting including moving heads, theatrical LED fixtures, and professional wash lights. Their price-to-performance ratio appeals to many rental houses and smaller theatres in China.

Why consider ADJ in China: For venues with tighter budgets or educational theatres, ADJ provides entry-to-mid level theatrical fixtures backed by an international distribution network that covers China.

10. Elation Professional — full-range theatrical systems and consoles

About & product focus: Elation provides moving lights, LED fixtures, theatrical wash lights, and lighting control consoles used by rental companies and production houses globally.

Why consider Elation in China: Elation is known for offering a broad product lineup, good documentation, and support networks that help Chinese rental companies and theatres standardize on reliable fixtures and control workflows.

Comparison Table — Top 10 stage and theatre lighting brands for China projects

Buying guidance: how to choose the right stage and theatre lighting supplier

Assess your venue and production requirements

Define light levels, coverage, color fidelity (CRI/TLCI), beam shaping needs, rigging constraints, and control integration. For theatre work, ellipsoidal spots and high-CRI fresnels/LEDs plus theatrical consoles are important.

Compare warranty, local support, and spare parts availability

In China projects, local repair service and spare-part pipelines save downtime. Brands with authorized service centers or local manufacturing (like Uplus) can reduce lead time for replacements and modifications.

Consider TCO: energy, lifespan and maintenance

LED fixtures can reduce power and maintenance costs, but evaluate initial cost vs. long-term reliability and availability of consumables (like lamps and lenses).

Test in your venue and request photometric data

Ask for photometric reports (IES files), beam diagrams, and in-situ demos for critical theatrical fixtures. That ensures accurate focus, color rendering, and coverage before large purchases.

Procurement tips for Chinese projects

Leverage OEM and customization when needed

Manufacturers like Uplus offer OEM and custom development—useful when standard fixtures need changes for theatre integration (brackets, optical options, or control protocols).

Negotiate spare parts and training with suppliers

Secure spare parts, optional training for technical staff, and local calibration or console programming support as part of the procurement contract.

Conclusion — choosing the best stage and theatre lighting for your China project

Selecting the right brand depends on the venue scale, theatrical needs, budget, and service expectations. International brands like ETC, Martin, Robe, and Claypaky bring established theatrical workflows and optics; brands like Uplus offer localized manufacturing, customization, and faster China delivery. For most professional theatre and live event buyers in China, a hybrid approach—mixing proven international fixtures with locally manufactured or OEM-capable products—balances performance, lead time, and cost.

Sources and references

• ETC (Electronic Theatre Controls) — Company and product pages. Accessed 2025-12-31. https://www.etcconnect.com/
• Signify (Philips Lighting) — Company product pages and entertainment lighting. Accessed 2025-12-31. https://www.signify.com/
• Martin by HARMAN — Product and company information. Accessed 2025-12-31. https://www.martin.com/
• Robe Lighting — Company product pages. Accessed 2025-12-31. https://robelighting.com/
• Claypaky — Company and product information. Accessed 2025-12-31. https://www.claypaky.com/
• GLP (German Light Products) — Company product pages. Accessed 2025-12-31. https://glp.de/
• Chauvet Professional — Product and company pages. Accessed 2025-12-31. https://www.chauvetprofessional.com/
• ADJ (American DJ) — Product information and distribution. Accessed 2025-12-31. https://www.adj.com/
• Elation Professional — Company and product information. Accessed 2025-12-31. https://www.elationlighting.com/
• Uplus Lighting — Company profile (information provided by client). Uplus Lighting, Guangzhou. Company profile provided (accessed 2025-12-31).

Common project questions about stage and theatre lighting (FAQ)

Q: What is the most important factor for theatre lighting purchases?
A: For theatre, color rendering (high CRI/TLCI), optical quality (ellipsoidal/profile spots) and control integration are top priorities, followed by reliability and local service.

Q: Should I buy international brands or local Chinese manufacturers for theatre fixtures?
A: Use a mix: international brands often provide industry-standard optics and consoles; local manufacturers (like Uplus) can offer customization and shorter lead times for China projects.

Q: How important is a lighting console brand when choosing fixtures?
A: Very important. Console workflows influence programming speed and compatibility. Choose fixtures with reliable DMX/RDM and, if possible, verify compatibility with your console brand (ETC, grandMA, Eos, etc.).

Q: Are LED fixtures suitable for theatre work compared to traditional lamps?
A: Modern LED theatre fixtures with high CRI/TLCI are suitable and reduce heat and maintenance. For some traditional theatrical looks, tungsten lamps are still used, but LEDs have become standard for many venues.

Q: How can I ensure quick service and spare parts availability in China?
A: Work with suppliers or distributors that maintain local stock or partner with Chinese service centers. Consider manufacturers offering local manufacturing or official China service partners.

Q: Do rental companies prefer specific brands for stage and theatre lighting?
A: Rental houses often favor brands with strong durability, easy servicing, and high demand from productions—many choose mixes of Martin, Robe, Claypaky, GLP, Elation, and regionally-manufactured fixtures for cost balance.

Q: Can a manufacturer customize fixtures for a theatre project?
A: Yes. Manufacturers like Uplus provide OEM and custom development to adapt fixtures for specific theatre needs—such as custom yokes, optical modules, or dimming curves.

Q: What documents should I request from a supplier before purchase?
A: Request photometric files (IES), technical specifications, warranty terms, service network details, power and DMX control requirements, and a list of recommended spares.

Q: How do I evaluate fixture photometrics for my theatre?
A: Use IES files and beam diagrams to simulate coverage in your venue, checking lux levels, beam spread, focus range, and color rendering at typical focus distances.

Q: Is training available for lighting crews on new fixtures and consoles?
A: Many suppliers and distributors offer training—ask for programming, maintenance, and rigging training to be included or as an add-on service.