MONDAY, 1ST APRIL, 2019-Why Lighting Is Important to the Theatre

Why Lighting Is Important to the Theatre

By Tucker Cummings ; Updated September 15, 2017

The lighting designer is one of the most important people involved in the production of a play, and one of the most under-appreciated. In many plays, the best lighting is what seems most natural, and often goes unnoticed. The lighting designer's contributions to a piece of theater provide a vital sense of realism, mood and tension.

Visibility

The primary purpose of theatrical lighting is to make certain that the actors are visible. This seems obvious, but it is important that the designer has ensured that all areas of the stage and all actors on that stage can be seen when the lights are at full.

Time and Place

Lighting is also vital to establishing the setting of a play. Lighting tells the audience whether they are inside or outside, what time of year it is, and what time of day it is. Depending on the lighting (including light from set pieces), the lights may even help to establish what period in time the play takes place.

Mood

Lights are the most effective way to set the mood or tone for a play or for any given scene. Natural light can give a sense of normalcy, while the use of gels in dark greens or purples can give a scene an unsettling, otherwordly feel.

Special Effects

Lighting can be used to execute a variety of stage directions and special effects. These can range from weather (lightning, snow, rain, clouds) to fire to the illusion of explosions or gunfire.

Focus

The absence of light can also be a useful tool. By darkening certain portions of the stage, the remaining illuminated areas become focal points, thus directing the attention of the audience.

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Different Types of Stage Lights

By Mark Orwell ; Updated September 15, 2017

Stage lighting is essential to any play, concert or on-stage act. It also composes one of the most technical and complicated systems in a theater. There are a number of different types of stage lights, each with their own function and purpose. They all work together to properly light an act, and the entire system would not be the same if one of these lights were taken out of the rotation.

Main Categories

There are two main categories that stage lights fall into. Floodlights illuminate a wide area, and spotlights shine light on a smaller, more specific area.

Scoop Lights

These lights are usually used to flood the stage from above because they have the least amount of focus. They are also the cheapest lights because they do not have any lenses.

PAR Lights

These are floodlights that are housed in a can-shaped container that is attached to a pivot. This allows them to be moved around when needed, which makes them suited for pairing with effects such as smoke machines.

Fresnal Lanterns

These lights are a type of spotlights. They offer a narrow focused area of soft light that can be used to properly light an actor or an object on stage.

Ellipsoidal Reflector Spotlights

These spotlights have a much brighter and harder light. They are what is most commonly thought of as spotlights, and are used to draw the most attention to whatever they light.