Theatrical Lighting

1. Visibility
a. See specific actors or object on stage
b. Draw attention to, or away from actors/objects on stage
2. Mood- can be set by manipulating
a. Color
b. Intensity
c. Texture (hard or soft edges) or effects
i. Use GOBO for projections such as projecting shadows or crack in the ground
in order to create texture
3. Sets the scene- can indicate
a. Indoor/outdoor setting
b. Time of day/year
i. Light intensity and color is changing (for example changing the time of day
from sunrise to sunset)
4. Dimension
a. Add dimension to actors/objects on stage by using the McCandless
Method (shooting light from different angles rather than straight at
the actor/actress)
i. It creates a three-dimensional look
ii. Using three lights
iii. Two coming in from the front on the side at fourty five degree angles
iv. While using a third back light
b. Could make someone/something 2D or 3D

Two Types of Theatrical Lighting

1. Conventional Lighting - old school lighting
a. Dimmers control flow of electricity to an instrument
2. LED - nowadays lighting
a. Light Emitting Diodes are controlled digitally through DMX data cables
b. Very expensive
c. Difficult to get as bright as conventional lights

Lighting Instuments
1. Name: PAR or PAR CAN
a. Known as: the “Rock and Roll” Light
 b. Uses: General Lighting
c. Pros: Cheap, Easy to use, Plug ‘n’ Shoot
d. Cons: Not versatile, little control
2. Name: Fresnel (pronouced Fre-nel)
a. Distinguishing feature: stepped lens
b. Type of beam: soft, diffused light
c. Primary use: downlight/area lighting
d. Pros: Not a harsh light, easy to use, adds DIMENSION
e. Cons: expensive/limited features
3. Name: E.R.S (Elliposidal Reflector Spotlight)
a. Type of beam: intense beam/focusable edge
b. Primary Uses: Frontlight, specific spotlight, colors and effects
c. Pros: Most versatile, creative effects- Gobos/texture/color gels/shutters
d. Cons: Expensive, requires attention/skill to use