Stage lighting is the craft of lighting as it applies to the production of theatre, dance, opera and other performance arts.
Several different types of stage lighting instruments are used in this discipline.
In addition to basic lighting, modern stage lighting can also include special effects, such as lasers and fog machines.
People who work on stage lighting are commonly referred to as lighting technicians.
Functions of lighting:Stage lighting has multiple functions, including:
1)Selective Visibility: The simple ability to see what is occurring on stage. Any lighting design will be ineffective if the viewers cannot see the characters, unless this is the explicit intent.
2)Revelation of form: Altering the perception of shapes onstage, particularly three-dimensional stage elements.
3)Focus: Directing the audience’s attention to an area of the stage or distracting them from another.
4)Mood: Setting the tone of a scene. Harsh red light has a totally different effect from soft lavender light.
5)Location and time of day: Establishing or altering position in time and space. Blues can suggest night time while orange and red can suggest a sunrise or sunset. Use of mechanical filters (“gobos”) to project sky scenes, the moon, etc.
6)Projection/stage elements: Lighting may be used to project scenery or to act as scenery onstage.
7)Plot (script): A lighting event may trigger or advance the action onstage.
