Considering colour, focus, intensity and position
When designing lighting, there are several aspects to consider, including:
- colour
- focus
- intensity
- position and direction
Colour
A lighting designer will choose the colour of lights to create a range of different effects, such as the time of day or a particular mood or atmosphere.
Focus
The focus of a light refers to how tight or soft the edge of a beam of light is. A light with tight, sharp edges can highlight a performer on stage, whereas soft edges would be more effective if the light needs blending with the light from another The technical term for a stage light..
Intensity
The intensity refers to how bright or dim light is. The level of intensity may vary from one scene to the next. The intensity of light can give the audience information such as the season or the time of day.
Position and direction
A lantern can be hung from different positions and pointed in different directions to create effects. A light at the front of the stage, almost on a level with the feet of the performers. might be positioned on the stage floor to cast large shadows behind the actors on stage.
| Direction of light | Effect on stage |
| Above | A beam of light shining down directly onto an actor will cast dramatic shadows. |
| Front | A beam of light in front of an actor will light them clearly - however, it may wash out their facial features. |
| Behind | A beam of light behind the actor will place them in silhouette so the audience will only see their outline. |
| Side | A lantern positioned in the wings will light the performers on stage without lighting anything else. |
| Direction of light | Above |
|---|---|
| Effect on stage | A beam of light shining down directly onto an actor will cast dramatic shadows. |
| Direction of light | Front |
|---|---|
| Effect on stage | A beam of light in front of an actor will light them clearly - however, it may wash out their facial features. |
| Direction of light | Behind |
|---|---|
| Effect on stage | A beam of light behind the actor will place them in silhouette so the audience will only see their outline. |
| Direction of light | Side |
|---|---|
| Effect on stage | A lantern positioned in the wings will light the performers on stage without lighting anything else. |