Lighting design - AQAConsiderations when lighting a show

Lighting design is an important aspect of theatre design that helps to create meaning, mood and atmosphere on stage.

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Considerations when lighting a show

When designing lighting, there are several other aspects to consider, including:

  • special effects
  • texture
  • transitions

Special effects

A lighting designer can use lighting to create a variety of as required by the production. For example, a quick succession of flashes can create the effect of lightening, while the slow fading of light, changing from a warm tone to a cold tone, can create the effect of a sunset.

Texture

Light can be used to create different textures on stage. For example, the use of a dappled can create the effect of light through trees, which can provide the stage with an interesting and meaningful texture.

A dappled gobo is slotted into a lantern to create a patterned lighting effect on the floor.

Transitions

Transitions refer to the movement between different lighting states. This might occur through a , where one lighting state fades into the next. The opposite of a fade is a , where one lighting state moves immediately into the next.