Stage Lighting is a comprehensive, informative and easily understood introduction to a seemingly complicated and technical subject. Assuming that the reader has no prior knowledge of theatres or electrical theory, this book provides both the complete novice and the aspiring professional with the knowledge and confidence to light their own theatrical productions.

The book traces the history and development of theatre lighting. It includes a complete guide to the layout and running of a modern theatre, the location of its various parts and what each is called, the different styles of performing space, plus the various theatre personnel, so that the reader feels able to use theatre terms with confidence.

When planning the lighting for a theatrical production, the lighting designer has many factors to consider, from the script, the mood and style of the piece, and the design of the set and costumes to the nature and shape of the venue, existing lighting equipment and, of course, the budget. Stage Lighting deals with all these considerations as well as providing a thorough introduction to electrical theory and safety and its specific application within a theatre environment.

Introduction 6

Making a Start

The empty space 12

Theatre shapes 14

Who does what and where 16

Basic electrical theory and safety 18

Beginning the process 24

Dividing the stage 26

Planning 28

The set mode[ 3o

Rehearsals 31

The cue synopsis 32

Making a lighting plan 34

Stage sections and light 36

Lighting angles 40

Examples of lighting designs 42

Achieving the Effects

The luminaires 5o

Profile spots and ellipsoid reflector spots 52

Follow spots 56

Fresnels and pebble-convex lanterns 58

Floods and cyc floods 62

Parcans and beam lights 64

Controlling the Dower supply 66

Controlling the lights 68

Creating atmosphere 72

Colour theory 82

Colour gels 84

Mixing colours 86

Colour on the stage 88

Creating Special Effects

Gobos 94

Colour changers and chasers 99

Clouds 1oo

Snow and water 1o1

Strobes and black light 1o2

Light curtains 1o3

Moon and stars 1o4

Lamps, candles and fires 1o6

Projections 1o8

Scrims 11o

Smoke 111

Light boxes 112

Unusual lighting positions 113

Pyrotechnics 114

Production

Planning 118

The final sessions 126

Troubleshooting 13o

Lighting Directory 132

Glossary 134

Index 14o

Credits 144