When the audience can also see the set, then we’ve put the actors in context as well.

But, as the space gets bigger, it becomes more important to make sure you have good lighting on the actors so that the audience doesn’t have to strain their eyes! When you’re lighting a show in a very small space, it’s not super-critical to light the actors well (or brightly). When the audience can see the actors clearly, they are able to fully understand and take in all of the words, actions, and moods that the actors are portraying – down to facial expressions! If we accomplish nothing else, we need to at least make sure this happens! To Illuminate The Actors and SetĪt its core, theatre lighting is there to help you see the actors and set on stage. In this article, I’m going to share with you the very basics of theatre lighting, and then show you even more places to get more help lighting your first show!īecause, at the end of the day, I want you to learn how to begin working with lighting so that you can make an awe-inspiring show for the theatrical production you’ve been “cast” into helping with! What Are The Basic Functions of Lighting in the Theatre? 1. When it comes down to it, theatre lighting can be intimidating, especially if you haven’t worked with lighting before.īut the truth is, theatre lighting doesn’t have to be difficult, it doesn’t have to be complex, and you don’t have to be an expert to design your first show.

Stage lighting design pdf