Light a Play
Stage lighting is a key element in production. Lighting is used for plays, film, television, marketing, performance art and concerts. Most training for lighting takes place in the arena of theater, but the learned concepts can be carried through to other art forms. Follow the tips below for lighting a play.
Instructions
1. Read and analyze the play. It is very important to understand the play on a deep and involved level. Much of this will come with the help of the director of the play in meetings. Be familiar with the tone and speed of the play, and the courses of action.
2. Work with the other designers. During the production of a play, it is very important to be on the same page as the costume and scenic designers. All of the designs should work together, and if they do not, it can make or break the success of the play.
3. Have the correct equipment. A play can be lit with minimal equipment. Even before electricity, the effects of the sunlight and candlelight were considered while doing plays. Know the proper use and capabilities the equipment you have, no matter how simple it may be.
4. Consider visibility. The main purpose of lighting is to make sure the actors and the action on stage are able to be seen. No matter how dramatic and cool the lighting effects may be, in the end people are coming to watch the actors and want to be able to see them easily.
5. Represent the mood of the play. While analyzing the play, think about things like the tone, the speed of the action and the location. Lighting will be much different for a funny children's play than for a Shakespearean tragedy.
6. Use lights for focus. This means that the lights should guide the audience to look where they should. With lighting, focus on the action that is taking place onstage at the time. If the light is shining in the background while an actor is delivering an important monologue, the audience will be looking at the background.
