Basics of Stage Lighting
Stage lighting is an integral part of any theatrical production. It has evolved from the most basic of roots into a compelling art form. From its humble beginnings in natural light to high tech performances and rock concerts, stage lighting has made itself essential to the theatrical experience. This article will give you an overview of the origins and history of stage lighting. It will also provide you with the techniques, terminology and types of stage lighting available today.
History
Stage lighting began with the simplest light available: natural light. The sun and moon were used for the earliest plays, so theatrical events set during the day often had to be performed during the day as well. However, soon plays were moved indoors where more elements of the production could be controlled. In the 1500s, colored jars of water were placed in front of candles to create different hues of light. Later in the 1800s, gas lamps were used and allowed brighter on sets. By the late 1800s electric lights were used in theaters, which afforded more artistic control and helped cement theatrical lighting as an intimate part of the storytelling process.
Types
Practical lights are lights that the characters themselves often bring onstage with them. Flashlights, candles and lanterns are all considered practical lights. While these may seem more like props, the fact that they cast light on the stage puts them in the jurisdiction of the lighting designer.
Parabolic Aluminized Reflectors (PAR cans) employ reflection within the structure of the light to help spill the light on the stage.
Fresnels are commonly used for spotlights and employ a thick ribbed lens to soften the light.
Ellipsoidal reflector spotlight (ERS) refers to the way in which the light is reflected onto the stage. The ERS spot also employs a long can and a secondary focal point.
Function
Lights are used in a practical sense to simply allow the audience to see the actors in a dark theater. With the absence of sunlight, some form of lighting is necessary for any indoor play. Stage lighting can also be used to set the mood in certain scenes. Ominous colors and hues can be used to create the desired theatrical effect. Another way that stage lights are used is to set a scene without set dressing. Windows and prison bars can be easily created by a shadow from a gobo (a stencil placed over a light), as can as leaves in a forest. This provides a simple and elegant way to set the scene.
Misconceptions
One of the major misconceptions about stage lighting is that it is an ancillary part of the performance. While this may have been true in the past where simply getting enough light on the stage so that the audience could see the performers was a feat in and of itself, today this is different. Lighting often plays a direct role in the storytelling aspects of a theatrical event. With contemporary lighting, shifts can be made to match music changes or even the emotional beats of a monologue. Gone are the days when lights were not an interactive aspect of a stage production.
Potential
The potential growth of stage lighting is huge. With the computerization of lighting cues and advances in technology, stage lighting will inevitably become more and more advanced. Motorized lights placed not only in place for the stage but also in unexpected areas can further engage and enthrall audience members. Hologram characters for ghosts are not as far fetched as it may sound and soon perhaps even the spirit of Hamlet's father will be at the controls of a cunning lighting designer.
