Some contain a lamp and a reflector (there are many shapes, and each affects the beam of light differently). Stage lighting fixtures take advantage of these simple principles of optics in order to shape and direct the beam of light. 6) When light passes through a transparent object that has a 3 dimensional shape, that shape will affect the direction of the light in a predictable way. This change of direction is called refraction, and it happens (for instance) when light passes through a glass of water. 5) Light passing through a “transparent” object will change direction slightly. 4) A mirror that is shaped like some form of bowl will “aim” the light that it reflects in a predictable way. Light bounces off of smooth surfaces at consistent angles, and such a surface is called a mirror.
3) Light bounces off of bumpy surfaces at many different and apparently chaotic angles. We see because light is reflected from objects and some of the reflected light enters our eyes and triggers retinal cells to send messages to the brain. 2) When light hits an “opaque” surface it bounces off – this is called reflection. Fortunately - for beginning stage lighting, one can make a few simple assumptions about it, and act as if the assumptions were true: 1) Light travels in straight lines. Most of them have some device or system that allows the beam of light to be “shaped” and “directed.” The earliest stage lights were candles and oil lamps, and these were sometimes outfitted with a reflector, in order to “aim” as much light as possible at the stage.
Stage lighting design basics portable#
They are built to be durable, portable (more or less), and bright. STAGE LIGHTS Stage Lights are just lighting fixtures. One needs to comprehend the principles of a few “systems.” You need to have a basic understanding of the lighting fixtures themselves and what they do, a basic understanding of the distribution and control systems (that is – where lights get plugged in and how they are controlled), and a basic understanding of how choices and decisions about lighting are made.
Stage lighting design basics how to#
But it’s not as hard as all that, and once you learn how to use it you can make a lot of magic with a little light. Lighting can seem hugely complicated and intimidating to the neophyte, and it has a lingo and procedure all its own. THE BASICS OF STAGE LIGHTING A basic knowledge of stage lighting may be the most useful “technical theatre” tool that an actor or director can acquire.