• Lighting a stage properly is a major part of a live production.Southern Stock/Digital Vision/Getty Images
  
  Lighting a stage properly is a major part in bringing theater shows to life. As with any production, lighting a stage is a team effort and must be coordinated with the lighting staff, technical director and the director in order to be successful. The way a scene is lit enhances the feel of the piece and promotes a sense of mood. Lighting designers should ensure that actors and their actions are not in shadow, and that neither the light or dark areas are distracting to an audience. There are several techniques to make sure a stage is lit to enhance the action on the stage.
  
  

Color

• Lighting a scene with a variety of colors can enhance the theater experience for the audience. Color evokes emotion in ways little else can. There are three colors used most often in theater: red, blue and green. Known as the primary colors of lighting, red, blue and green are then built upon to create different colors and effects.
  
  Combining two primary colors create what is called a secondary color, while mixing a primary and secondary color creates white light. For additional color options, gels are thin pieces of plastic that can be placed over a bulb to create different colors. Gels are available in thousands of different shades and are an inexpensive way to set a mood on stage.
  
  

Lighting arrangements

• In theater, as in other areas of production, lighting can be arranged in several different ways. There are three primary positions for lights: front, side and down. Front lighting is more commonly seen as a spotlight. Its primary purpose is to provide visibility and add color. It is also directs focus to an individual or set piece. The front light should be angled toward the stage between 30 to 50 degrees.
  
  Generally used with bold colors, side lighting works to accent specific movements or provide contrast in colors.
  
  Down lighting creates the illusion of depth and works as a spotlight to isolate individuals on stage. Additionally, back lighting creates a feeling of depth, but must be used carefully. When used from a low angle, the back light will create a silhouette, but placing it at audience eye level makes for uncomfortable viewing for the audience.
  
  

Equipment

• Quality equipment is an important aspect of being an effective theater lighting technician. Lighting staff must be knowledgeable about the field and flexible enough to solve problems and create solutions. An ellipsoidal is a prominent tool in the theater world. Its primary function is to create focus in lights and to soften or cut off a beam if necessary.
  
  A Fresnel is normally used to create a color wash, using a built-in track to change the strength of the beam. The edge of the light on a Fresnel is always soft, but combining it with an ellipsoidal can alter that.
  
  An important piece of equipment in every theatre is a Par Can. Par Cans produce a broad, strong beam that can light a large area. These are easy to work with and easy to focus, and are common with traveling shows, concerts and the like.