Stage lighting

Essay by eurobenz867College, Undergraduate October 2007

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First of all, Stage lighting is a remarkable part of modern theatre. Remarkable because, for many thousands years, the new ability to accurately and sensitively control light has led to stage lighting's emergence as an ever more significant element in the creation of theatre. Along with so many aspect of technology, stage lighting has changed rapidly over the last hundred years, and the change has accelerated recent years. The advent of computer controlled lighting has affected the art of every level. It was not until the 16th century that any significant development took place. They had begun to move the theater indoors, which allowed a greater division between the audience and the performer. As Graham Walters discussesfor example, they discovered that tragedy was better played in darker condition and comedy in brighter light, and that appearance of the stage are could be highlighted by darkening auditorium.(Walters 8)In the 18th century people developed grater control over lighting in theaters. They introduced reflectors to direct the light, colored silks to color it, and a greater coordination between lighting. The design of the oil lamp and wick were improved, and along with the introduction of the colored glass chimney, allowed even greater flexibility. As time passed the arrivals of gas lighting in the 1820 was a revolution in stage lighting. The arrival of electric light began the series of huge technical developments in lighting that have occurred in the 20th century.

"Lighting is a compositional element, since it can lead the eye to see what is important and subordinate what is less significant. It also helps establish mood and atmosphere, style and themes" (Brockett: 342).

The basic stage lighting has four properties intensity, color, distribution, and movement. In the theatre brightness depends upon the number of light source, their type and...