Production Skills

• What is the primary purpose of stage lighting in theatre?

  To illuminate what is happening on stage
• How does lighting affect our understanding of events in theatre?

  It influences our mood and emotions
• What can lighting design generate in a theatrical performance?

  Mood, dramatic climaxes, and audience stimulation
• What can lighting determine in a scene?

  Whether it is day or night
• What extra information can lighting provide to the audience?

  Time of day, mood, and focus on characters
• How does effective lighting impact a theatrical performance?

  It enhances the overall impact of the performance
• What are the responsibilities of a lighting designer/technician during the pre-rehearsal period?

  • Read the play and note lighting changes
  • Discuss with the Director and production team
  • Collaborate with the set designer
  • Research budget and lighting allocation
  • Prepare initial lighting plan and plot
• What tasks does a lighting designer/technician perform during early rehearsals?

  • Finalize lighting plan and cue sheet
  • Order specialized equipment
• What are the responsibilities of a lighting designer/technician during the later rehearsal period?

  • Attend rehearsals for timing and effects
  • Supervise lighting fit up and plotting
  • Attend technical rehearsal and note problems
  • Resolve identified problems
• What checks does a lighting designer/technician perform pre-performance?

  • Check lighting states and cues
  • Test all lights for functionality
• What does a lighting designer/technician do during the performance?

  • Operate lighting
  • Observe performance for improvements
• What are the post-performance responsibilities of a lighting designer/technician?

  • Share notes with Director/Stage Manager
  • Attend post-production meeting
  • Supervise return of hired equipment
• What is a slow fade to in lighting terms?

  Lighting fades out slowly
• What does a fast fade to mean?

  Lighting fades out quickly
• What is a snap to in lighting?

  Instant blackout achieved
• What does crossfade mean?

  Change from one cue without blackout
• What is a blackout in lighting terms?

  Acting area is not lit
• What does fade up/down refer to?

  Brightening or dimming the lighting
• What is a wash in lighting?

  Evenly lit acting area
• What is a flood lantern?

  Lantern giving a wide spread of light
• What is a follow spot?

  Powerful profile used to follow actors
• What is a Fresnel spot?

  Lantern giving a soft edge beam
• What is a profile spot?

  Lantern giving a hard edge beam
• What is a spotlight?

  Beam of light for a person or place
• What is a gel in lighting?

  Film to change the color of the beam
• What does focusing mean in lighting?

  Positioning lanterns for desired lighting
• What does LFX stand for?

  Lighting effects
• What is a lighting desk?

  Control board for lighting
• What should you describe in your lighting justification?

  • Opening lighting state created
  • Lantern used and its intensity
  • Impact on the scene
  • One lighting change and its reason
  • Whether lighting is diegetic or non-diegetic