GCSE Drama - Lighting

Gobo

a thin metal template with a pattern punched out; attached to a lighting instrument to create patterned or textured lighting effects

Coloured gels

coloured panels that fit over the light to change the colour of the light.

On stage lighting

Lighting that is incorporated in the set design (e.g. a lamp, candle or a torch)

Downlighting

Lighting that comes from directly overhead

Uplighting

A stage lighting technique where a person or object is lit from below, contrasting with the more standard lighting from above or in front. Uplighting creates an different shadow and light combination than other lighting techniques and can create dramatic effects.

Fresnel

a spotlight with a step-lens that throws an efficient and soft beam, usually hung from the teaser batten to light upstage areas

Par can light

Large stage lamp producing a strong white light that floods the stage

cool wash

Covers the stage in a light that makes the setting cold (e.g. nighttime)

warm wash

Covers the stage in a light that makes the setting warm (e.g. sunny day or indoor with good lighting)

spotlight

a small circle of light around one part of the stage

crossfade (lighting)

Simultaneously bringing a light state up, while bringing the former down, completely replacing it without darkness.

snap on the light

Suddenly introduce a lighting state.

Barn Doors

metal flaps mounted in front of a lighting instrument that control the spread of the light beam

Follow Spotlight

Manually movable spotlight (a brilliant light projected onto a particular area).

strobe light

Rapidly blinking, high-intensity light.

Fade (lighting)

When the lighting gradually gets brighter or dimmer. E.g. the lights would fade in at the beginning of the scene.

streetlamp

a light in or at the side of a road or public area that is usually supported on a tall post

chandelier

a light fixture that holds many bulbs and hangs from the ceiling

LED lights

Light emitting diode. Creates an unnatural lighting effect. Don't require coloured gels, can change colour through the lighting desk.

beam

ray of light