drama-light terminology

flood

-produces a clear wide-angled light called a wash

-little control over the spread of light

profile

-has a hard-edged effect

-used to light characters or elements on stage

parcan

-used for a softer-edged effect with no lens

-useful for good overall light, when used with others

fresnel

-softer-edged effect with a diffusing lens in front of the effect

-useful for good overall light, when used with others

gel

-heatproof plastic that changes the colour of the beam of light

-helps create mood or atmosphere

gobo

-metal disc with a shape cut out

-when light passes through it is projected onto the stage

strobe

-flashes on and off to create a flashing effect

-can be set to different speeds

intensity

-how dull or bright a light is

-measured as % in units of 10

angle

-the direction of light

projections

-element added to lighting design

-creates still or moving images on a backdrop or wall