The Stage and the School

Chapter 11: Lighting and Sound

Overview

Lighting is perhaps the most important aspect of scenic design because it creates the mood and atmosphere of a production. In order to use lighting effectively, a good lighting technician considers the basic principles of lighting: intensity, color, and distribution.

Intensity is the brightness or dimness of color or light: most lighting changes should happen gradually by dimming up or down or with a crossfade. The effect of light on color is difficult to predict accurately because of the relationship between light, pigments, and dyes. Costumes and makeup should be considered when preparing lighting because different color lights will affect the costume and makeup colors on stage differently. Distribute the most light to the most important acting area so that the actor playing in that area stands out. Lighting can also be used to create special effects in a production.

The ideal lighting equipment for the school stage is flexible, efficient, and economical. Equipment's flexibility is determined by mobility, control, and multiple services.

Lighting is planned using a cue sheet and a light plot. The light plot shows the location of each lighting instrument and the area or objects each illuminates. The cue sheet shows what changes are to take place: which controls, which instruments, and what setting to use and the length of time each change will take place. All lighting cues should be worked out in rehearsals.

Sound is another important aspect of theater. A theater's acoustics, which determine the audibility of actors on stage, should always be considered by a sound technician when presenting a production. The two types of sound equipment include amplification equipment, like microphones and amplifiers, boosts volume; and, recording equipment, like a sound-effects board and compact disc player, adds music and sound effects.

The sound technician needs to plan sound using a sound plot and a sound cue sheet. The sound plot shows the pieces of equipment and their settings for each sound in the show, including music, actors' dialogue, and sound effects. The sound cue sheet includes each sound effect, its cue number, the script page number, the name of the effect, the volume level, and the length in seconds of the effect.

The sound technician should keep some general sound principles in mind when planning sound, such as: the human ear is the best judge of sound quality and volume; each night's show will be unique; the sound system should be equalized; the sound levels for mikes, monitors, and accessories should be determined before a performance; sound needs may vary for the same auditorium at different times of the year; duct tape should be used to secure all cables in traffic areas.