FUNCTIONS OF LIGHTING PURPOSE OF STAGE LIGHTING

Adequate seeing is paramount,
-but-
Manner and style must be consistant with the other designers.
Lighting sometimes subservient , sometimes dominant.
Lighting one of the most powerful areas of design.
--Can make or break other elements.
--Directly addresses emotions and sensibilities of audience.
The same set can be realistic, romantic, stark, mysterious, threatening, comic,
depending on lighting.Functions of Stage Lighting
    * Selective visibility - see what should be seen, hide what
          should not.
    * Revelation of form - reveal and accentuate 3D quality of the
          actor & scenery.
    * Effective motivation -- Probability

Scenery establishes place, lighting establishes conditions.

    * Composition - reveal and emphasize the nature of the setting by
          what is shown and not shown in turn.
        + Scenery is the structure
        + Lighting determines how scenery will appear and CHANGE.

Light itself invisible, only seen as it acts on something else. An
invisible sculpture revealed on other things.

    * Mood and Atmosphere -Psychological and emotional milliue.
        + Refers to "realistic" mood as much as dark, "moody"
                  lighting
        + All light evokes mood
        + Other functions equally important.
    * Reinforce the Theme - Emphasize the dramatic structure of play.
        + Plays have structure. May start in "real" world, then
                  problem is introduced. conflict rises, builds to climax,
                  is resolved.
            - Lighting must parallel structure.
                + Unity:  consistancy in style and approach.
                + Time: light also reveals passage of time.

FUNCTIONS

Role of the Lighting Designer:To work as member of a design team to provide lighting for a production
consistent with and enhancing the work of the other artists.

Must work to make everyone else look good without drawing unnecessary attention
to oneself.

Ideally, a good lighting design be absolutely consistent with the show
without being "noticed", as this draws attention from the play.

Revel in ocassional chances to show off!