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Theater Lighting Terminology
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Gobo
A thin metal template with a pattern cut out that is placed in front of a light to project a shape or pattern.
Ellipsoidal
A type of spotlight with a strong, well-defined beam, often used to highlight specific stage areas or for projecting gobos.
Fresnel
A type of soft-edged spotlight with a stepped lens that diffuses the light, creating a soft beam edge.
Barn Doors
An accessory consisting of adjustable flaps that attach to the front of a lighting instrument, used to shape and control the light.
Gel
A thin sheet of colored plastic used to change the color of the light emitted by a lighting fixture.
Dimmer
An electrical device that controls the intensity of a light fixture by varying the voltage supplied to it.
Cue
A predetermined action in the lighting script that signals a change in the light setup, such as a fade in, a change of color or a blackout.
Backlight
Lighting that comes from behind the subject, highlighting the edges and creating depth.
Followspot
A type of spotlight that is manually operated to follow a moving performer around the stage.
Intelligent Lighting
Lighting fixtures with automated or computer-controlled capabilities, such as moving heads, that can change position, color, and gobo patterns.
Key Light
The primary source of light for a subject, typically creating the most significant lighting effect and shadow.
Fill Light
Light used to reduce shadows created by the key light, usually softer and less intense.
Lighting Plot
A detailed diagram that illustrates the placement of lighting instruments within the performance space.
Lighting Console
An electronic device used to control the lights, dimmers, and sometimes motorized equipment during a performance.
Parabolic Aluminized Reflector (PAR)
A type of light with a parabolic reflector and a lens to focus the beam, known for its high-intensity and broad beam spread.
Scoop Light
A simple lighting fixture, often shaped like half a sphere, that produces a broad, diffuse beam of light.
Blackout
A cue where all stage lights are turned off to create total darkness on stage.
LED (Light Emitting Diode)
A lighting device that uses diodes that emit light when current is applied, known for its energy efficiency and long lifespan.
Cyclorama
A large curtain or wall, often curved, used as a background to create the illusion of sky or endless space that can be lit with various colors.
DMX (Digital Multiplex)
A digital communication standard used to control lighting and effects equipment, allowing multiple devices to be linked and controlled by a single system.
Gobo Rotator
An accessory that holds a gobo and allows it to rotate, creating dynamic lighting effects and movement.
Grid
A network of metal beams above the stage, to which lighting fixtures, scenery, and other equipment can be mounted.
Gel Frame
A holder that is placed in a lighting instrument to hold gels and diffusion materials.
House Lights
Lights that are used to illuminate the auditorium where the audience is seated.
Lighting Designer
A professional responsible for designing the lighting for a show, creating the lighting plot, selecting fixtures, and establishing the look and feel of the lighting elements.
Practical
A working light that is part of the set, such as a lamp or chandelier, that the actors can interact with and serves both functional and aesthetic purposes.
Side Light
Lighting that comes from the side of the stage, can sculpt a performer's features, and is useful for dance as it accentuates muscle structure.
Key Grip
The chief lighting technician on a set, responsible for the placement and rigging of lighting instruments and equipment.
Wash
A lighting effect that covers a large area with soft, diffuse light, often used to provide ambient lighting or to cover a stage with a single color.
Top Light
Lighting coming from directly above the stage, helping to illuminate actors or set pieces without casting long shadows.
Strobe Light
A high-intensity light that produces regular flashes of light, used to create rapid movement effects or to simulate lightning.
Iris
A device located inside some spotlights used to adjust the diameter of the beam.
Accent Light
Focused light that emphasizes a particular object or draws attention to a specific area of the stage.
Footlights
Lights placed at the edge of the stage floor, often used to light the actors' faces, but can sometimes cause exaggerated shadows.
Breakup
A gobo pattern that creates the look of natural textures or breaks up the light to look less uniform.
Lumen
The measure of visible light emitted by a source, reflective of the total quantity of visible light present.
Cookie
Another term for 'cucoloris', a device with irregularly cut shapes used to cast shadows or patterns with light.
Lux
The unit of illuminance, measuring the amount of light that falls on a surface.
Gaffer
The chief electrician in a theater production, responsible for the execution and sometimes the design of the lighting plan.
Beam Angle
The angle of the cone of light projected from a fixture, which determines the size of the area illuminated.
Spotlight
A lighting instrument that produces a concentrated beam of light to highlight a particular area or object on the stage.
Throw Distance
The distance light travels from the lighting instrument to the area being lit, affecting the focus and intensity of light.
Haze Machine
A device that emits a fine mist into the air, creating a diffuse medium for lighting beams to become visible.
Color Temperature
The measure of the color of light emitted by a source, with higher temperatures appearing cooler (bluer) and lower temperatures appearing warmer (yellower).
Crossfade
The gradual transition where one lighting cue is taken out while another one is brought in.
Dappled Light
Lighting effect created by a patterned gobo or breakups to mimic the appearance of light filtered through an object, like tree leaves.
Luminaire
A complete electric light unit, which includes not only the bulb but also the fixture, the reflector, the lens or diffuser, and the housing.
Key to Fill Ratio
The ratio of the intensity of the key light to the fill light, which affects the visible contrast in the subject.
Three-Point Lighting
A standard lighting technique using three positions of light (key, fill, and back) to illuminate a subject.
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