Lighting Terminology

Question 1

Floodlight

Answer 1

A broad light that washes the stage in even light.

Question 2

Fresnel (soft spot)

Answer 2

A soft-edged spotlight used for general lighting.

Question 3

Profile Spot

Answer 3

A hard-edged spotlight that can be focused on one actor or area.

Question 4

Gobo

Answer 4

A stencil placed in front of a light to project shapes/patterns.

Question 5

Gel

Answer 5

A coloured filter placed over a light to change its colour.

Question 6

Backlighting

Answer 6

Light from behind the actors, often used to create silhouettes or drama.

Question 7

Side lighting

Answer 7

Light coming from the wings; highlights movement or adds texture.

Question 8

Up-lighting

Answer 8

Light coming from below, creating eerie/distorted effects.

Question 9

Intensity

Answer 9

How bright or dim the lighting is.

Question 10

Fade

Answer 10

A gradual increase or decrease in lighting.

Question 11

Crossfade

Answer 11

Changing from one lighting state to another smoothly.

Question 12

Blackout

Answer 12

All stage lights go off completely.

Question 13

State

Answer 13

A particular lighting setup (e.g., “a cold blue state”).