OCG Lighting Key Terms

Question 1

Profile

Answer 1

Profiles create focused light for actors or set details. They also work well as lanterns for gobos, with a gate at the front to hold the gobo or gel.

Question 2

Gobo

Answer 2

A thin metal or glass template placed in front of a light source to project a pattern or image onto a surface

Question 3

Gel

Answer 3

A transparent coloured material placed in front of a light source to change the colour of the light

Question 4

Intensity

Answer 4

The brightness or level of illumination produced by a lighting instrument

Question 5

Dimmer

Answer 5

A device used to control the intensity of a light source

Question 6

Spot

Answer 6

A tightly focused beam of light used to highlight a specific area or performer

Question 7

Wash

Answer 7

A broad and even distribution of light used to cover a large area of the stage

Question 8

Crossfade

Answer 8

The gradual transition between two lighting cues or states

Question 9

Blackout

Answer 9

The sudden and complete absence of stage lighting

Question 10

Follow-spot

Answer 10

A high-intensity spotlight operated manually to follow a performer on stage

Question 11

Backlight

Answer 11

Light that is positioned behind a performer to separate them from the background

Question 12

Side light

Answer 12

Light that comes from the sides of the stage - used to create depth and dimension

Question 13

Top light

Answer 13

Light that comes from above - used to illuminate the entire stage

Question 14

Colour temperature

Answer 14

The perceived “warmth” or “coolness” of a light source measured in Kelvin

Question 15

Colour temperature for “Our Country’s Good”

Answer 15

“Our Country’s Good” is set in late 18th-century Australia during British colonisation. For lighting, warm colour temperatures like 3000K or 3500K might be suitable. These warmer tones can enhance the period setting and emphasise the human connections portrayed in the story.

Question 16

Why would you have an evolving lighting design?

Answer 16

OCG is a play that unfolds over time - with the characters evolving and the story progressing. I would reflect this evolution in the lighting design by subtly adapting the lighting cues as the play unfolds.

Question 17

What would the use of an evolving lighting design involve?

Answer 17

The lighting could start off with a more subdued and gritty feel in the early scenes and gradually become brighter and more vibrant as the characters find hope and redemption

Question 18

Why would you use practical lighting?

Answer 18

Given the historical context of the play (where candles and lanterns were the primary sources of light) I would incorporate practical lighting elements to enhance the authenticity

Question 19

What would the use of practical lighting involve?

Answer 19

This could involve using practical fixtures on stage (such as lanterns or candles) that are integrated into the design and serve as functional light sources for the actors

Question 20

What is the effect of blending practical and stage lighting?

Answer 20

I can create a seamless and immersive experience for the audience

Question 21

Caitlin Smith Rapport lighting designer quote

Answer 21

“lighting design begins with dramaturgy”

Question 22

What is dramaturgy?

Answer 22

Dramaturgy is the study and practice of the art of dramatic composition - analysing and interpreting plays in order to enhance their meaning and impact