Lighting Techniques For Theatre In The Round Application Techniques Series

When it comes to theatre productions, lighting plays a crucial role in creating the desired ambiance and enhancing the overall experience for the audience. One particular style that presents unique challenges for lighting designers is the theatre in the round, where the stage is located in the center and the audience surrounds it from all sides. In this article, we will explore various lighting techniques specifically tailored for theatre in the round, allowing for a truly immersive and captivating experience.

1. Front-Facing Wash Lights

One of the fundamental lighting techniques for theatre in the round is using front-facing wash lights. These lights are typically mounted facing the stage, evenly spreading light across the performance area. This technique ensures that all actors are well-lit, allowing the audience to see their facial expressions and body language clearly, regardless of their position in the theatre. Front-facing wash lights also help establish a connection between the actors and the audience, making the performance feel more intimate.

Lighting Techniques for Theatre-in-the-Round (Application & techniques series)

by Jackie Staines (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3107 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	178 pages

FREE

2. Side Fill Lights

In addition to front-facing wash lights, side fill lights are essential for theatre in the round. These lights are strategically placed on the sides of the stage to fill in any shadows created by the front-facing lights. Side fill lights help eliminate harsh shadows, ensuring that the actors' faces are evenly lit from all angles. This technique is particularly important for maintaining visibility and preventing distractions caused by inconsistent lighting.

3. Back Wall Lights

To add depth and dimension to the stage, back wall lights are commonly used in theatre in the round. These lights are placed behind the performers, illuminating the back wall or backdrop. Back wall lights help create separation between the actors and the stage, making them visually stand out. This technique also allows for creative shadow play, enhancing the overall visual appeal of the performance.

4. Gobo Projectors

Gobo projectors are versatile lighting tools used in theatre in the round. A gobo is a stencil or pattern placed in front of the light source, creating specific patterns or textures on the stage. By using gobo projectors, lighting designers can add dynamic visual elements to enhance the mood and atmosphere of a scene. Whether it's projecting the illusion of moving clouds or creating intricate patterns, gobo projectors offer endless creative possibilities to elevate the overall production.

5. Audience Lighting

Unlike traditional theatre setups, theatre in the round provides an opportunity to incorporate audience lighting as part of the performance itself. By strategically placing lights above or around the seating area, lighting designers can engage the audience more actively. Audience lighting can be used to reflect the emotions and energy of the scene, creating an immersive experience where the audience feels more connected with the performance.

6. Wireless Lighting Control

Wireless lighting control systems have revolutionized theatre lighting in recent years, and theatre in the round is no exception. This technology allows lighting designers to have full control over the lighting setup, even from remote locations within the theatre. Wireless systems provide flexibility and ease of use, enabling designers to adjust lighting cues and effects instantly. This level of control is particularly beneficial in theatre in the round, where multi-directional lighting coordination is essential.

7. Movement and Special Effects

Movement and special effects are powerful tools that can enhance the impact of lighting in theatre in the round. By incorporating moving lights and special effects, such as fog machines or color-changing LEDs, lighting designers can create captivating and dynamic scenes. These effects can be synchronized with the performance to emphasize specific moments or emotions, ultimately adding another layer of visual storytelling to the production.

Lighting techniques for theatre in the round require a unique approach due to the specific challenges posed by the stage setup. By utilizing front-facing wash lights, side fill lights, back wall lights, gobo projectors, audience lighting, wireless lighting control, and movement with special effects, lighting designers can elevate the theatrical experience, immersing the audience in a visually stunning production. Mastering these techniques requires creativity, technical knowledge, and careful coordination, but the results are well worth the effort. So, next time you find yourself attending a theatre in the round performance, take a moment to appreciate the intricate lighting design, as it plays a pivotal role in bringing the story to life.

Lighting Techniques for Theatre-in-the-Round (Application & techniques series)

by Jackie Staines (Kindle Edition)

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3107 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	178 pages

FREE

The first title in ETP’s Application and Techniques Series, Jackie Staines’ Lighting Techniques for Theatre-in-the-Round will prove to be a unique reference source for those working on lighting design for theatre-in-the-round for the first time. It is the first title to be published specifically on the subject, it also provides some anecdotes and ideas for more challenging shows, and attempts to blow away some of the myths surrounding lighting in this format.

“Theatre-in-the-round can be challenging, but also extremely rewarding,” says the author. “It is a very natural staging format and offers plenty of opportunity for good fun lighting as well as pure naturalism.”

The book includes lighting plans and production photography and woven into its content is the story of the author’s seven-year ‘run’ as technician and lighting designer at the Stephen Joseph Theatre in Scarborough, the ‘home’ venue for the first production of the majority of Sir Alan Ayckbourn’s plays. Its appeal will cover a broad spectrum, from those studying theatre and theatre lighting to the professionals working in lighting design and production, and also to the general reader with a lively interest in the various theatre arts.