Lighting cues

Definition

Lighting cues are specific instructions given to control the lighting in a performance, indicating when to change the intensity, color, or angle of the lights at particular moments during the show. These cues are essential for enhancing the mood, highlighting action, and guiding audience attention, contributing to the overall atmosphere of the production.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lighting cues are often noted in the script or cue sheet and can involve complex sequences for multi-layered scenes.
2. Effective use of lighting cues can drastically alter the perception of time and space within a performance.
3. Cues can include sudden changes for dramatic effect, as well as more subtle transitions that enhance storytelling.
4. Sound and lighting cues are frequently synchronized to create a cohesive experience for the audience.
5. Rehearsals play a crucial role in refining lighting cues, allowing directors and designers to adjust based on how the action unfolds on stage.

Review Questions

• How do lighting cues contribute to the overall storytelling in a performance?
  • Lighting cues play a significant role in storytelling by helping to set the mood and tone of each scene. They guide audience focus, emphasizing important moments and transitions while also reflecting emotional changes within the narrative. By carefully timing these cues, directors can create a more immersive experience that resonates with viewers.
• Discuss how different types of lighting cues, such as fades and spotlights, can impact the audience's perception during a performance.
  • Different types of lighting cues serve distinct purposes in shaping audience perception. Fades create smooth transitions that can signify the passage of time or emotional shifts, enhancing dramatic effect. Spotlights draw attention to key characters or actions, making them stand out against other elements on stage. The strategic use of these cues helps to maintain audience engagement and clarity throughout the performance.
• Evaluate the relationship between lighting cues and technical rehearsals in ensuring a successful production.
  • The relationship between lighting cues and technical rehearsals is vital for achieving a polished production. During these rehearsals, the timing and execution of each cue are tested and adjusted to ensure they align with performances' pacing and emotional beats. This process allows designers and directors to refine their vision, address any potential issues with transitions or visibility, and ultimately ensure that lighting contributes effectively to the overall impact of the show.

Related terms

gel: A color filter used in theatrical lighting to change the color of the light emitted from a lamp.

fade: A gradual change in lighting intensity, often used to create transitions between scenes or moments in a performance.

spotlight: A powerful light that focuses on a specific area or performer on stage, used to draw attention to key moments.