Introduction to Stage Lighting: The Fundamentals of Theatre Lighting Design

Charles I. Swift

Meriwether Pub., 2004 - Performing Arts - 161 pages

Intended as a text for those who are developing their craft in the field of stage lighting design, this book also can serve as a reference for drama teachers and directors who wish to expand their insight into the total process of stage lighting design. The focus of this book is on the process of design rather than the latest developments in lighting and control technology. Effective design, after all, relies more on a thoughtful approach to the work than on the ever-expanding capabilities of the fixtures. Twelve chapters are divided into three sections. First, Tools and Terminology covers all of the basics-lighting fixtures, how stage lights work, terminology and the quality of light. Next, Manipulating the Light addresses the controllable qualities of light-angle, intensity, movement and color-as well as developing the lighting key. The final portion of the book devotes itself to the Collaborative Process, since no lighting director should ever work in a vacuum. Enhanced with 40 illustrations and photos, this is an indispensable reference.

Contents

• The Designers Paint: 36
• Part Two Manipulating the Light: 53
• Assigning Intensity Levels: 61

About the author

Charles I. Swift brings nearly three decades of experience to his work as a lighting designer, educator, and theatre consultant. Mr. Swift has designed a wide range of productions and worked in various capacities on production teams throughout the United States. He has brought his skills to bear in implementing technical systems in theatres the world over and is currently engaged in designing systems for a variety of venues throughout the Southeast. Mr. Swift is an Associate Member of the American Society of Theatre Consultants (ASTC), a member of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (U.S.I.T.T.), and maintains membership in the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). He received his B.S. in Design and Production (summa cum laude) from the State University of New York at New Paltz and earned an M.F.A. in Scene and Lighting Design from Carnegie Mellon University. Mr. Swift has taught stagecraft and lighting design in the State University System of New York and is currently an adjunct theatre faculty member in the College of the Arts at Kennesaw State University.

Bibliographic information

• Title: Introduction to Stage Lighting: The Fundamentals of Theatre Lighting Design; New Fall Titles Series
• Author: Charles I. Swift
• Edition: illustrated
• Publisher: Meriwether Pub., 2004
• Original from: the University of Michigan
• Digitized: Jan 19, 2008
• ISBN: 1566080983, 9781566080989
• Length: 161 pages
• Subjects: Performing Arts / Theater / Stagecraft & Scenography