Discovering Stage Lighting [Paperback]

Francis Reid (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0240513452 | ISBN-13: 978-0240513454 | Publication Date: April 1993

A second edition of the collection of projects which explore the use of light in theatre, and emphasize the interaction of conflicting visual aims. Developments in technology are considered, and the text is aimed at students on academic and professional courses.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

The practical handling of light, with observation of the relationship of cause to effect, is central to the study of stage lighting. Rehearsal pressures usually restrict the time available for experimenting with lighting for a performance, but laboratory-style projects can be used to enable specific lighting problems to be solved. The projects cover all the major scenarios likely to be encountered by lighting students and have been tried and tested by the author, who has taught lighting students all over the world for over 30 years. The book has also been updated to include more on safety and the latest technology, including: fixed instruments using the new lower wattage high efficiency lamps in combination with dichronic reflectors, an increase in the availability, reliability, and range and usage of 'moving light' technology based on remotely controlled instruments. If you are studying the art and craft of stage lighting this book is an excellent working manual that will provide you with the technical knowledge and skill to cope with a range of lighting situations. --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

About the Author

Freelance theatre lighting designer and lecturer, writer and adviser on theatre design and technology --This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 140 pages
• Publisher: Focal Pr (April 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0240513452
• ISBN-13: 978-0240513454
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 7.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,568,627 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Lighting Design Activity Workbook, August 22, 2000

By 

"topaze15" (Charlotte, NC United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Discovering Stage Lighting, Second Edition (Paperback)

I can't for the life of me figure out why this book is so expensive. It is a workbook for students and other lighting designers who are looking for a refresher about different lighting techniques and their effectiveness. I pull it out whenever I am at a creative impasse because it helps me to consider the basics, which helps me pull out a better design.

It starts with a brief overview of all the basics of design ideas and equipment. But this certainly should not be your main source of this information. Then it gets on to the real meat of the book - the activities.

I wouldn't suggest buying this book unless you have a space and equipment to actually do the activities. Learning with this book is achievable only by doing the exercises, working through the problems, and observing, as the book offers no "right answers" and espouses no "right way".

Examples of activities covered in this book are achieving an even stage wash and "to explore the problems of providing enough visibility for the audience to understand the action, while maintaining the atmospheric credibility of a moonlit garden which is sufficiently dark and shadowy for mistaken identities to be feasible" to minimalistic lighting to lighting through gauze.

Excellent for a teacher to buy to teach a class. Don't make your students buy their own copy though, it is overpriced.