The board is set up in a location from which the technician can see and hear what is taking place onstage, so that changes are clearly related to the action. Each lever controls one particular set of lights focused on one particular stage area. For instance, let's say Lever 4 is assigned to the lights focused on a door. In other words, each lever acts as a dimmer or rheostat for its assigned lights. Table of definitions for other lighting terms Lamps vary in intensity based on their wattage, just like household lightbulbs.
Gels come in a wide variety of colors and are made from different strengths of transparent plastic.
When a light with a gobo is turned on, the cut-out pattern is projected onto the stage. This helps the audience follow unusual transitions. If the lights are properly hung, focused, gelled and wired, the lighting enhances a production's atmosphere. The Lighting Designer consults with the Stage Director, reads through the script and sits in on rehearsals to get a feel for the play. From there, the lights are wired through the dimmers to the board, gelled, and focused roughly until tech rehearsal , a run-through of the play devoted mainly to lighting, costumes, sound and set, with actors going through the motions as the directors and designers make notes and adjustments.