If a fixture is placed directly in front of the actor, the result will wash out all shadows and make the actor's face look very flat. To separate the actor from the background and give him three-dimensional appearance, downlighting and backlighting is also important. Unless trying to achieve a special effect, this type of lighting is not as bright as the frontlighting. Ellipsoidal and Fresnel spotlights or Par Cans are ideal to use for downlighting and backlighting. Another angle used to create a three-dimensional appearance is side lighting.
Side lighting from both a very low angle and a high angle is used to light dance and musicals.
Side lighting for dance takes on more importance in some designs than front lighting. For general illumination, the McCandless theory will provide good lighting in most cases. Different angles, however, will give interesting effects. So, if time allows, try experimenting with alternate placement of fixtures. After you've highlighted each of your acting areas, fill in the rest of the areas with wash lights so that none of the stage is lost.