The Role of Lighting Design on Broadway

A well-executed Broadway production can bring even the most stoic audience member to tears. But while the actors receive roses and standing ovations, unsung heroes are working behind the scenes — the lighting designers. Although they don’t receive as much recognition as the stars of the production, without lighting, the show simply wouldn’t have the same impact! Read on to learn more about the role of Broadway lighting and how it is vital to an entire production.

The art of lighting design 

Broadway lighting designers are more than technicians – they are storytellers. In addition to being responsible for turning on and off every single light in a play, their handiwork tells the audience what time of day and season it is, the mood of the scene, and how to feel about the action on the stage. Lighting designers are also artists and sculptors, turning scenes from one-dimensional pictures to 3-D tableaus with the change of a bulb or the flip of a switch. 

From a romantic, moonlit night, a bright office space, or a dingy alleyway, Broadway lighting has the power to transport spectators to a place and time, and even send them from a relaxed frame of mind to the edge of their seats. 

Importantly, the full stage is not always where the audience should be looking at any given time, so Broadway lighting also cues the audience where to focus on the visual composition. Stage illumination helps theater patrons delve into the heart of the character, cueing them as to their emotional state, psychology, and emotions.

The process 

While each Broadway lighting designer has their process, a typical approach begins with a read-through of the script. This initial once-over is an opportunity for a lighting designer to get a feel of the script and discern the writer’s intent before creating a lighting plan. During a second read, the designer will add simple cues, such as a scene’s time of day, and try to determine the emotion of each scene. 

After that, the lighting designer will begin meeting with the director, collaborators, choreographers, and set designers, spending weeks working through each scene one at a time to determine what story the light will tell, creating what is known as a “light plot.”

The light plot is essentially a map of how each light is arranged above the stage including colors, switches, dimmers, and special effects.  Lastly, they will hang the lights at the correct location on or above the stage to create each light cue and the transitions between scenes. 

Colors and effects 

Colors, density, timing, and effects further define the tone of each scene. Some impactful Broadway lighting effects include a loop that creates the appearance of clouds moving along the sky. Lights can mimic smoke rising from a chimney, a foggy sky, or lightning from a thunderstorm illuminating the night. 

Different hues bring various emotional responses from the audience. For example, white typically represents neutrality or purity; red evokes intensity, anger, or passion; green creates a natural aesthetic; blue projects dignity or melancholy; black depicts power; and yellow shows cheerfulness.

PORT – Exceptional, creative theatrical lighting 

PORT has provided theatrical lighting, rigging, and curtains for every type of theater venue since its inception in 1985. PORT’s collaborative team designs custom plans and installs the equipment for every project, so clients will have an exceptional experience.

In addition to theatrical lighting, rigging, and curtains, our services include:

• Event lighting & production services
• Technical direction
• Hybrid events

• Architectural lighting & controls
• Theatrical lighting & rigging
• Rigging inspections

• Lighting
• Audio/video
• Expendables
• Rentals

“In our business, it’s critical we have the right supplier partnerships to deliver the level of quality our clients expect, and that’s why we trust PORT,” Bryan Rafanelli, founder and chief creative officer of Rafanelli Events, said of his experience with the PORT team. “They are as steadfastly dedicated to the details — and our client’s wishes — as we are. Whatever the challenge, they rise to it, collaborating with us to provide strategic, creative lighting solutions as needed.”

Want to learn more about how we can enhance your theatrical production or event? Contact us for a consultation!