Theatre lighting is a complicated task, as different placements, types of lights, intensities and colors all produce different effects. Specific effects can be produced in a number of ways, but the best way to produce good stage lighting is to hire a good lighting designer.
Placements
Lights can be positioned on the grid of the theatre, in or above the booth or on the stage floor.
Types of Lights
There are several different types of stage lights, including flood, fresnel (pronounced "frennel"), profile and parcan lights, all of which provide different options for focusing, shaping and specifying light.
Intensities
Each stage light can be lit to any percentage of its wattage capacity, which produces different moods.
Colors
Lights can be colored by placing a cut gel in the gel frame holder. Different colors are used to produce different atmospheres: red lighting is passionate (romantic or angry), blue lighting is soft and often used in night scenes, and green lighting is spooky.
Hanging Lights
Lights can be hung from the grid of the theatre by attaching the lights' C-clamps to the grid. Lights also come with safety harnesses to ensure they don't fall if the C-clamps malfunction.
