Actual Sunlight

We already know that light is all around us.  How often do we really notice it?  We walk to class expecting and knowing that our path is lit.  In theatrical design, we are striving to create an atmosphere that helps to tell the story on stage.  If you were told to put sunlight on stage, what color would you use?  My mind used to go straight to the color of yellow.  It is a warm color and it is a color that is painted on the sun in cartoons.  But as I started to look at direct sunlight, I saw white light.  The image to the left was taken on a walk from the Drama Department to the the Student Center showing that beautiful lighting is everywhere around us.  It needs to be noticed.  It is a perfect example of what direct sunlight really looks like.  Also notice the intricate texture that is cast onto the ground created by the shadows of the leaves and branches.  This is an amazing example of a natural gobo or template.

With these observations in mind, let's think about designing for theatre and helping to tell the story.  If I were to put the color of light on stage that is in the image above, it would probably seem stark and more like a piercing light.  It is not a warm color.  Now, referring to the image to the right where the camera is facing the sun we observe that the light is slightly warmer.  So it can be justified to use a warmer color of light on stage in order to resemble actual sunlight.  As long as we think through this process, we become stronger at create lighting atmospheres that are relatable the the elements around us.  We have this understanding that sunlight in nature is white light.  In theatre, if this white light were used it would be hard to relate to.  By warming up the color of light slightly we can acquire the desired effect.

Remember to always look at the light around you.  It is highly inspirational.  Think through how you can create the same effect on stage.