A Brief Look at Four Qualities of Light

Experienced executive Marc Broidy has experience with both for profit and non-profit organizations. Experienced lighting designer Marc David Broidy pursued both a bachelor’s degree and an MFA in theatre management.

An essential part of theatre production is lighting design. Expert lighting designers are expected to have extensive knowledge of the behavior and properties of light. Lighting designers rely on the qualities of light to communicate the lighting concept, to influence the vision, and evoke feelings and emotions. The qualities of light include intensity, color, direction, and movement.

The intensity of light describes the strength or amount of light a light source produces. High-intensity light sources have a warm ambiance, while low-intensity light sources create a calmer or more relaxed atmosphere.

The human eye is most sensitive to white light, simply combining all visible colors.

Another critical aspect of stage lighting design is the direction whence it comes. The light source determines the range of distribution. For example, a candle radiates light in all directions, while a spotlight shines light in a specific direction.

Movement of light is used to describe the significant change in intensity, form, color, or direction. Changes in these other qualities of light happen regularly and can happen at different speeds.