WJEC/Eduqas GCSE Drama: Designing Drama

SPECIAL EFFECTS IN LIGHTING What are special effects? All theatre lighting has a powerful effect. It can be difficult to separate special effects (or specials) from other lighting states and there are no strict rules. Generally speaking, special effects (FX or SFX) are those that have a very specific, short-term purpose in a theatre performance. ASSESSMENT CHECK This section will help you towards AO1: ‘Create and develop ideas to communicate meaning for theatrical performance.’ FOCUS Different lighting effects and how they might be created. DESIGN TIP Modern LED lights are a good option for lighting designers. They are very useful for practical effects. You could, for example, adapt a bicycle headlight, adhesive cupboard lights or the flashing lights designed for pet collars! The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Winnipesaukee Playhouse combines performer spotlights and LED lanterns with the naturalistic lighting (such as the chandeliers) from the room created by the set. (Lighting design by Matthew Guminski.) In the scene above, for example, overhead spotlights create four distinct areas. They have the effect of isolating each performer. If this lighting effect was only used once or twice during a production, it would probably be ‘special’. If it was used frequently, however, it would be the production’s typical spot lighting state. TASK 1.11 1 In the script or devised piece you are currently involved in, identify a moment that might be enhanced by a special effect. (This could be a practical effect , or one involving a spotlight that uses a particular angle, colour or gobo.) 2 What effect do you want the special effect to have on the audience? How could you create the effect? 3 If possible, test your ideas. How does the special effect influence meaning, mood, style or characterisation? 4 Take a photograph and make notes to remind yourself of what you have achieved. Chapter 1 Practical Guide to Lighting Design 26