## How to Design a Light Plot
### Introduction
A light plot is a two-dimensional representation of the lighting design for a stage production. It is used to communicate the designer’s vision to the lighting crew and other members of the production team. A well-designed light plot can help to ensure that the lighting is effective and visually appealing.
### Steps for Designing a Light Plot
1. **Read the script and score.** The first step in designing a light plot is to read the script and score of the production. This will help you to understand the story, the characters, and the mood of the piece. You will also need to identify any specific lighting cues that are called for in the script.
2. **Create a ground plan.** Once you have read the script and score, you will need to create a ground plan of the stage. This is a diagram that shows the layout of the stage, including the location of the actors, props, and scenery. The ground plan will help you to determine where to place your lights.
3. **Choose your lighting instruments.** The next step is to choose the lighting instruments that you will use. There are many different types of lighting instruments available, each with its own unique characteristics. You will need to select the instruments that are best suited to the needs of your production.
4. **Layout your lights.** Once you have chosen your lighting instruments, you will need to layout your lights on the ground plan. You will need to consider the following factors when laying out your lights:
* The coverage area of each light
* The angle of each light
* The intensity of each light
* The color of each light
5. **Create a lighting cue sheet.** Once you have laid out your lights, you will need to create a lighting cue sheet. The lighting cue sheet is a list of all of the lighting cues in the production. Each cue is described by the following information:
* The cue number
* The time of the cue
* The description of the cue
6. **Review your light plot.** Once you have created your light plot, you should review it carefully. You will need to make sure that the plot is accurate and complete. You should also make sure that the plot is easy to understand and follow.
### Tips for Designing a Light Plot
Here are some tips for designing a light plot:
* Use a variety of lighting instruments. Different types of lighting instruments can be used to create different effects. For example, spotlights can be used to create a focused beam of light, while floods can be used to create a wash of light.
* Use light to create mood. The lighting can be used to create the mood of a scene. For example, warm colors can be used to create a cozy atmosphere, while cool colors can be used to create a more sinister atmosphere.
* Use light to create depth. The lighting can be used to create depth in a scene. For example, backlighting can be used to create the illusion of distance, while sidelighting can be used to create the illusion of texture.
* Use light to highlight important elements. The lighting can be used to highlight important elements in a scene. For example, a spotlight can be used to highlight a character’s face, or a flood can be used to highlight a set piece.
### Conclusion
Designing a light plot is an important part of the stage production process. A well-designed light plot can help to ensure that the lighting is effective and visually appealing. By following the steps and tips outlined in this article, you can create a light plot that will help to bring your production to life.
## Appendix
### List of Lighting Instruments
Here is a list of some of the most common lighting instruments:
* Spotlight
* Floodlight
* PAR can
* Fresnel
* Ellipsoidal
* Strip light
* Dimmer
### List of Lighting Colors
Here is a list of some of the most common lighting colors:
* Red
* Orange
* Yellow
* Green
* Blue
* Indigo
* Violet
* White