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Light Design Theory Notes

The McCandless lighting system divides the stage into nine evenly lit acting areas, with each area lit by three evenly spaced lights at 120 degree angles. Four lights per area at 90 degree angles is also common. Two lights are typically gelled warm and two cool in the double McCandless approach. Additional ungelled fill lights are used to blend the areas. Downlights, backlights, and sidelights are also employed to create separation and three-dimensionality for actors. The McCandless system provides a basic framework but can be adapted to different stage types and designs.

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41 views

Light Design Theory Notes

The McCandless lighting system divides the stage into nine evenly lit acting areas, with each area lit by three evenly spaced lights at 120 degree angles. Four lights per area at 90 degree angles is also common. Two lights are typically gelled warm and two cool in the double McCandless approach. Additional ungelled fill lights are used to blend the areas. Downlights, backlights, and sidelights are also employed to create separation and three-dimensionality for actors. The McCandless system provides a basic framework but can be adapted to different stage types and designs.

Uploaded by

Ziona Bes
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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LIGHT DESIGN THEORY

THE MCCANDLESS SYSTEM


Stanley McCandless wrote a book on lighting theory called, “The Standard System” which has become known as “The McCandless
System”. It is a nuts and bolts system of covering a stage with general light. Does not address specials. Only uses key light. Fill
light is added afterwards to fill in shadows or dark area.

In the McCandless theory, each acting area is lit by two lights, each from a position 45 degrees above and to each side of the center of that area
(a.k.a.front lights). The reason for angling the lights at 45 degrees is to place feature enhancing shadows on the actor and to draw the actor away
from the background. If a fixture is placed directly in front of the actor, the result will washout all shadows, and make the actor's face look very flat.
Ellipsoidals are ideal for front lighting.

To separate the actor from the background and provide a 3-dimensional appearance, down lighting and backlighting are important. Unless trying to
achieve a special effect, this type of lighting is not as bright as the front lighting. Ellipsoidal and Fresnel spotlights or PAR cans are ideal to use for
backlighting.

Another angle used to create a three-dimensional appearance is side lighting. Side lighting from both a very low angle and high angle is used to light
many dance shows and musicals. Side lighting for dance takes on more importance in some designs than front lighting.
LIGHTING ON A THRUST STAGE
Stanley McCandless' method can be easily adapted to the needs of the sculptural stage. The "method" designer can still divide the stage into
lighting areas, add washes of toning and blending lights, and highlight a climactic moment with a couple of carefully focused specials. Only
background lights (and then only for arena productions) need to be sacrificed.

ACTING AREAS

The "standard" 24' square acting area is typically divided into nine 8x8 lighting areas, in a three by three grid.

LIGHTING THE AREAS

Typically, you should use 3 lamps per area.

They should be evenly spaced around the performer. The separation angle between lights should be about 120
degrees. Although three lights is the minimum, most designers follow J. Michael Gillette's example and assign
four lamps (separated by 90 degrees) to each area. This four light approach is known as the double McCandless
system. Nine areas with four lights per area would require a minimum of 36 "acting area" units.

USING COLOR

Two basic approaches have been used with the three light system. One: all three lamps are in the same (or closely
related) color and Two: A neutral is added to McCandless' warm and cool colors creating a warm (R01: Light
Bastard Amber) - neutral (R51: Surprise Pink) - cool (R63: Pale Blue) system.

With the Double McCandless approach, two lamps (opposites) are usually gelled in a warm color (R01: Light
Bastard Amber) and two in a cool color (R63: Pale Blue) .

FILL LIGHT Three Lite - Three Color R01 - R51 - R63

Use Fresnels and PARS to fill in light in spots where needed. This helps to tone and blend.
PCH General Lighting Plot Showing Beam and Field Angles

BEAM BEAM
BEAM

FIELD FIELD FIELD

BEAM BEAM BEAM

FIELD
FIELD FIELD

BEAM BEAM
BEAM

FIELD
FIELD FIELD

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Parkway Central High Theatre Department General Lighting Plot

I II III

IV V VI

VII VIII IX

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in use in use

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Parkway Central High Theatre Department General Lighting Plot

I II III

IV V VI

VII VIII IX

circut not circut not


in use in use

circut not in use


Parkway Central High Theatre Department General Lighting Plot

I II III

IV V VI

VII VIII IX

circut not circut not


in use in use

circut not in use


Parkway Central High Theatre Department General Lighting Plot

I II III

IV V VI

VII VIII IX

circut not circut not


in use in use

circut not in use

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