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Stage lighting may be defined as the use of light to create what is seen, the time and place, the overall pictorial aspect, and the mood (atmosphere). Stage lighting begins with a visibility; what we don't see, we seldom clearly understand. Visibility is dependent on far more than just the intensity of light. Other factors such as; contrast, size, color and movement all can influence visibility. Distance, age and the condition of the eye also play important roles in visibility. The position a light is being lighted defines the time and environment by the color and size, as mentioned before. Lighting can cause an audience to feel a wide range of different emotions: happy, sad, content, horrified, or excited. In Les Miserables, one main light shines down on the stage and the actors/actresses are just lighted. The one thing that is different for stage lighting in this play is that the lights seem to be on the character that is either speaking or apart of an act. In addition, if the mood of the play changes than the direction, type, and color of the light changes too. For example, when there is a depressing situation, there came a white light in the middle that stresses the blocking of everything and just that one light, however, when the chorus sings a song altogether lights brighten up on everybody with a variation of color. This example of stage lighting in Les Miserables indicates how the actors feel toward the atmosphere and their actions by the intensity of the light, brightness, and variation of color. .
The makeup and costuming distinguish each character, from age to personality; it illustrates who the character is, what their purpose is, and how his/her role affects the entire mood/feeling of the play. Stage makeup serves a totally different purpose than regular every day makeup. Regardless of your feelings about women using makeup and other cosmetics, stage makeup is a necessity anytime when on a stage.