Design elements of a performance
LIGHTING
Lighting is the use of light, usually from LEDs nowadays,
to create mood, atmosphere and also direct the
audience's focus to certain things at times. They are a
key component in bringing performances to life as since
different colours represent different emotion, different
coloured light can also enhance certain emotions.
SOUND Just like lights, sound can be used effectively to create atmosphere and location.
Sound can also be used to reflect emotions of characters onstage as well as create a
mood and atmosphere e.g making a sound to create fear or build suspense and
tension. They can bring performances to life by using the music to change our
perspective of a scene. Two elements of music, which are pitch and dynamics,
frequently dictate our perspective or the scene, whether it be in live theatre or even
movies.
SET
The set is something that is vital in the production of live theatre. Without it, the whole
play would fall apart. The set is used to portray location and also time. It must be able
to support the actors onstage, but not be overly cluttered, detracting from the action.
COSTUME
Costumes can have a huge visual impact
on the play, and can also alert the
audience to the character they are
playing and also the period of time in
which it has been set. Colour schemes of
costumes are also useful as they can
represent the era and maybe the
personality of the character they are
playing.
