There are 5 main lighting positions on stage.
1 Front Light represents the motivating light source for a specific area or scene on the stage, which is used to light an object/actor by the means of light mimicking natural daylight. In film lighting this form of front light is referred to as key and fill lighting,which helps to reduce and soften the shadows. The fill lights usually are set at about 50% of the intensity of the key light. Different colors can also be used in the fill lights to help contribute to the mood of the scene.
2 Side Light is used to accent the side of the face, arms, mid-torso, legs down to the shin of the body. The movements of the performer are highlighted from a direct side light source. Full side lighting is composed of shin light (bottom), mid torso(middle) and neck to head lighting (top). The lights are mainly used to reveal form of the body, and is used to enhance the performer, especially dancers.
3 High Side Lights is from an overhead and at an angle of 30-60-degree angle approximately. This form of lighting is to accentuate the top side of the head, neck, shoulders, arms and mid torso. High side light is used as an additional form to objects/actors. It is also used indance lighting to help shape the form of the body from another perspective angle. High side left and high side right light for completed high side lighting on a performer.
4 Back Light is used to help the performeror object to be separated from the background and not blend in. Back light alsoshapes the performer and or object so it is individualized and reveals itsnatural form. Back lighting creates a depth which makes the performer become more three dimensional. This will also help pull the performer out from the scenery or backdrop.
5 Down Light is used to sculpt the top of the head, shoulders and adds light to the form if it is extended or wide. Downlight is great for washing an area on stage by the means of covering that area with light coming straight down from the top. Down light is mainly used to wash or flood an area on stage with light in a soft or harsh manner.