In the context of theatre, what does ‘overlay’ refer to?

In theatre, 'overlay' specifically refers to the technique of creating a wider spot on the performer. This involves using lighting equipment to ensure that the actor or performer is more uniformly lit across their body, thereby enhancing their visibility and the overall effectiveness of the visual presentation.

This technique can be crucial in ensuring that different parts of the performer are evenly illuminated, contributing to a more engaging and dynamic performance. Adding a wider spot can also help blend the lighting with the surrounding set, maintaining consistency in the overall aesthetic.

In contrast, the other options pertain to different aspects of lighting but do not accurately define 'overlay.' Intensity of light relates to brightness levels, parts of a lantern refer to components within the lighting fixture, and lighting equipment type indicates categories of gear rather than the specific practice of enhancing how the performer is lit on stage.