What are house lights typically used for?

House lights are primarily used to illuminate the audience area before and after a performance. Their main purpose is to create a comfortable environment for patrons while they are entering or exiting the theatre, allowing for safe navigation. This lighting helps set the mood before the show begins and indicates the end of the performance, providing a clear transition for the audience.

While house lights can sometimes contribute to the overall ambiance of the theatre, their primary function is not to create special effects, illuminate the stage, or act as emergency lighting. The stage is usually lit with specific stage lights designed to highlight the performance and create various effects, rather than house lights serving this role.