What are kicker lights used for on stage?

Kicker lights are specifically designed to enhance the three-dimensional appearance of actors on stage. This is accomplished by adding highlights to the edges of performers, accentuating their shapes and creating a more dynamic visual impact. By illuminating the sides of the actors, kicker lights contribute to a sense of depth, making them stand out from the background and adding to the overall visual storytelling of the performance.

Choosing this function emphasizes how lighting design can be used creatively to influence audience perception and emotional response. While other lighting options do have valid uses, kicker lights serve a distinctly impactful role in enhancing the physicality of characters and their interactions within the set environment, thus significantly enriching the theatrical experience.