Footlight

For the Cambridge theatrical club, see Footlights.

A footlight is a theatrical lighting device arranged to illuminate a stage from the front edge of the stage floor in front of the curtain. Originally set in a row of hooded individual enclosures, electric footlights are presently set in troughs across the edge of the stage so that they are not visible to the audience.^[1] An indirect footlight uses a light aimed at a reflecting surface to diffuse the illumination.^[2]

18th century illustration of footlight candles being snuffed

See also

• Limelight

References

1. "Footlight". Dictionary of Architecture and Construction (4th ed.). McGraw-Hill. 2006 – via Credo Reference. credoreference.com.
2. "Indirect footlight". Dictionary of Architecture and Construction (4th ed.). McGraw-Hill. 2006 – via Credo Reference. credoreference.com.