Since this was an older post, I was not going to reply, until I read the last two comments about temporary seating and not requiring aisle lights...
If your
AHJ (authority having jurisdiction) goes by NFPA101 Life
Safety Code (as most do), then you are required to have your
egress routes illuminated at all times. Sections 13.2.8 (for existing structures) and Section 12.2.8 (for new construction) require it for all assembly occupancies (except private party tents <1200 sq. ft.). They both refer you to Section 7.8 for the specific guidelines.
There is a special provision in 7.8.1.3(3) that says during the performance, illumination can be reduced to 0.2 ft-candles (2.2
lux), but when there is not a performance actually happening at that
point in time, 7.8.1.3(2) requires 1 ft-candle (10.8
lux) for existing stairs/paths, and 7.8.1.3(1) requires 10-ft-candle for
new stairs.
Seating in a
black box theatre can technically be considered a grandstand, however, I was unable to find any code that exempts grandstands from the illumination requirement.
If there is any question of
safety, I always do whatever affords the most
safety, not convenience. If there is a question,
DO NOT ASSUME. You put your employer AND YOURSELF at risk.