I agree with the use of
footlights for specific effects and dancing shows. I use them every year during dance season. They are, however, an unrealistic form of lighting. I don't know the show in question Char, but remember that in realistic shows like Miracle Worker and Dairy of Anne Frank, they don't have a place. I say this because a good friend of mine, long time director, actor, and voice actor, said, "God did not intend for light to come up." Meaning, when you go outside or even in a room, the light just about always comes from the front, side, behind, and/or overhead. Sorry for the use of that name, couldn't think of a better way to put it, plus it is also the original quote too.
SerraAva: This is a perfect example of motivated versus unmotivated lighting, as it was once described to me.
Footlights are in essence, unmotivated, as there are very few occurrences in nature when light will seem to emit from beneath a person. While I agree that Anne Frank or Miracle Worker are "realistic" in nature, as in they are a show about real people in a "real" setting that the audience is familiar with, I do no agree with the statement that
footlights don't have a place in such a production. That decision is wholly in the hands of the designer. Perhaps I wanted to uplight Anne as she slumped to her knees, recognizing her cruel fate. While there would be no light in the "real" room or world that would create the
effect, it would be visually pleasing to the audience and illuminate her in a way that evokes sadness and capitalizes on her slender, frail figure. A lighting coming from a steep upward angle is the only light that will give me the desired
effect/look on her, thus, the unmotivated footlight works. It would be complimented, however, by motived fixtures streaming light in the windows, creating the illusion of candle light,
etc.
As for
footlights in general, I love them. Its sad when I see too many theaters who have done away with their pit rails and have painted over and sealed the footlight flaps. I used them for a rendition of Les Mis and LOVED the almost ghastly
effect I could create in deep reds and blues.
For Rock and
Roll, I have seen
LED panels used incredibly effectively as
footlights. Placed close to the performer they emit a very small amount of heat energy but still allow for a rich and bright
fill light. I remember OAR used them on one of their tours -- very effective. Its nice, once in a while, to see the spot lights cut out and just see the lead singer etched out from the bottom, a really interesting look. Try it sometime!
