Fog machines emit a glycerin-based fog onto the stage area. This can be used to highlight light beams, set a particular mood or imitate smoke.
Lighting is used for many purposes, including simulating daylight or moonlight in an outdoor setting. Other specialty lights, such as blacklights, mirror-ball reflected lights or blinking strobe lights, create unusual light patterns for abstract effects.
Prerecorded sound effects can be used to indicate almost any action associated with a recognizable sound and are one of the most reliable ways to tell a story through effects.
Props and scenery are often considered special effects. In addition to replicating a setting, props and sets are often made with "trick" parts that perform special effects functions, like knives that squirt fake blood or scenery with hidden doors and compartments.
Makeup can create the illusion of aging, youth, monstrous appearances, different facial features and wounds.