The most popular technique for dramatic performances is the McCandless Method, developed by Stanley McCandless. When done correctly, this technique offers full, even coverage of a stage. The basic principle is that the stage is divided into acting areas with separate lighting. In each area, two lights are aimed from the front, forming a 45-degree angle to the actor's face horizontally. They aim down at the actor from a 45- to 60-degree angle vertically. A single light angles down from behind the actor to enhance the distance between the actor and the scenery. Adding side lights to this basic trio enhances the actors' forms. Each area overlaps slightly so there are no dark spots on the stage.
Used with McCandless technique, two-color face lighting technique creates a more natural variation in color than uncolored "white" light. In this method, the face light instruments angled from right to left receive a warm color filter (gel); the lights shining from left to right receive a cool color, or vice versa. The specific colors are the designer's choice, but should create a light that the human eye perceives as white when the two lights combine. The most common color combinations are blue and pink combinations and amber and lavender combinations. The amber/lavender combination creates a warmer feel that looks best on darker skin tones.
Dance lighting varies distinctly from dramatic lighting because the emphasis is on the dancers' full bodies rather than the actors' faces. Side lighting is the cornerstone of dance lighting techniques, because light that hits the dancers from low angles at the sides creates highlights and shadows that enhance the shape and movement. Thomas Skelton developed a method of dance lighting that focuses on "paths" (light that shines in lines running upstage and downstage, or vertically if looking at a stage layout on paper) and "planes" (light that shines across the stage horizontally). These paths and planes replace the areas of McCandless lighting, with the planes ensuring the best body-sculpting light, while the "paths" enhance visibility. These are augmented by "wash" lights that give full-stage coverage in various colors.