Contemporary text books do not address the subject of lighting for the black actor. Because we are living in a multicultural society, the need to address this topic is becoming more essential. The topic was addressed in 1951 by W. Dury Cox, Jr., in a study done at Tennessee State University, an Historically Black College/University (HBCU). The contributions of theatre educators at HBCUs have been significant, but there is little documentation. Therefore, this study first discusses the historical growth of black theatre at Tennessee State University from its founding until the work of W. Dury Cox, Jr. / Using Cox's work as a basis, the study examines the significance and validity of his work. Through questionnaires sent to 273 theatre venues, data was gathered regarding the venue itself, the number of and skin tones of black actors at the venue, the desire for information on the topic, and suggestions for solving problems of lighting for the black actor. / An empirical study using a range of dark-complexioned subjects was completed. The subjects were lit with several colors of light. A panel judged the effect of this light on various skin tones. The results were compared with the predictions made by Cox. An objective measurement of the skin tones was made with a chromaticity meter. These measurements were compared with chromaticity data generated from gel media equivalent to those used by Cox. Computer plots of these data showed that the work of Cox was indeed significant, accurate and an important tool for developing strategies for lighting dark-complexioned black actors in today's theatres. / Some of the conclusions include the importance of determining the undertones in the complexion; the discovery of the usefulness of Roscolux 02 gel; the general appreciation of pink and lavender gels; the need for interactive discussion of the topic within the profession; and the need to train the eye to note the subtleties of skin undertones. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 57-03, Section: A, page: 0931. / Major Professor: John A. Degen. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--The Florida State University, 1996.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:fsu.edu/oai:fsu.digital.flvc.org:fsu_77681 |
| Contributors | Tucker, Keith Robert., Florida State University |
| Source Sets | Florida State University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Text |
| Format | 120 p. |
| Rights | On campus use only. |
| Relation | Dissertation Abstracts International |
Page generated in 0.0048 seconds