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The purpose of this paper was to examine how dynamic stage lighting can influence audience engagement and psychological responses, which helps to understand the relationship between the lighting design and emotional experiences. This study has adopted a qualitative approach using secondary data sources. Data was collected using a chronological and thematic analysis focusing on historical development, technological advancements, and psychological effects of stage lighting. The findings indicate that stage lighting has evolved from a natural source of illumination to a technologically advanced and dynamic system. The study reveals that lighting is no longer limited to visibility but acts as a narrative and expressive tool, controlling elements such as intensity, colour, and focus to represent time, space, and emotion. The study concludes that dynamic stage lighting plays a very crucial role in the level of audience engagement and their emotional experiences.
Dhairya Jain. “Psychological effects of dynamic stage lighting on audience engagement in theatre.” The Criterion: An International Journal in English, vol. 17, no. 2, Apr. 2026, pp. 1007–1030. DOI, https://doi.org/10.66376/criterion.v17.n2.64.



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