Stage Lighting PositionsOther News Most stage lighting designers focus on five main positions of stage lighting. Front Lights – These lights are the primary source of lighting for the event. Side Lighting – Primarily used to highlight the sides of the performer’s body. High Side Lighting – These shine the light on the top of the performer’s head, neck and shoulders so you can see their facial expressions. Back Lighting – These lights create depth and separate the performer with the background. Down Lights – This lighting is used to wash an area of the stage with soft or harsh light.