Photo Credit: Gwen King
Lighting is an integral part of stagecraft. One actress understood this better than any other, and that actress was Maude Adams. Adams was one of the most successful actresses of the early 20th century, and her experience on stage led her to realize how lighting affects mood and overall presentation. She would work with General Electric to develop the largest incandescent bulb to date, bringing a level of lighting never before seen to the stage. An article on USPTO goes into more detail about the life and achievements of Maude Adams and can be read here.