Final answer:
The statement is false; a lighting designer's toolkit includes more than just the four properties of light. The design process is also influenced by the theatre's architecture and control systems, and effectiveness depends on the skill of the designer, not just the gear available.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a lighting designer can only use intensity, color, distribution, and movement/change in setting the lights for any cue in the theatre is false. While these four controllable properties are vital tools within a lighting designer's playbook, they are not the only elements at a designer's disposal. The art of lighting design extends to include other aspects such as texture, shape, and the atmosphere that lighting conveys within a theatrical space. It's the lighting designer's job to enhance the themes, actions, and dramatic arc of a performance, often with an array of design elements.
Lighting designers must consider the architecture of the theatre and the type of control system—whether it's a sophisticated computer-based light board or a simpler analog board—as these influence the possibilities and limitations of a design. Moreover, storytelling through lighting often involves creating a visual narrative that supports the play, which can range from reproducing realistic light sources to crafting atmospheres that support non-realistic environments.
Lastly, it's not always about having more or the latest gear; effective lighting design is about creating the right mood and focus to tell the story. Even with a limited selection of fixtures, a skilled lighting designer can evoke powerful emotional responses from the audience.