Final answer:
The control that adjusts lightness and darkness in a recording is the exposure control. In a theatrical setting, this is managed by a light board or lighting console with dimming capacity, ranging from sophisticated computer-based systems to simple manual analog boards.
Step-by-step explanation:
The control that makes the recording lighter and darker is referred to as the exposure control, which is a key tool for both still photography and video recording. In the context of theatre, when discussing the control of lighting to alter the brightness of a stage, this function is typically managed by a light board or lighting console. The sophistication of these lighting systems can vary greatly, from complex computer-based boards that offer extensive flexibility and require a skilled programmer and operator, to more simple analog boards with limited features that are manually controlled.
In a theatrical setting, using a light board with dimming capacity is crucial for a lighting designer when crafting the mood and focus of a scene. The dimmer enables incremental adjustments in the intensity of the lights, which can dramatically influence the visual impact of a performance, making scenes lighter or darker as dictated by the story or artistic direction.