What term describes the equipment used to create a mood or atmosphere on stage?

The term that best describes the equipment used to create a mood or atmosphere on stage is lighting effects. Lighting plays a crucial role in theatre as it can significantly impact how a scene is perceived by the audience. It allows the mood to shift through changes in color, intensity, and direction, enhancing the emotional backdrop of the performance.

For instance, dim lighting might create a sense of suspense or intimacy, while bright, vibrant colors can evoke happiness or excitement. In contrast, sound effects primarily deal with auditory elements intended to enhance the storyline or action, while stage props refer to physical items used by actors on stage. Special effects typically involve more complex elements like smoke or pyrotechnics, which may not be as directly tied to mood setting as lighting effects are.