What is a follow spot primarily used for?

A follow spot is primarily used to enhance the visibility of performers on stage by allowing the operator to direct a concentrated beam of light that can be moved to follow an actor as they move around the stage. This capability to "follow" is crucial in live performances, as it helps to isolate and highlight specific characters or moments, drawing the audience's attention to them in a dynamic manner.

The intensity of the light provided by a follow spot is particularly effective in emphasizing key moments in a production, making it an essential tool for creating dramatic focus. While options related to soft lighting and ambient lighting involve different techniques and purposes in lighting design, they do not convey the directional and focused quality that a follow spot provides. Therefore, the ability to track actors and maintain a strong light on them is the defining characteristic of what makes follow spots indispensable in theatrical productions.