footlight

[foo t-lahyt] /ˈfʊtˌlaɪt/
noun
1.
Usually, footlights. Theater. the lights at the front of a stage that are nearly on a level with the feet of the performers.
2.
the footlights, the stage; acting profession.
Origin
1830-40; foot + light1
British Dictionary definitions for footlights

footlights

/ˈfʊtˌlaɪts/
plural noun (theatre)
1.
lights set in a row along the front of the stage floor and shielded on the audience side
2.
(informal) the acting profession; the stage
Word Origin and History for footlights
n.

1836, from foot (of the stage) + light (n.).