u/2bigmelons

I've got a director who's idea heavily hinges on lighting actors faces with torches. Currently they seem far too blinding to be shone directly into faces and as the show is in traverse also concerned about audience. Are there any tricks or a product that's worth me looking into? I got some diffuser gel taped on the end but the director doesn't like it. He says when there's haze in the room it will be fine?

Any ideas welcome, thank you