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Automated Lighting and Visualization


Course Description

Practical instruction in the installation and programming of automated luminaries and advanced DMX controlled equipment. Programming logic and incorporation of automated gear into productions in a variety of appropriate production styles. Visualization is also explored and used as another element of controlling and communicating design decisions related to automated lighting.

Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
a. Level of expertise/degree of sophistication and expectations of projects will be varied based on whether a student is enrolled at the graduate or undergraduate level; b. graduate students will be expected not only to participate in the associated activities (undergraduates) but also to produce a fully-documented set of draftings, designer paperwork, and show documentation for each project; c. an additional project utilizing LD Assistant and the generation of an industrial or concert touring design will be assigned to the graduate students.


Athena Title

Automated Lighting and Visual


Semester Course Offered

Not offered on a regular basis.


Grading System

A - F (Traditional)


Course Objectives

To introduce students to the hardware, logic, and programming skills that are related to automated lighting and computer visualization within the lighting industry. Specific objectives include: 1. Proper care and handling of Automated Lighting Equipment. 2. Ability to setup, address, and configure both the automated luminaries and console that will be used to control the units. 3. Develop an understanding of programming logic as it relates to automated luminaries. 4. Be able to create palettes, work with m-speed, block cues, tracking and other features as they relate to automated lighting. 5. Develop cueing sequences that are appropriate to a variety of theatrical situations. 6. Develop a fundamental understanding of visualization software and to use it as a tool in the design process.


Topical Outline

Week 1: General guidelines and Equipment Practices Week 2: Lightwright and Beamwright Week 3: Console Preparation and Addressing Week 4: DMX Logic and Control Protocol Week 5: DATA FLASH PRESENTATION (DMX STROBES) Week 6: SCROLLER PRESENTATION Lightwright Project Due Week 7: EXPRESSION III (ADVANCED PROGRAMMING) Week 8: LD Assistant Week 9: LD Assistant Plus Architectural Lighting Basics Week 10: POWER SCAN Week 11: TRACKSPOT Week 12: STUDIO COLOR Week 13: Prep/Programming Moving Light Extravaganza Week 14: Prep/Programming Moving Light Extravaganza Week 15: Presentation of Final Extravaganza Project


Syllabus