Course Description
Lighting design for the performing arts, emphasizing conceptualization and application for basic research and technology to meet dramatic needs.
Athena Title
Lighting Design Perform Arts
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
The primary objective of this course is to introduce students to the basic solid practices, techniques and documentation of the design process. A significant part of the class will examine the nature and specific means of controlling light (optics, electricity, color theory, etc.). Studio/lab sessions will emphasize the practical applications of “seeing” and designing with light while class discussions, exercises, and demonstrations will emphasize the use of light as a production element. Specific objectives are listed below: Objectives: 1- Refine skills relating to the description and manipulation of the physical properties of light. 2- Become proficient in plotting/documenting a lighting design through the initial load-in. 3- Experiment in manipulation/control of the qualities of light. 4- Introduce the students to lighting paperwork and the drafting of lighting designs. 5- Develop a process for analyzing a scene and creating a lighting response for various situations. 6- To observe/communicate, through lighting terminology, the contributions/problems created by the lighting designs of department productions through written and oral critiques.
Topical Outline
Sample Outline Introduction to Lighting Design (Chapter 1) Lighting Production Personnel (Gillette, Chapt. 2) Controllable Qualities and Functions of Lighting (Gillette, Chapt. 1) Script Analysis for Lighting Purposes (Gillette, Chat. 12) Light Plots (Chapter 44) Design Paperwork & Lighting Sections (Gillette, Chapt. 15 and 17) Electricity (Gillette, Chapt. 3 and 5) Light Plot Standards and Conventions Lightwright Electricity (Cont.) Project I Presentation - Analysis to Plot Analysis of Light in Life and Photographs (Gillette, Chapt. 13) Virtual Light Lab and Storyboards Electricity (Cont.) Photometrics and Beamwright Design in Performance (Chapter 6 and 7) Hanging and Adjusting Fixtures Virtual Light Lab Project Due Reflection and Refraction (Gillette, Chapt. 4) Light Sources (Gillette, pages 46 - 55) Lighting Instruments (Chapter 47, 48, 49 and 51) Lighting Instruments (cont.) Beamwright Focusing and Troubleshooting Practicals and Effects (Gillette, Chapt. 8) Project II Presentation - Black and White Distribution and Circuiting Through the Theatre (Gillette, Chapt. 6) Intensity and Computer Control Color Theory (Gillette, Chapt. 9) Storyboard Project Due Color and Light Experimentation Repertory Plots and Lighting (Chapter 5, 40 and 41) Exercise: Color Relativity Midterm Exam - Lighting Technology Drafting Practices and Standards for Light Plots Sections and Layout of Lighting Systems (Chapter 45) Lighting for the Proscenium Stage (Gillette, Chapt. 14) Control Protocol and DMX Advanced Technology and Moving Lights Script Analysis for Lighting Purposes (Gillette, Chapter 12) Drafting Project Workday in Class Last Day to WD Project III Presentation - Light Sources Project Dance Plot Workday Cueing and Transitions Exercise: Improvisational Imaging in Light Dance Plot and Paperwork Exercise Due Off-line Editing Pick Color for Project V Project IV Presentation - Mood Exercise Dangerous Liaisons Walkthrough Design Project Workday Design Projects Workday Design Projects Workday Project V Presentation - Program Movement (7352 and 7752) Final Project Initial Presentation Design Projects Workday Design Projects Workday (Today is Monday) Reading Day Theoretical Design Project 1-Small Proscenium Project Due (7352) During Exam Period
Syllabus
Public CV