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Stagecraft:  What's up there? 
Lighting & Fly Lines
(September 27 - October 1, 2021)

Important terms are in RED.

Google Classroom assignments are in BLUE.

If ABSENT, you are REQUIRED to read / understand / do all activities posted for that day, even if it's not an "assignment".  

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DAY 1:

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Watched "Come From Away" (due to several absences)- paying special attention to scenic & lighting design.

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DAY 2:  Names & Functions of Fixtures / Tutorials on Stage

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1.)   Ms. Price introduced our next unit in Stagecraft:  WHAT'S UP THERE? 

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If you were to look UP in a while in a theatre, you would see the FLY LOFT above the stage and CATWALKS above the audience.  In both areas, you'd see LIGHTING instruments, and in the fly loft, you'd also see rigging for BACKDROPS, CURTAINS (border, legs, main), and other things, such as scenery  (chandeliers, signs, etc.) that are flown in for shows...or even the orchestra shell that's used for band/choir concerts.  Next week's unit will focus on these things.

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2.) Reviewed:  Students reviewed the terms cyclorama and scrim (two drops used in theatre) as well as the fly system used for flying drops in and out.

  • If absent, watch lighting basics video HERE

  • If absent, watch fly system video HERE

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3.)  Learned:  Students learned about traditional lighting fixtures used in theatre from John  (If absent, be sure to watch this video tutorial (made by John) and take notes in Google Classroom (CLASS NOTES - Stage Lighting Fixtures).

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4.) Went to the stage  for On-Stage Tutorials:  (in groups)

Learned from KP (in classroom) about...

  • Lighting Design Basics (If ABSENT, watch video HERE.)

  • Conventional lights

    • high power/halogen bulbs

    • require gels (students were given gel books & looked at the various colors of gels, etc.)

    • can take gobos (observed images of different "looks" created from various gobos

  • "Practicals"

    • any onstage light source that acts as a practical part of the physical environment

    • examples:  lamps, chandeliers, wall scones, etc.

  • LED lights (can make ANY color without gels)

  • ​Watched a video (Lighting the Lights in Billy Elliott) and discussed new terms, etc. (if absent, be sure to watch, and listen/watch for new terms learned)

Learned from SAM (on stage) about...​

  • how to properly hang and focus a fixture on an electric

  • how to clamp / lock a fixture

  • how and why to use a safety cable

  • how to power a fixture / plug into dimmer

  • how to focus the light to where it will hit on stage

  • how to use the shutters

  • how to insert a gel frame (color) and gobo (texture)

  • how/why to tie line loose cables

  • (if absent for Sam's lesson, you must make this up on your own time and arrange the make-up in advance with Sam)

Learned from JOHN (in booth) about...​

  • how to blend color on the cyc

  • basics of a light board

  • (if absent for John's lesson, you must make this up on your own time and arrange the make-up in advance with John)

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DAY 3:  Job of Lighting Designer / Tutorials on Stage

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1.) Watched a video (Billy Elliot Lighting) and reflected on 2 things that you found interesting.  (If absent, be sure to do this on your own.) 

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2.) Learned about the three jobs of a lighting designer: 

1.) to light the actor (front light)

2.) to show setting/time of day/season (cyc lights, scenery light, etc.)

3.) to create/support the mood (color, direction of light, use of gobos, scrims, etc.)

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3.) Reviewed the names of lighting fixtures

  • Scoop

  • Fresnel

  • Par Can

  • Ellipsoidal 

  • Cyc Light

  • Spot Light

 

4.) Learned about 2 tools helpful in hanging/focusing light fixtures:  crescent wrench & "C" clamp.

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5.) Learned about the parts of a light fixture

  • "C clamp"

  • Yoke

  • Safety cable

  • Shutter handle

  • Power cable

  • Gel frame holder 

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6.) Watched a video and learned how to hang, "rough focus" and program light fixtures. (If absent, watch video HERE.)

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7.) Went to the stage for On-Stage Tutorials:  (see descriptions from last class - if absent, you are responsible to make up any skills/learning you missed)

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DAY 4:

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1.) Reviewed parts of a lighting fixture, names of lighting fixtures, gels, gobos, conventional lights, practicals, and the job of a lighting designer.

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2.)  Watched a video  (The Stagehand who told Stories with Lights - 5:58) and reflected on 2-3 things that you found interesting, intriguing or new.

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3.) Went to the stage for On-Stage Tutorials:  (see descriptions Day 2 - if absent, you are responsible to make up any skills/learning you missed)

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WANT TO LEARN MORE?  (optional)

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Additional Videos on Fly Lines:

  • If you were absent for fly line tutorials, watch THIS up to 8:25 (about how the fly line system works and how to safely use it)

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Additional Videos on Lighting:

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Additional Videos on Sound:

  • Sound Mixing of Hamilton

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Additional Videos on Special Effects on Stage: 

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