Introduction to Stage Lighting: The Fundamentals of Theatre Lighting Design

Product Overview

Format: Softcover

ISBN: 9781566080989

Intended as a text for those who are developing their craft in the field of stage lighting design, this book also can serve as a reference for drama teachers and directors who wish to expand their insight into the total process of stage lighting design. The focus of this book is on the process of design rather than the latest developments in lighting and control technology. Effective design, after all, relies more on a thoughtful approach to the work than on the ever-expanding capabilities of the fixtures. Twelve chapters are divided into three sections. First, Tools and Terminology covers all of the basics-lighting fixtures, how stage lights work, terminology and the quality of light. Next, Manipulating the Light addresses the controllable qualities of light-angle, intensity, movement and color-as well as developing the lighting key. The final portion of the book devotes itself to the Collaborative Process, since no lighting director should ever work in a vacuum. Enhanced with 40 illustrations and photos, this is an indispensable reference. ©2004, 161 pages

Contents:

List of Illustrations	vii
		Preface	ix
	Part 1	Tools and Terminology	1
	Chapter 1	Lighting Fixtures: The Lighting Designer's Paintbrush	3
		Development of the Dramatic Arts	4
		Tools of the Trade: Principal Electric Fixtures	6
	Chapter 2	How Stage Lights Work	16
		The Housing and Plug	16
		The Lamp	17
		The Reflector	21
		The Lens	22
	Chapter 3	Stage and Lighting Terminology	26
		Stage Direction	27
		Drapery and Stage Direction	30
		Identifying Lighting Positions	32
		Fixture Names Based on Function	33
	Chapter 4	Light: The Designer's Paint	36
		The Specular Quality of Light	36
		Lighting the Actor's Face	37
		The Controllable Qualities of Light	37
	Part 2	Manipulating the Light	53
	Chapter 5	Developing the Lighting Key	55
		Identifying the Sources	55
		Assigning Color to the Sources	56
		Identifying the Elements and Their Relationships	59
		Summary of the Lighting Key and Its Applications	59
	Chapter 6	Assigning Intensity Levels	61
		The Importance of Precise Intensity Control	61
		Using Context to Establish the Overall Lighting Scheme	62
		Shifting Focus Using Balance and Contrast	64
		Creating Mood	68
	Part 3	The Collaborative Process	71
	Chapter 7	Communicating the Intent	73
		Lighting Drawings	73
		Lighting Paperwork	81
	Chapter 8	Focus: The Rush to Perfection	87
		Acquiring Stage Time	87
		Focus Duties	88
		The Focus Procedure	89
	Chapter 9	Writing Cues	92
		Documenting Lighting Changes for Repeatability	92
		The Evolution of the Cues	93
		Cuing the Show	98
	Chapter 10	Developments in Lighting Control	103
		Developments in Manual Control	104
		Autotransformers	107
		The Patch Panel	109
		Remote Manual Dimmer Control	110
		Remote Computer-Based Control	112
	Chapter 11	Computer Consoles	113
		Basics of the Console	113
		Console Operations	117
		Imparting the "Feel" of the Show to the Console	126
	Chapter 12	Tech Week: The Final Frontier	136
		Tech Week Scenario	136
		Opening Night, Photo Call, and Beyond	147
		Glossary	152
		Index	159
		About the Author	161

Charles I. Swift brings nearly three decades of experience to his work as a lighting designer, educator, and theatre consultant. Mr. Swift has designed a wide range of productions and worked in various capacities on production teams throughout the United States. He has brought his skills to bear in implementing technical systems in theatres the world over and is currently engaged in designing systems for a variety of venues throughout the Southeast. Mr. Swift is an Associate Member of the American Society of Theatre Consultants (ASTC), a member of the Illuminating Engineering Society of North America (IESNA), the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (U.S.I.T.T.), and maintains membership in the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). He received his B.S. in Design and Production (summa cum laude) from the State University of New York at New Paltz and earned an M.F.A. in Scene and Lighting Design from Carnegie Mellon University. Mr. Swift has taught stagecraft and lighting design in the State University System of New York and is currently an adjunct theatre faculty member in the College of the Arts at Kennesaw State University.