MCCCD Program Description

Beginning Stage Lighting

Course: THP216

First Term: 2018 Fall

Lec + Lab 3 Credit(s) 4 Period(s) 4 Load
Subject Type: Academic
Load Formula: T Lab Load

Description: Basic theories and methods of stage lighting for all production types. Emphasis on technical/theoretical facts, artistic/design concept development, and teamwork structure of theatre. Examines stage lighting optics, instrument selection and application, color theory, circuiting and control systems, and basic design

MCCCD Official Course Competencies
1. Identify the basic nomenclature of stage lighting, including the nature of light, basic optics, reflection systems, instruments types and their applications. (I) 2. Relate electrical theory to stage application. (II) 3. Apply solar theory to stage use. (III) 4. Examine the theories of stage lighting design in regard to different spaces and types of productions. (IV) 5. Identify the basic components of stage lighting graphics and design techniques. (V) 6. Apply basic circuiting and dimmer application to stage lighting design. (VI) 7. Describe and apply the collaborative nature of theatre design in terms of developing light plots to coordinate with the director`s and other designers` concepts. (VII) 8. Develop full lighting plots, instruments schedules, hook-up sheets and show levels. (VIII)
MCCCD Official Course Competencies must be coordinated with the content outline so that each major point in the outline serves one or more competencies. MCCCD faculty retains authority in determining the pedagogical approach, methodology, content sequencing, and assessment metrics for student work. Please see individual course syllabi for additional information, including specific course requirements.

MCCCD Official Course Outline
I. Nomenclature for stage lighting design A. Nature of light B. Optic systems C. Reflection and refraction D. Instrument types and application E. Hanging positions 1. Stage positions 2. Front of House (FOH) positions F. Light sources II. Stage lighting and electricity A. Atomic theory B. Conductors and insulators C. Sources of electric currents D. Electric units of measurement E. Direct and alternating current F. Circuiting G. Stage conductors H. Electrical safety III. Color Theory A. Principles of the Additive Color System B. Additive Color System in conjunction with Subtractive Color System C. Color filters and their applications D. Designing with color IV. Theories of Stage Lightning Design A. History of stage lighting design B. Application for proscenium productions 1. Drama 2. Music forms 3. Audio visual C. Application for round and thrust staging D. Dance lighting E. Design decisions 1. Field angles 2. Relative angles 3. Color mixing 4. Number and types of instruments 5. Lighting the actor 6. Lighting the background F. Special effects and projections V. Basic components of stage lighting design graphics and design applications A. Light plots and ground plans B. Instrument annotations C. Instrument and color keys D. Instrument schedule and hookup E. Lighting sections F. Additional paperwork 1. Hanging cardboards 2. Cheat Sheet 3. Magic Sheet 4. Color Key G. Computer programs for lighting design VI. Circuit and dimmer applications A. Dimmer and circuit assignments B. Working with the director on concepts C. Working with the scene and costume designers to visually unite the production VIII. Development of lighting plots A. Plots and sectional views B. Schedule sheets C. Hookup sheets D. Cuing

MCCCD Governing Board Approval Date: 10/23/1990

All information published is subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented, but based on the dynamic nature of the curricular process, course and program information is subject to change in order to reflect the most current information available.