Stage Lighting

Curriculum Guideline

Effective Date:
Course
Discontinued
No
Course Code
STGE 1112
Descriptive
Stage Lighting
Department
Stagecraft & Event Technology
Faculty
Language, Literature & Performing Arts
Credits
2.00
Start Date
End Term
201520
PLAR
Yes
Semester Length
15 weeks
Max Class Size
25
Contact Hours
Lecture: 12 hrs. per semester Laboratory: 36 hrs. per semester
Method(s) Of Instruction
Lecture
Lab
Learning Activities

Students will receive 1 to 1 ½ hours of lecture/demonstration followed by 2 ½ to 3 hours of lab that includes independent work and one-on-one instruction.

Course Description
Students will become familiar with industry standard working procedures for hanging, focusing and maintaining theatrical luminaries. Other topics will include light, colour, lenses, reflectors, lamps and basic electricity as they apply to lighting equipment for the stage. Students will also be required to attend and review 3 live events outside of normal classroom hours.
Course Content
  1. Basic Theory of Optics
    • Composition of light
    • Reflection: spherical, ellipsoidal, parabolic
    • Refraction: fresnel, stepped, plano-convex
  2. Light Sources
    • Incandescent
    • Tungsten – halogen
    • Arc and discharge
    • Other sources including fluorescent, laser, fiber optics, low voltage
  3. Equipment
    • Lens and lensless luminaries
    • Spots and floods: fresnel, projectors, floods and scoops, par and r, follow spots
  4. Hang and Focus
    • The light plot and schedules
    • Selection and preparation
    • Circuitry and patch
    • Trouble shooting and repair
    • Focus
  5. Basic Electricity for the Stage
    • Basic electrical theory
    • Quantities and measurement
    • Basic wiring and maintenance for luminaries and cable
Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, the successful student should be able to:

  1. demonstrate safe working procedures and precautions when dealing with theatrical luminaires and related equipment
  2. demonstrate a working knowledge of theatrical luminaires including:
    • basic lens and reflector characteristics
    • theatrical light sources
    • function and use of theatrical luminaires
  3. demonstrate a working knowledge of the procedures and techniques for hanging and focusing of theatrical luminaires
  4. understand basic electrical theory and practices for the stage

Means of Assessment

Students are expected to be self-motivated and to demonstrate professionalism, which includes active participation, good attendance, punctuality, effective collaboration, and the ability to meet deadlines.

Professionalism: 5 indicators X 2% 10%
Practical Test 30%
Written Tests  X 2 30%
Attend and review live performance: X 3 30%
Total  100%
Textbook Materials

A list of recommended textbooks and materials is provided on the Instructor’s Course Outline, which is available to students at the beginning of each semester.

Attendance at various live theatrical productions will involve costs for transportation and admission.  Ticket prices will vary but an average of 3 x $20 = $60 is typical.

Prerequisites

Acceptance to Stagecraft Program or permission of the Stagecraft Program Coordinator.

Which Prerequisite