A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting

✍ Scribed by Steven Louis Shelley; Jennifer Tipton (foreword)

• Publisher: Focal Press
• Year: 2013
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 588
• Edition: 3
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

Combining theory and application, A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting provides a comprehensive analysis of lighting systems along with examples and illustrations of the technical tools and methods used in the industry.

An entertaining and educational read, author Steven Louis Shelley draws from his 35+ years of diverse experience to explain how to get the job done along with real-life examples of projects from start to finish. Learn why some techniques are successful while others fail with 'Shelley's Notes' and 'Shelley's Soapbox,' all with a humor that guides you through complex problems and concepts.

Highlights include:

-Over 100 new topics, including analysis and application of the three categories of collaboration; a detailed examination of production meetings and one-on-one meetings; and meeting checklists with management and the creative team.

-Over 50 new illustrations, including Shelley's Periodic Table of Fundamental Lighting Systems; groundplans, sections, and front elevations that illustrate basic system wash configurations for each direction of light.

-Analysis, calculation, and step-by-step technical construction of each lighting system in the Hokey light plot.

-Explanation of a manufacturer's cut sheet, and how to apply basic formulas to determine the beam size, footcandles, and gel transmission for lighting instruments.

-Updated process of pre-programming computer lighting consoles prior to the load-in.

-Comprehensive overview of archiving paperwork and softcopy for a production.

Students and professionals will benefit from experience-based tips and techniques to prepare and execute a lighting design, along with learning how to avoid common traps.

✦ Table of Contents

Cover
Title Page
Copyright Page
Table of Contents
Introduction
Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments for the Third Edition
Chapter 1 A Review
Introduction
The Theatrical Space
Theatrical Stage Nomenclature
Hanging Position and Focus Nomenclature
Light Nomenclature and Mathematics
Color
Electricity and Distribution
Control
Lighting Instruments
The Staff of a Production
The Production Schedule
The Light Plot and Lighting Section
Summary
Chapter 2 Paperwork Overview
The Document Pre-Approval and Distribution Charts
Summary
Stage 1 Research and Analysis
Chapter 3 Background Preparations and Preliminary Design Paperwork
Introduction
Background Preparations
Meetings
Hokey Re-Analysis
Summary
Chapter 4 The Parameters
Introduction
Define the Contract
Define the Communication
Define the Production Schedule
Define by the Budget
Define by Type and Size of Production
Define by Origin
Define by Movement
Define by Mode of Transport
Define the Performance Facility
Summary
Stage 2 Construction and Reaction: Preliminary Documents
Chapter 5 Create the Preliminary Drawings
Introduction
The Preliminary Drawings
The Preliminary Section
The Preliminary Groundplan
The Front Elevation
Summary
Chapter 6 Creating the Preliminary Lighting Section and Light Plot
Introduction
Define the Hokey Lighting Systems
Construct the Lighting Systems
Backlight
Downlight
Sidelight
Frontlight
Scenic Light
Backdrops and Translucencies: Analysis
Peripheral Light
Summary
Chapter 7 Compiling and Sending Out the Shop Order
Introduction
The Lighting Rental Shop
The Shop Order
The Labor
The Masking and Scenic Goods Rental Order
Summary
Chapter 8 Cuts and Changes
Introduction
The Bidding Process
The Budget Gets Slashed
Summary
Stage 3 Preparation and Implementation: The Lighting Design is Documented and Installed
Chapter 9 The Light Plot, Section, and Support Paperwork Packet
Introduction
The Light Plot
The Lighting Section
The Support Paperwork
Summary
Chapter 10 The Load-In and Focus Packet
Introduction
The Hang Plot
The Headset Layout Groundplan
Computer Lighting Console Information
Focus Information
Summary
Chapter 11 The Cue Construction Packet
Introduction
The Magic Sheet
The Cheat Sheet
The Cue Master
Forms
Summary
Chapter 12 Prior to the Load-In
Introduction
Confirm Paperwork Distribution
Reacting to Changes
Prepping the Rental Light Package
Pre-Programming Lighting Console Information
The Production Schedule
Watching the Run-Through
Final Preparations for the Load-In
Summary
Chapter 13 The Load-In and Setup
Introduction
Before the Load-In Begins
The Load-In Begins
Spiking the Deck
Hanging the Light Plot
Position the Booms
Setting up the Lighting Console
Check the Production Table
Followspots
Hot Test the Position
Setting the Trims
The First Channel Check
Summary
Chapter 14 The Focus Session
Introduction
Overview
Focus Analysis
Focus Techniques and Notes
Focus Tips
Focus Checklists
Focusing the Hokey Light Plot
Summary
Chapter 15 The Light Cue Level Setting Session and Technical Rehearsals
Introduction
Light Cue Level Setting Session Analysis
Before the Cueing Session
The Cueing Session
Followspots
The Technical Rehearsal
Prior to the Technical Rehearsal
Before the Final Rehearsal
Summary
Chapter 16 The Performance
Introduction
Before the Performance
The Show Call
The Performance
After the Show
Stage 4: Archive and Final Activities: The Lighting Design is Cleaned Up and Stored
Chapter 17 Archiving and Final Activities
Introduction
Archive Overview
Summary
Appendix A
Appendix B
Glossary
Bibliography
Index