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	WPI Technical Theatre Handbook: Introduction
	Introduction Lighting provides a tool for setting moods and tones of scenes on stage. In order to effectively utilize this tool, one must have a fairly in-depth understanding of the physics of light as well as the mechanical and electrical considerations of the lighting equipment. This chapter is an attempt to cover most aspects of a typical theatre lighting setup, including exposure to a wide variety of lighting instruments, dimmers, lighting boards, and other associated hardware. Additionally, basic lighting theory will be discussed, including important techniques necessary for successful lighting design. Having knowledge of how to use the equipmenta allows one to act as the Master Electrician for a production. The responsibilities of the Master Electrician (M.E.) are to hang, patch and focus the lights as per the lighting plot provided by the lighting designer. Often times the M.E. will also operate the lighting console for the production. While a knowledge of basic lighting theory is helpful to anyone working in the theatre, it is especially important to the Lighting Designer. The Lighting Designer (L.D.) must have a firm grasp on the theories of light, optics, and color, as well as a fair degree of artistic vision. The lighting designer has to use lighting to reinforce the moods of the play, as established by the work being performed as well as the production staff. In keeping with the the theme of this book, the artistic aspects of lighting design will not be stressed, as they are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to convey in written form. The easiest way to get a feel for what works and what doesn't is to work with an experienced L.D. on a few performances. Use of information in this document implies understanding and agreement with the copyright and terms of use. Specifically, no warranty is expressed or implied regarding the accuracy of the information contained within. YOU USE THIS INFORMATION AT YOUR OWN RISK. All trademarks are property of their respective owners. You must obtain permission from the author before using the contents of The Handbook for anything other than private use.	Table of Contents [Whole book in PDF 5.3MB] Contents Introduction Goals Sources Methods Conclusions Costumes Introduction Procurement Fabrics Color Patterns Fitting Rehearsal Clothing Design How to Begin Color Practicality Documents The Set Introduction Set Pieces Platforms Flats Stairs Rakes Other Structures Floor Coverings Construction Materials Tools Finishing Painting Types of Paint Mixing Paints Applying Paint Draperies Design How to Begin Documents Computer-Aided Design A Typical Set Construction at WPI Rigging Introduction Common Rigging Hardware Rope Wire Rope Thimbles, Wire Rope Clips, and Swages Shackles, Turnbuckles and Hooks Chain & Rapid Links Slings Fly Methods Non-Counterweighted Pulley Systems Counterweighted Fly Systems Lifts Chain Motors Flying Set Pieces Lighting Introduction Lighting Instruments Scoops Cyclorama Lights Parabolic Reflector Cans Fresnel Spotlights Ellipsoidal Reflector Spotlights Automated Instruments Color Color Theory Primary, Secondary and Complementary Colors of Light Light Mixing Practical Use of Color Glass, Gelatine and Plastics Dichroic Color Filters Patterns Dimmers Dimmer History Cables and Connectors Lighting Boards Control Design Washes Specials Cyclorama Lighting Color Lighting Angle Simulating Exteriors Lighting Design Paperwork Shop Order Instrument Plots Focus Sheets Computer-Aided Lighting Design A Typical Lighting Hang at WPI Audio Introduction Input Microphones Converting Sound to Electricity Directionality Analog Tape Digital Audio Tape (DAT) Compact Disc (CD) Mini-Disc (MD) Digital Samplers Computer Sound Cards Mixing Boards Signal Processing Equipment Equalizers Compressors and Limiters Noise Gates Effects Processors Output Power Amplifiers Speakers Crossovers Cabling and Connectors Line-Level Speaker-Level Automation Design Creating and Obtaining Effects Editing and Processing Effects Designing the Sound System The Input Section Signal Processing The Output Section A Typical Audio Setup at WPI Power Introduction Basic Theory Power Feeds Power Distribution Boxes Power Protection Important Considerations Special Effects Introduction Animated Costuming Smoke and Fog Pyrotechnics Acknowledgements References List of Figures Index About this document ...

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