SRJC Course Outlines

12/8/2024 10:52:47 AMTHAR 26 Course Outline as of Fall 2018

Changed Course
CATALOG INFORMATION

Discipline and Nbr:  THAR 26Title:  INTRO THEATRE LIGHTING  
Full Title:  Introduction to Theatrical Lighting
Last Reviewed:8/28/2017

UnitsCourse Hours per Week Nbr of WeeksCourse Hours Total
Maximum3.00Lecture Scheduled2.0017.5 max.Lecture Scheduled35.00
Minimum3.00Lab Scheduled2.008 min.Lab Scheduled35.00
 Contact DHR2.00 Contact DHR35.00
 Contact Total6.00 Contact Total105.00
 
 Non-contact DHR0 Non-contact DHR Total0

 Total Out of Class Hours:  70.00Total Student Learning Hours: 175.00 

Title 5 Category:  AA Degree Applicable
Grading:  Grade Only
Repeatability:  00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP
Also Listed As: 
Formerly: 

Catalog Description:
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An introduction to the basic concepts of theatre lighting, including hands-on instruction in the operation of stage lighting, planning, and rigging.  Instruction in light sources, the theory of electricity in the theatre, color media and theory, lighting design, light plots, equipment, control systems, and rehearsal/performance procedures and operation.

Prerequisites/Corequisites:


Recommended Preparation:
Course Completion or Concurrent Enrollment in THAR 1 and THAR 20

Limits on Enrollment:

Schedule of Classes Information
Description: Untitled document
An introduction to the basic concepts of theatre lighting, including hands-on instruction in the operation of stage lighting, planning, and rigging.  Instruction in light sources, the theory of electricity in the theatre, color media and theory, lighting design, light plots, equipment, control systems, and rehearsal/performance procedures and operation.
(Grade Only)

Prerequisites:
Recommended:Course Completion or Concurrent Enrollment in THAR 1 and THAR 20
Limits on Enrollment:
Transfer Credit:CSU;UC.
Repeatability:00 - Two Repeats if Grade was D, F, NC, or NP

ARTICULATION, MAJOR, and CERTIFICATION INFORMATION

Associate Degree:Effective:Inactive:
 Area:
 
CSU GE:Transfer Area Effective:Inactive:
 
IGETC:Transfer Area Effective:Inactive:
 
CSU Transfer:TransferableEffective:Fall 1985Inactive:
 
UC Transfer:TransferableEffective:Fall 1985Inactive:
 
C-ID:
 CID Descriptor: THTR 173 Introduction to Stage Lighting or Lighting Design Fundamentals SRJC Equivalent Course(s): THAR26

Certificate/Major Applicable: Both Certificate and Major Applicable



COURSE CONTENT

Student Learning Outcomes:
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
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1.  Safely hang, circuit, and focus a lighting plot, applying lighting fundamentals including
    correct equipment identification and accurate plot interpretation.
2.  Conceptualize and draft a basic lighting plot for a theatrical production, applying
     script analysis, research, lighting theory, lighting terminology, and documentation
    techniques.

Objectives: Untitled document
At the conclusion of this course, the student should be able to:
1. Hang, circuit, and focus lighting equipment for a production.
2. Exhibit safe and well organized work habits, including following basic safety
    precautions when using catwalks, ladders, and lifts.
3. Identify the function of specific lighting instruments, riggings, control systems,
    connectors, lamps, special effects equipment, and technical plots.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of lighting theory,  basic electrical theory,
    and the ability to work safely with electronic equipment.
5. Distinguish types of circuits and compute appropriate wattage, resistance,
    amperage, and voltage.
6. Correctly read and interpret a light plot and supporting paperwork.
7. Design a basic lighting scheme including a plot and supportive data.
8. Define and correctly use common theatrical and lighting design terminology.
9. Evaluate the responsibilities of a theatrical lighting designer and recognize
    the designer's collaboration with the other production company personnel.
10. Analyze a theatrical text, identifying all potential lighting requirements and
    design possibilities at a beginning level.
11. Apply elements of color theory and lighting theory, including style, color,
    texture, angle, and mood to theatrical lighting.

Topics and Scope
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I. Principles of Light
    A. How light works
    B. Optics
II. Working with Electricity
    A. Safe practices
    B. Basic electrical theory and terms*  
         1. Wattage
        2. Resistance
        3. Amperage
        4. Voltage
    C. Electrical systems
        1. Wiring
        2. Types of circuits
        3. Dimming systems
III. Lighting Instruments and Equipment
    A. Care and maintenance
    B. Fixture types, features, and uses
    C. Lamps
    D. Gels and gobos
    E. Special effects (fog, smoke, haze, projections)
    F. Practicals
IV. Lighting Control Systems
    A. Board operation in production
    B. Manual vs. computer control
    C. Patching and cueing
V. Lighting Design
    A. Conceptual research*
    B. Integration of design with other aspects of production*
    C. Constructing a plot and supporting paperwork
VI. Color Theory
    A. Additive and subtractive color mixing
    B. Mood
VII. Lighting Theory
    A. Style and mood
    B. Angle, texture, and intensity
VIII. Script Analysis for Lighting Design*
    A. Identifying lighting requirements
         1. Style
         2. Essential elements
         3. Number of locations, time of day, etc.
    B. Working with plays from major historical periods
IX. Safety During the Hang and Focus Process
    A. Proper use of tools and equipment
    B. Correct usage of ladders, lifts, catwalks, and safety harnesses
    C. Emergency procedures
X. Rigging
    A. Knot tying and proper usage
    B. Techniques
XI. Hang and Focus Techniques
    A. Reading and interpreting a light plot
    B. Dividing responsibilities
    C. Hanging light instruments
    D. Circuiting a plot
    E. Focusing instruments
    F. Troubleshooting techniques
XII. Careers in Theatrical Lighting*
    A. Types of positions and responsibilities
         1. Lighting designer
         2. Master electrician
         3. Board operator    
     B. Resumes for lighting field
    C. Etiquette and work ethic
    D. Union work
    E. Working with rental companies
    F. Working as an Independent Contractor
 
All topics are covered in both the lecture and lab parts of the course, except those sections marked with an asterisk.  Those sections are only covered in lecture.

Assignments:
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Lecture Related Assignments:
I.  Homework
     A. 10-15 pages of reading per week
     B. Weekly homework exercises relating to assigned reading and class instruction.
 
Lecture and Lab Related Assignment:
I.   Quizzes: 5-10 written and/or skill demonstration quizzes based on assigned reading,
    class discussion, and lecture material.
II.  Two projects
     A. Midterm project (examples):
          1. Light Show:  Conceptualize a 5 minute light show to accompany a
                favorite music selection, applying basic principles including color
               and pattern; hang, focus and run the light show in a laboratory setting.
          2. Research and Design:  Selecting a scene from a play, write a detailed
               description of how it would be lit if staged in Burbank Auditorium.  Project
               includes documentation of conceptual research.
     B. Final design project (example): Design a lighting plot based on analysis and creative
           interpretation of an assigned script.  The project includes the light plot, section,
           copy of script with cueing choices, color order, typed design concept paper, and
            all design paperwork.
III.  Two Exams (midterm and final): Each exam will consist of two sections - a skills portion,
       covering skills and techniques, and a written portion, covering reading and lecture
       materials.
 
Lab Related Assignment:
I.   Completion of 35 hours of practicum experience (DHR)
    A.  16 hours participating in the hang and focus for one or more SRJC productions
           during the semester.   
     B.  19 hours participating in related SRJC technical theatre activities, such as
           lighting projects, equipment maintenance, event preparation and/or
           inventory organization.

Methods of Evaluation/Basis of Grade.
Writing: Assessment tools that demonstrate writing skill and/or require students to select, organize and explain ideas in writing.Writing
10 - 20%
Project concept paper(s) and documents
Problem solving: Assessment tools, other than exams, that demonstrate competence in computational or non-computational problem solving skills.Problem Solving
5 - 10%
Homework exercises
Skill Demonstrations: All skill-based and physical demonstrations used for assessment purposes including skill performance exams.Skill Demonstrations
30 - 50%
Midterm project; Final project; Quizzes - skill demonstrations; Exams - skills demonstation portion
Exams: All forms of formal testing, other than skill performance exams.Exams
10 - 20%
Quizzes - written; Exams - written portion (multiple choice, completion, etc.)
Other: Includes any assessment tools that do not logically fit into the above categories.Other Category
15 - 30%
Attendance and participation; completion of DHR hours


Representative Textbooks and Materials:
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Shelley, Steven Louis.  A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting, 3rd ed.  Focal Press: 2013.
 
Instructor prepared materials

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