While a professional plot can look very complex, yours doesn’t have to be – especially if you are doing community theatre or something similar. It is typically done from an overhead view.ĭoes it have to be fancy? No, it doesn’t. Simply put, a light plot is a plan from the lighting designer (that’s YOU), that shows the crew what types of lights to use, where to place them, and any focus notes. What Is a Light Plot? (and What Are All The Labels On It?) It doesn’t have to be complicated, and it doesn’t have to be intimidating. While I was intimidated the first time I sat down to make a plot, you don’t have to be. And while he showed no desire to design, he also wanted to push us students into a box of “theatrical rightness”…and that was intimidating!įast forward, I never met his expectations, but I learned a lot – especially about making a plot! (and hey – that rhymes!) The school had a tech guy who was supposed to watch over us and advise us. By design, I really mean “tweak” the current layout, but I was excited to do so, nonetheless.īut I had one obstacle. Next up in this series we hear from the MD of one of the UK’s famous names of lighting hire and find out his ideal stage lighting education.At the time, I was in high school, and I was tasked to “design” the lighting for our fall production. Working within a large rental company can give a beginner plenty of opportunities to learn, get training and work with some of the latest lighting equipment. Stage lighting hire is big business and the companies that provide rental equipment for shows employ and train hundreds of staff per year. Thanks to Durham for taking the time to speak to us. This should start from the bottom rung of the electrics department so that the absolute basics are not skipped. What would be your ideal education for new lighting technicians, to gain good experience and qualifications before coming to you for a job?ĭM: A 50/50 mix of a good degree course and actual experience in the industry. They also must have an understanding of many other associated disciplines, such as sound, carpentry and rigging. Do you think that these courses serve a real demand for graduates?ĭM:Lighting professionals need to know every aspect of their art. Stage lighting has more degrees courses and specialist training focusing on particular areas like moving light programming or lighting design. A good degree plus relevant experience on your CV will be the best route into the industry. Do you think that the “old” ways of getting into the business (like helping out at your local theatre) will become impossible or obsolete?ĭM: Qualifications in all areas of professional life are becoming fundamental to getting work. There is a growing emphasis on provable training and skills – the business is becoming more “professional”. A pride in your work and your appearance too. Technical skills and attention to detail are important for technicians. What is the most important thing that you look for when deciding to employ a newcomer into the lighting business? And how do your measure it?ĭM: Calm approach, a sense of humour and a very professional attitude. He also has extremely high standards, not least when choosing his own lighting team. As a successful freelance LD, Durham understands the importance of both professional training and personality when it come to getting work in the stage lighting world. The only Bristish LD to light an Olympic event, Durham is behind many theatre shows and high profile spectaculars – he recently lit the Royal Opening of St Pancras Station. The third part of our series about stage lighting education finds out what a top UK lighting designer thinks is important before starting out in the lighting business.ĭurham Marenghi is a top flight international Lighting Designer.
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