THD 272 – Lighting Design

Prof. Kristeen Crosser
Office HAC Scene Shop

Course Objective:
1. To explore lighting design in relationship to a written text.
2. To relate the theatrical design process to developing a lighting design.
3. To reveal the interrelationships of the various aspects of lighting design.

Method of Study:
Readings, Discussions, Lectures, Projects

Texts:
Dancing at Lughnasa by Brian Friel
Picnic by William Inge
Designing with Light by J. Michael Gillette

Attendance Policy:
5 excused absences for regular class meetings; each absence beyond the 5 will result in a grade reduction of one-half letter. 3 tardies equal one absence.

Grading Criteria:
Reaction Paper, Picnic 25pts
Discussion Participation 25pts
Concept Paper 50pts
Story Board Project 125pts

Reaction Paper, Dancing at Lughnasa 50pts
Discussion Participation 25pts
Concept Paper 75pts
Drafting Project 175pts

Lighting Diary 200pts

Production Design Analysis, Student Choreographer Concert 50pts
Production Design Analysis, Measure for Measure 50pts
Production Design Analysis, Winter Dance Concert 50pts

Mini Project 1 (Emotion) 100pts
Mini Project 2 (Magic Sheet) 100pts
Mini Project 3 (Painting Project) 100pts

Final Cueing Project 300pts

Total Points 1500pts

The final project will be presented in conjunction with the acting class scenes during final exam week.

Grading Scale:
1388-1500pts 93-100% A
1343-1387pts 90-92% AB
1238-1342pts 83-89% B
1193-1237pts 80-82% BC
1088-1192pts 73-79% C
1043-1087pts 70-72% CD
948-1042pts 63-69% D
893-947pts 60-62% DE

Story Board Project (Picnic)
Each student will be asked to develop a storyboard for Picnic. Storyboarding is a technique used to assist in the pre-production discussions amongst the design team members. Students will be drawing what they feel the light quality will be for the four main scenes of the production. A five-page reaction paper and a one-page concept paper should accompany the finished project. The project is due March 4.

Drafting and Paperwork Project (Dancing at Lughnasa)
Each student will develop a design idea for Dancing at Lughnasa. A ground plan will be provided. Each student will need to develop a light plot, channel hook-up, magic sheet, color key. Along with these items a five-page reaction paper and a one-page concept paper should accompany the finished project. The project is due on the last day of class April 10.

Lighting Diary
Students are expected to keep a journal of descriptions of light. Students should have one entry per class period. Use specific adjectives; try to find new words. Each entry may be brief but it must be thorough. Students will be asked to read to the class from their diary. The professor will provide some of the topics. The diary is due on April 8.

Design Analysis Paper
A written assessment of the lighting design for selected Alma College Theatre and Dance Productions. This analysis should discuss all elements of design and how they worked in the production. Care should be given to how the design elements correspond to the play text and overall design concept. Attendance at the production is required.

Mini Project 1 (Emotion)
Pairs of students will be asked to choose 1 emotion and represent is with a poem, a piece of music and a lighting scheme. Students will need to find someone to read the poem. Props and furniture can be used. Students can as many lights as they want and write as many cues, as they want. Grades will be based on creativity, self and peer evaluations and presentation style. Projects will be presented on Feb. 6.

Mini Project 2 (Magic Sheet)
Each student will be given a light plot and be asked to create a magic sheet from that plot. A diagram will be provided. They are due on march 13.

Mini Project 3 (Painting Recreation)
Pairs of students will be given a painting to recreate with furniture, actors and lighting. The main goal is to simulate the quality and directionality of the light in the painting. Grades will be based on creativity, self and peer evaluations, and presentation.

Final Cueing Project
Each student will be given a scene to light in conjunction with the Acting and Directing class finals. Students will need to do a full analysis of their script, develop a lighting key, and present a series of lighting cues with the scenes during the final exam week. A standard plot will be provided, but gels may be changed.