Course Syllabus
Course: THEA 2540
Division: Fine Arts, Comm, and New Media
Department: Theater Arts
Title: Lighting Design
Semester Approved: Spring 2022
Five-Year Review Semester: Fall 2026
End Semester: Fall 2027
Catalog Description: This course explores the study and application of theory and principles in designing theatrical lighting. Opportunities are provided to exercise theory in practical settings. Students are given opportunities to learn and develop skills in the following areas: (1) design appreciation and aesthetics; (2) the design process; (3) lighting instrumentation, hanging, and focusing; (4) qualities and functions of light; (5) color mixing; and (6) lighting effects.
Semesters Offered: Spring
Credit/Time Requirement: Credit: 3; Lecture: 2; Lab: 2
Prerequisites: THEA 1513 Stagecraft
Corequisites: None
Justification: Although not a general education course, this class allows the student an opportunity to learn the use of lighting in producing a theatrical work of art. They are tutored in the art and craft of stage lighting and are evaluated on their ability to use lighting within the collaborative framework of theatre production. These experiences are invaluable in developing a student's appreciation and understanding of the art and craft of theatre.This course is offered by most theatre departments throughout the state. This course is required for most theatre majors. Course is required for technical theatre majors throughout the state.
Student Learning Outcomes:
As a result of this course students will be introduced to the roles and responsibilities of lighting designer, master electrician, and theatrical electrician. As well as the relative terminology used in their fields. Students will demonstrate their understanding through quizzes, participation during in-class demonstrations, and assignments such as a designer research project, where they must study a selected designer's body of work and portfolio, and present their findings to the class.Additionally, performance critiques of both Snow College productions and professional productions reinforce their understanding of a designer's role, responsibilities, and influence on a show and its narrative.While lighting design laboratory hours allow students to demonstrate their understanding of the roles of theatrical electrician and master electrician, through hands-on practical application such as hang and focus.
As a result of this course learners will understand the elements of design and their application for lighting design for live performances. Students will demonstrate their appreciation of design aesthetics and theory through performance quizzes, critiques, participation in lecture/discussions, and design-focused projects covering topics such as: the elements of design, the color-mixing, and/or color keys, for example.
As a result of this course students will be able to discern the specializations and the uses of lighting instrumentation, implement the correct safety practices of hanging and work with theatrical electrical equipment, and apply the procedures of focusing. Students will demonstrate their mastery of the practical application of their knowledge by completing application exercises in-class and out of class assignments. These cover topics from hardware (such instrumentation, shutters, gobos, and gels) to software (such as Vectorworks and EOS) and allow the students to present at least one light plot assignment or other equivalent project integrating previous concepts.Additionally, quizzes, exams, and completion of laboratory hours under supervision of the instructor will aid students to demonstrate their grasp on safety practices and procedures.
As a result of this course a student will be able to navigate the design process from the theoretical stage to a fully realized work. Students will demonstrate their ability to take theoretical concept to fruition through a final project. This culminating work includes analysis, research, a design concept statement, hang and focus plot, photometries, and a color key. The student will be tasked with presenting it live through current theatre department equipment.
Content:
Units in each of the following areas will be covered during the course:1. Design appreciation and aesthetics.2. The design process.3. Lighting instrumentation, hanging, and focusing.4. Qualities and functions of light.5. Color mixing.6. Lighting effects.A goal of this course is to develop student skills to the point they can design the lighting for actual stage productions. Students will be expected to work on assigned portions of each of the Snow College Theatre Department's main-stage theatrical productions.Content of this course is primarily focused on theory and practical application. Snow College Theatre Department's main-stage theatrical shows are selected with equity, diversity, and inclusion in mind. Furthermore, in this course students explore diversity in lighting design through research in the designer research projects to responses of professional productions to lectures that address the need for different color keys for differing skin tones.
Key Performance Indicators:
Students will be evaluated on:
Attendance and participation. 5 to 10%
Quizzes and exams. 10 to 20%
Projects and assignments. 30 to 50%
Performance critiques. 10 to 20%
Lighting lab hours. 20 to 30%
Final projects. 5 to 10%
Representative Text and/or Supplies:
Designing With Light, An Introduction To Stage Lighting, current edition, by J. Michael Gillette, Mayfield Publishing Co. (current edition)
Pedagogy Statement:
Through lecture, demonstrations, projects, quizzes/exams, and hands-on practical experience on live theatrical performances, students will learn the elements of design, the design process, and develop the practical skills as well as a knowledge of stage lighting theory and methods.Discussions, active observation, artistic expression, and critical analysis are conduits for growth and learning. Each of these practices are utilized throughout this class and students are encouraged to critically and respectfully critique their own and others work in an environment where all voices and perspectives are welcome. Students will develop increased skills and abilities in working as a collaborative member of a creative team in an open atmosphere.
Instructional Mediums:
Lecture
Maximum Class Size: 15
Optimum Class Size: 12
