Drama 411: Lighting Design is an introduction to the process of theatrical lighting design from script, image, and idea, to performance. Emphasis will be on the development of visual perception skills, design development, notation, communication, and realization in the lighting studio. Class format will consist of lecture/demonstration, project work and a significant amount of in-class observation and discussion.

This course makes use of the Automated Lighting Studio Project. The project (funded by the UVA Technology in Teaching Initiative) will support student project development and class demonstrations with state of the art lighting and lighting control technology.

The following contains information about grading, course outline, and class projects.

Final grade: A final grade will be based on the following:
 

Project points 1. Class lighting design projects (4) 40 2. Production Reviews (2) 20 3. Lighting notebook 20 4. Final Project 20 5. Attendance:  Class attendance is required. Final grades will be reduced by one grade level for every absence after 2. Please consult grading guidelines sheet (available from the materials page) for grading rubrics for various assignments.

Grading Scale: 100+ A+   95-99 A   73-76 C 90-94 A-   70-72 C- 87-89 B+   67-69 D+ 83-86 B   63-66 D 80-82 B-   60-62 D- 77-79 C+   00-59 F

Each student will complete four design projects:

1. Character relationship
2. Character environment
3. Design a scene from a play
4. Light and music project (collaborative project)

Specific information regarding the lighting design projects will be distributed prior to each project due date. Work times for projects will be scheduled in half hour (P1 and 2) and one hour (P3) blocks from 1-5pm Tue, and Wed afternoons and thus will be strictly limited in scope.

Each student is responsible for attending Songs for a New World and So Careless this semester and writing a short review of the lighting. Specific elements to be addressed in the review will be assigned. Class time will also be spent looking at the elements of the lighting designs for each of these shows prior to review due dates.

The lighting notebook will consist of three parts (see below): This multi-part on going assignment will be the primary record of student coursework, and will be individually assessed throughout the semester. In addition to specific project requirements the notebook will be evaluated over-all for organization, clarity, and completeness.

• Class exercises and responses: This section of the notebook should include documentation for and/or written responses to all in-class observations and discussions.
  
  
• Lighting observation exercises: This section of the notebook includes weekly outside-of-class observation exercises. Students should include the assignment sheet, notes taken on site, and paragraph form written summations (typed is preferred). All assignments should begin with date, time of day, and location (if it is an observation). Responses will often be discussed in class and periodically read for individual guidance.

• Project Documentation: This section includes the relevant parts of each design project to clearly demonstrates the design process. This might include: written ideas, sketches, research images, magic sheets, focus and cue notations, paperwork, self critiques, and photographs.

4. Final Project: The final project is a paper lighting design project for a play as if it were to be produced in the Helms Theatre. Specific information about project options and materials will be distributed at mid semester.

Materials:

Lighting Notebook:
  A good quality sturdy one inch three-ring binder
  Dividers, clear-pages, writing paper, or other organizational materials
  *Clear Pages are recommended for organizing visual material

Architect's scale rule
Drafting or drawing pencils
Set of at least 24 Prismacolor Pencils

Roscolux Swatchbook (provided)
Mini-mag type AA sized flashlight

Note: there is no required text for this class