Art of Rock Concert Lighting FAQ

[0.0] Contents

[1.0] Questions about the course

[1.1] How often is Art of Rock Concert Lighting Offered?
[1.2] Who can register for Art of Concert Lighting?
[1.3] Why does the max enrollment for USEMs keep changing in ISIS during the summer?
[1.4] Why are USEM enrollments capped at 18-20 students.
[1.5] Do you allow the course enrollment to go over the max enrollment in ISIS?
[1.6] If the course is full is there a wait list?

[2.0] Questions about course materials and bibliographic information

[2.1]Why can I not access materials referenced on this site or listed in the Bibliographies?
[2.2]Why is all of this Bibliographic information on the site?

[3.0] Questions about Liquid Oil Projection/"Wet Show" Techniques and Materials

[3.1] What kind of oils do you use and where do you purchase them?
[3.2] What do you use to dye oil-based media?
[3.3] In what proportions do you mix oil-dyes into oil?

[1.0] Questions about the course

[1.1] How often is Art of Rock Concert Lighting Offered?

Since USEM course offerings are contingent upon funding granted annually by the Provost's Office, offerings are variable. I have been able to offer the course on average once every two years (six times since 1996).

[1.2] Who can register for Art of Concert Lighting?

USEM courses are open to First-Year students only. If space still exists in the class at the beginning of the semester, upper level students may register for the remaining spaces.

[1.3] Why does the max enrollment for USEMs keep changing in ISIS during the summer?

In order to give students in each summer orientation session an equal chance to register, two spaces are added to each USEM course during each summer orientation session.

[1.4] Why are USEM enrollments capped at 18-20 students.

One of the goals of the USEM program is to provide First-Year students a closer level of contact with faculty and facilitate a seminar style class format.

[1.5] Do you allow the course enrollment to go over the max enrollment in ISIS?

No. (See question 1.5) Also, because of the hands-on component of this course and the availability of space and equipment we can only accommodate up to 20 students in this course.

[1.6] If the course is full is there a wait list?

If you are interested in the course please read over the syllabus and then add yourself to the electronic wait list. Please include a note about your interest in the course.

[2.0] Questions about course materials and bibliographic information on the site

[2.1]Why can I not access materials referenced on this site or listed in the Bibliography?

Access to reading materials for the class or other reference materials is limited to students enrolled in the course in accordance with University of Virginia copyright policies. Course materials available to students are believed to be in compliance with this policy. Concerns or questions about these materials should be sent to the instructor at rlk3p@virginia.edu.

[2.2]Why is all of this Bibliographic information on the site?

Bibliographic information for all materials used in this class is available on the Bibliography page to help interested students pursue additional reading or research, as a repository of information to guide future research, and as an open web resource for anyone interested in these subjects. I have received hundreds of e-mails about items on this site over the last ten years and my goal is to make as much information available as I have time for. Your comments or questions are welcome at rlk3p@virginia.edu.

[3.0] Questions about Liquid Oil Projection/"Wet Show" Techniques and Materials

[3.1] What kind of oils do you use and where do you purchase them?

We have been using white mineral oil that we purchase at a local store that sells supplies for horses. (Mineral oil is used to treat constipation in horses.) The web address on the container is: http://www.animedproducts.com/pages/352677/index.htm

This oil is medium to light viscosity and is colorless and odorless. We have also used baby oil which you can get at a drugstore, but it is perfumed and more expensive. Avoid oils that have soap in them like bath oils as they quickly will mix with water.

Another medium that will mix with some oil-based dyes (see [2.2]) is propylene glycol. This medium is also clear and can be purchased from online chemical suppliers. We just use a propylene glycol based Hazer fluid.

[3.2] What do you use to dye oil-based media?

After much experimentation (see Psychedelic Lighting Workshop 1997) we discovered that candy dyes were inexpensive, non-toxic, and worked well. Liquid candy dyes are used primarily to color melted and formed candies. Make sure the dyes you purchase are oil-based, propylene glycol based, or a combination. Do not use dyes for frosting as they are water based. Since the manufacturers make both and the packaging is similar, be sure to read the label carefully.

We have used dyes manufactured by Wilton and Chefmaster. Both can be found online or at your local craft/hobby center.

[3.3] In what proportions do you mix oil-dyes into oil?

Since the opacity of each color is different it takes some experimentation to get the proportions right (probably a 1-3 drops of color per oz of oil) so that you get it transparent enough for light to pass through but get enough pigment to see some color. This is where blending some other colored light sources into the image can help enhance colors and color contrasts.