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Use VectorWorks for your plot, unless you have a really good reason for using another CAD software. (VectorWorks offers a free student version; they may ask you to send them a picture of your student ID in order to download it.) Whatever you do, don't draw your plot by hand. Hand-drawn plots stopped being cool about the time that before you were born. VectorWorks template files of both Sala and KLT are attached to this page, for your use. If you're new to VectorWorks, a quick googling should bring you some good tutorials. (An in-person training from a competent experienced drafter is always a better option, though.)
While creating your plot, you should decide channel number numbers for each every instrument. A channel is "channel" on the light board represents a complete connection of instrument, circuit and dimmer. This is one way of organizing your instruments, for example giving your instruments channel numbers in order starting from downstage right to upstage left. (s) to dimmer(s). During focus and afterwards you will probably refer to channel numbers (example: “can you bring “bring up channel 19”). It As such, it is important that the numbers make channel number arrangement makes sense to you the designer so you can refer to the correct instrument/s quickly and easily. Some designers organize their channel numbers linearly along pipes; others organize their channel numbers by purpose (for example: front light is chs. 1-10, back light chs. 11-20, etc.).
You should also make copies of your plot to be used during hang. Theater arts has a blueprint machine that you can access.If you choose to make your plot electronically (This is highly recommended and will save you hours of precious time), you can download a student version of vectorworks for your computer by creating an account here. You may have to send them a picture of your student ID, but it is completely free. Once you have vectorworks, ask someone in the ensemble with experience in the area to help get you started in Vectorworks Spotlight. If you are having trouble finding a mentor, Karen Perlow (kperlow@mit.edu) is happy to teach newcomersIdeally, you'll have a few copies in a large size like ARCH D (36" x 24"), and multiple smaller copies in 8.5" x 11" or 11" x 17" for giving out to everyone who needs one.
Paperwork
Before starting put-in you should have some paperwork done. A channel sheet that tells what channel corresponds to what instrument, the focus of that instrument and which gel or gobo (if any) and any extra notes. Additionally which circuits correspond to a channel is also stated on this sheet.
You should also make a magic sheet that shows each lamp organized by purpose. This sheet shows the lights in their general positions and which direction their beams will point.
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Having appropriate lighting backstage is a big help. This includes a lamp at booth (there should be a clip lamp with a blue gel over it in the office) and light for actors backstage (especially near the props table). On some occasions we've had a dedicated stage light for the backstage area that's just on dim for the duration of the show. Alternatively you can use the lights under spacedock. They're controlled by the lightswitch on the column north of space dock (just the normal switch, not the panel. That controls the house lights). If half of the spacedock lights are blacked out (paper or black foil taped over the light works great) and half are gelled blue (gel the light not the waffle) that is incredibly useful.
Contacts
- e33: a student run production company. You can rent instruments from them (like 19 degree Source 4 ellipsoidals or strobes, which do not exist in Sala inventory). Email e33@mit.edu.
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- ALPS: A lighting company located in Randolph MA, about a 20-30 minute drive from campus. Useful if you want to rent more exciting equipment: like a black-light, strobe, etc. Visit their website here.
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- Meredith Sibley, CAC Manager.
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- She can help you with any logistical issues you run may run into. Email:
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- mfsibley@mit.edu
- Mike Bromberg: Class of 1970, does lighting for G&S and MTG. Can be spotted in the wild by his tie-dye plumage. Extremely knowledgeable; also owns lots of equipment and will rent to student group for cheap. Here is his price list and inventory as of Spring 2012.
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References and resources
- Stage Lighting for Students
- Lighting Design 101
- Scene Design and Stage Lighting (a book; the Ensemble has some copies you can borrow and read)