The Heart of Light: A Holistic Primer for a Life and Career in Lighting Design and Production

Cover Page
Half Title Page
Title Page
Copyright Page
Contents Page
Acknowledgments Page
1 Introduction and an Invitation
2 Observe
	Quietive Practices and the Creative Process
	Being More Informed than Influenced
	Light as it Naturally Occurs
		Interior Light
		Exterior Light
		Geographic Location
		Period
		Just Physics
	References and Resources
3 Inquire
	Light in Art
		Impacts of Light for the Artist
		Engaging the Observer
	Art, Reality, and Plausibility
	Light as Storyteller
	Light in Entertainment
		Developing your Language for Light
		Helpful Vocabulary from Folks Who Thought a Lot About It
	Industry Perspectives and Quirks
		Theatre and Plays, Opera, Dance and Musical Theatre
		Concerts and Music Touring
		Live Immersive, Non-narrative, and/or Experiential Situations
		Television
		Architectural Lighting
		Architainment
		Themed Entertainment
		Film
	The Artistic/Aesthetic Standard-Bearers
	References and Resources
4 Gather
	Orientation and Preparation
	Part 1: The Basics
		The Technical Standard-Bearers
		An Introduction to Workplace Safety in Entertainment
		The Lighting Brushes
		Powering It All: Entertainment Electricity Basics
	Part 2: Pause, Step Back, Absorb, and Reflect
	Part 3: The Big Bites
		The Lighting Brushes for a New World, Advanced Technology
			Moving Lights
			LED Lighting Fixtures
			Color Changers
			Other Kinds of Advanced Technology and Accessories
			Projections and Other Digital Media in Live Performance
			Atmospheric Effects
		Controlling It All: The Evolution of Lighting Control
			Dimmers
			Control Boards and Consoles
			DMX512-A
			DMX512 Recommended Practices
			The Alphabet Soup of Lighting Systems Control
	Part 4: The Wind Down
		Color
			Primary and Secondary Colors of Light
			Complements
			Getting the Blue Dress Blue
			Lighting Skin and Skin Tones
			Opponent-Processing Color Theory and Bleaching
			The Spectral Energy Distribution Curve or SED
			LEDs and Color
			CIE Chart of Photosensitivity
		References and Resources
5 Choose
	Approaching the Design
	Laying Out the Light Plot
		Laying Out the Light Plot (Continued)
	Lighting Teams, Organizational Structures, and Why the Variations
	The Collaborative Process
		Working with Directors
		Working with Other Designers
		Working with the Rest of Your Team
	References and Resources
6 Do and Adapt
	Coping with and Celebrating the Unexpected
	Focusing the Rig – Getting the Light “Right”
	The “Tech” Period: Getting It Done While Everyone is Staring at You
	Some Common Live Level Setting Proficiencies
	References and Resources
7 Reflect
	Markers of Success
	Learn to Seek Out and Receive Criticism
	Documenting Your Work
	Ready to Do It Again?
	References and Resources
8 Inspiration
	References and Resources
Appendices
	Appendix 1 How Do I. . .
		Hang Lights?
			Getting It on the Hanging Position
			Finishing the Instrument/Fixture
			Common Mistakes
			Cabling Dos and Don’ts
			Troubleshooting Tips
			Focusing Tips
			Strike/Loadout Tips
		Communicate My Ideas?
		Create Technical Specifications?
	Appendix 2 Live Performance Lighting Design Case Studies
		As “Traditional” as it Gets: The Man Who Came to Dinner
		Challenging Configurations: Hands on a Hardbody
		Grass Roots to Spectacle: STOMP OUT LOUD, Las Vegas
		Don’t Blind the Acrobat: Cirque Mechanics, Boom Town
		Pandemic and Streaming Lighting: Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein
	Appendix 3 Getting a Job
		Contacts, Contacts, Contacts
		Resources for Finding Work
		Resume Perspectives
		Portfolio/Website Development and Resources
	Appendix 4 Suggestions for Scaling This Book
		For Educators Teaching. . .
			Majors in Professional Training Programs
			Theatre and Entertainment Majors Not Focused on Lighting
			Other-than-Theatre Majors
			High School or Vocational Students
		If You’re Learning on the Job
		Just Curious
Glossary
Index