LIGHTING

Remember back to when you started out in technical Theatre. How did you learn about the ins and out of the backstage magic. Often an old hand was around to show us the ropes, and it still the same today. But is there a way to actually improve your knowledge? Well for lighting it often a great idea to get your hands on some equipment and play with it in your own time. Take it home, or find a quite space to set it up and experiment with it. See what you can do, see how it focuses, what you can achieve with the shutters and barndoors if using a fresnel. Get some colour and see what the colour of light has on different costumes, and materials. Even if different materials appear to be the same colour, if they are made from different types of material they react to light differently.

Learn how to change the lamps in the theatre lights, learn how not to touch the glass. Learn how to clean and maintain them. The more familiar you are with equipment, the more you will understand how to use it and use it efficiently.

Do not be afraid to ask questions, just time the asking of your question so as not to interfere with complex tasks. Most of us are happy to explain how things work and to show you simple short-cuts to make your job easier.

With this knowledge you are then an asset whether it is an amateur theatre company of you are starting out in a professional environment. Most of all remember to enjoy your learning.