The lighting portion of the course focuses on the process of lighting design, the process by which designers turn their ideas about a production into the plastic medium that is stage lighting. We work through the process from initial conceptualization to collaboration to technical implementation and, finally, to presentation. In order to understand the tools of lighting design, this course also includes explanation and hands-on experience with lighting instruments and lighting systems.

The sound portion of this course provides a basic understanding of audio technology, the components of sound systems and their application in the theatre. Emphasis is placed on computer-aided sound editing. This course will define the role and responsibilities of a relatively new artist in the theatre, the sound designer.

TEXTBOOKS:

Scenic Design and Stage Lighting, Ninth Edition, by Parker and Wolf

 

SUPPLIES:

8" Adjustable Wrench (the theatre electrician's #1 tool)

Measuring Tape

Drafting Equipment

Architect's Scale Rule T-square,  a 45-45-90 and a 30-60-90 triangle (8") Eraser Template Drafting pencils - 4H, 2H, and 9H,  Eraser 1/4" scale plan view lighting template (available at WMU bookstore) Drafting paper (provided)  * These are minimum requirement the more toys you have to play with the better your light plots will look.

ATTENDANCE:
Attendance is taken at the beginning of each class. If you come to class late, you are welcome, but will be counted absent for that class period. Three absence are permitted for any reason including religious observations. Additional absences will lower your final grade one letter grade for each absence. Illness with a valid medical excuse from the health center or a private physician is an excused absence. It is the students responsibility to make up any missed in class work and get notes on material covered in class.

NOTES:
Department of Theatre policy requires you attain a final course grade of C or better to apply this course to the requirements of the major or minor.

You are responsible for making yourself aware of and understanding the policies and procedures in the Undergraduate Catalog that pertain to Academic Honesty. These policies include cheating, fabrication, falsification and forgery, multiple submission, plagiarism, complicity and computer misuse. [The policies, procedures and definitions related to academic honesty are located in the WMU Undergraduate Catalog, pages 270-272 and the Western Michigan University Student Code, pages 4-5.] If there is reason to believe you have been involved in academic dishonesty, you will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct. You will be given the opportunity to review the charge(s). If you believe you are not responsible, you will have the opportunity for a hearing. You should consult with me if you are uncertain about an issue of academic honesty prior to the submission of an assignment or test.

DEADLINES: LATE PROJECTS ARE NOT ACCEPTED!

COURSE OUTLINE: (subject to change)

Links in this section connect to more information on the subject for that day.

January	9	Introduction - What is Light and Sound
	11	The Design Process	Parker Ch. 14
	16	MLK Day - No Classes
	18	Concept Statement/Lighting Research
	23	Sketching Light	Parker Ch. 15, Journals Due
	25	Color Theory	Parker Ch. 16
	30	Color Key	Parker Ch. 19
February	1	Presentations	Concept and Sketches Due
	6	Work Day
	8	Lighting Instruments	Parker Ch. 17
	13	Lighting Instruments Cont.	Winter Concert Crit Due
	15	Control and Distribution	Parker Ch 21-23
	20	Phase 1 Review	The Tender Land Crit Due
	22	Moment Breakdown - Color Key	Parker Ch. 24-25, Final Phase 1 Due
	27	Lighting Systems
	29	Lighting Paperwork
		** Spring Break **
March	12	Projections	Parker Ch. 18,
	14	Drafting / In the Theatre	Parker Ch. 20
	19	Phase 2 and 3 Review
	21	Lighting Exam
	26	Audio Technology	Parker Ch. 12-13, Love Crit Due
	28	Audio Technology (cont.)	Final Phase 2 Due
April	2	Digital Design and Editing
	4	Audio Wrap-up
	9	Audio Exam
	11	Individual Meetings
	16	Individual Meetings
	18	Audio Lab Presentations	Audio Lab Project Due
April	26	Presentation of Final Project	Finals Week (Thursday, 12:30-2:30 pm), Hairspray Crit Due

GRADING:

Final (Lighting Project)	200	points
Lighting Test	200	points
Sound Test	150	points
Concept and Sketches	100	points
Lighting Journal	50	points
Audio Lab Project	50	points
Critique	50	points each ( 150 points maximum )
Crew Assignment	5	points/hour ( 200 points maximum )

GRADING SCALE:

A	=	950 and above	C	=	750-799 points
BA	=	900-949 points	DC	=	700-749 points
B	=	850-899 points	D	=	650-699 points
CB	=	800-849 points	E	=	649 and below