There is nothing more fulfilling to a teacher as seeing the "light bulb" go on over a student's head, to see an understanding brighten their eyes. I get energized not by lecturing students but by opening their minds to new ideas and having them to come to their own conclusions.

When I design for schools I teach both design skills and theatre etiquette. Design skills so that they can understand what I am doing as a designer, and maybe employ those skills later. Theatre etiquette, so they know how a theatre is run and how to conduct themselves in a professional manner.

I also teach design classes for lighting. The approach to design that I teach is not about the technology, it is about the skill set that applies that technology. The technology that students find when they graduate will be varied, both in the age and condition. So, instead of teaching them leading-edge technology I will teach them how to design with whatever is presented to them.

In my design classes, which deal specifically with lighting, I also make connections to the other design paths and give a history of how we got to where we are now. Basically, I try to get the students to understand that nothing happens in a vacuum, and that collaboration is key to a good production.

Courses Offered

Lighting Design 1: A Method of Lighting the Stage

A basic overview of using light as a design medium and how to apply it. Qualities and functions of light are discussed. This knowledge is then applied to techniques for formulating a light plot and cues for a show.

Lighting Design 2

Application of lighting design concepts as discussed in Lighting Design 1. Class is broken down into groups with flashlights, gel swatchbooks and some figurines. Each group is then given a "theatrical moment" that they must design a look for. Groups then present their designs to the class for peer review and feedback.

Console Theory & Operation

Discussion of how the console logic functions. Discussion of DMX and how it works. If the facility has a console, it is used to teach the students about the aforementioned topics. The goal of these lectures is to have the students feel comfortable with programming on a console and how a lighting system is controlled.

Lighting Fixtures - How To Use & Maintain Them

Discussion of the various types of lighting fixtures in use today, and how they differ and are used. Fresnels, PARs, ellipsoidals, cyc fixtures, and automated fixtures. Techniques for maintaining the lighting fixtures, no matter the manufacturer or age.

Content ©2008 Catspaw Productions. Design by jentonyes.