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Virtual and Automated Lighting Design - THEA555
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Professor: David Jacques
Office Telephone: 985-4044
Office Hours: Monday 12:00 -2:00, Wednesday 12:00-2:00
Class Times: Monday/Wednesday 10:00-12:00
E-Mail: djacques@csulb.edu
Web Page: http://www.csulb.edu/~djacques/

Course Objective:
This course is a comprehensive study in the techniques of virtual and automated lighting design. The course includes practical hands-on instruction in ESP Vision virtual lighting software, Hog IIIPC control software, Strand Light Palette VL control software, Vari*Lite, and Elation automated fixtures. Other virtual controllers including WYSIWYG, Emphasis Control software and hardware, and other virtual software and automated hardware may be covered (depending on availability). Prerequisites: TA 545A.

Upon Completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Understand the aesthetics and techniques of virtual and automated lighting design.
2. Learn to incorporate virtual automated lighting software and hardware into actual theatrical productions.
3. Possess a broad understanding and technical skill set in ESP Vision software and the Hog III PC lighting control system.
4. Explode a two-dimensional CAD drawing into a three-dimensional virtual design in Vectorworks and ESP Vision.
5. Create new library objects in a three dimensional CAD environment.
6. Understand and incorporate the different features and personalities of various automated lighting equipment and control from the major manufacturers.

Requirements:
The student will participate in class lectures and projects using the software and hardware introduced in class.
The student is expected to attend all classes and special seminars. Any missed classes will reflect negatively on the student’s Class Participation grade.
The student will present a culmination of his/her work at the stage design showcase at the end of the semester.
Projects turned in after the due date will not be accepted unless for compelling reasons.

Evaluations:
Attendance and Participation (25%): Students are expected to attend all class sessions and to participate in all class demonstrations and laboratory sessions.

Assignments (25% each): 2 Projects

Final Project (25%): Create AVI files of projects for presentation in Student Showcase

Materials:
Vectorworks 2009 Software
ESP Vision Software
WYSIWYG Software
Hog III PC Software

Texts:
A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting, Shelley, Focal Press, 1999
The Automated Lighting Programmer's Handbook, Shiller, Focal Press, 2003
WYSIWYG Manual, ETC Lighting / Cast Software, 2004
ESP Vision Manual, 2009
Vari-Lite Automated Fixture Manual, Vari*lite Corporation, 2004

Class Structure
Weeks 1-2: Instruction in ESP Vision
Weeks 3-4: Project #1 – Transferring Vectorworks into Vision
Weeks 5-6: Project #1 cont. – Music Project in Vision
Weeks 7-8: Learning Strand Light Palette VL Console and Software
Weeks 9-11: Project II – Music project using Strand Light Palette VL Control Software
Weeks 12-13: Transference and Live Presentations of Music Project in Lab
Weeks 14-15: Creating AVI Files for Student Design Showcase