Comments on: Lighting Desk Basics – Beginner’s Guide to a Stage Light Control – 1

By: Kevin Rennie

Kevin Rennie — Fri, 01 Jan 2010 01:32:49 +0000

I am currently trying to learn about and how to operate theatrical lighting systems to allow of to idly with the technical side of school shows. The school has said that they are willing to train me but I would like to have a background knowledge ofthe basics. The systan used is a simple preset system with limited programming capability and no intelligent lighting. I would like to learn the basics and some more advanced background of more complex systems to allow me to help in the local volunteer run theatre. I an wondering if anyone could recommend (in addition to this one) any websites or books to look at for tutorial purposes to allow of to learn. Thank-you in advance.

By: Kevin Rennie

Kevin Rennie — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 11:16:12 +0000

I am currently trying to learn as much as possible about perfomrance lighting systems and have found your website to be invaluble. I am just wondering: if you set the preset to say 50% and then increase the associated master to full/ the grand master to full then will the light preset to a half increase to 100% or will it reach a maximum of 50% and as a result if the masters were at only 50% would the preset light be at 50% or 25% (half of 50%). Any help and guidance is greatfully appreciated.

By: Lee

Lee — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 11:02:31 +0000

Hey guys,

What is the best book to buy on theatre lighting?

By: LDSHARUKH

LDSHARUKH — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 08:32:21 +0000

Well,
There you go Will.Figure out what you are most comfortable with and go for it. Ease of use, transportability, easy maintenance, idiot proof(that is even a non lampie can operate incase u r not around)….are all things u have to consider.

By: Rob Sayer

Rob Sayer — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:55:58 +0000

Hi Will and welcome to On Stage Lighting. If you are hoping to get funding to "invest" in a lighting desk, you probably don't want to go down more common route of hiring such equipment. But, if you did decide to hire, talk to Pearce Hire in Peterborough who are good. If you have been working with Graham, then as a theatre consultant I expect that he can give you some good pointers about your desk purchase. One of the desks from Zero88 are a common choice of desk in the UK for users like yourself. I personally would avoid Strand kit these days. There are tons of "Which desk shall I buy?" threads over at the Blue Room which make some good reading or you could start a discussion at our Facebook group. The thing to remember is that everyone has their favourite that they claim is "the best".

By: William Smith

William Smith — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 07:34:26 +0000

Thanks Sharukh,

To answer your question we do a variety of performances. From small intimate acting spaces to full theatre spaces. In those situations We have used a Strand 200 and a Strand 320i respectively.

The Operator is myself and I have been focusing on the Technical aspects of theatre in my course for over a year now and have recently begun working under and learning from Graham McLusky.

The main reason for considering a new board is that the company are planning for an open air performance of the Theban Trilogy in our local castle and given that this will be a major event to get our selves out there, as it were, we are applying for various grants etc part of which may go towards investing in a lighting board of our own for ease of use when touring and visiting other theatres/venues.

Thanks for those websites, I will check them out, and if anything else pops into your head I’d love to hear what you or anyone has to say.

Many Thanks,

Will

By: LDSHARUKH

LDSHARUKH — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 06:19:24 +0000

Hi will,
Well you are at the right place to start at atleast. I need to know what kind of performances you are doing. There are hundreds of consoles, but not all can be used for theatre and neither can all be used for rock shows. Also whos your operator , it all comes down to the guy whos handling the lights for you. Whatever he is comfortable with stays….So thats how it is. If you want some suggestions on good lighting consoles for all purposes then here goes;
1.LSC MAXIM SERIES http://www.lsclighting.com.au
2.AVOLITES PEARL SERIES http://www.avolites.com
3.Jands Lighting -dont know the website just type it in at google.
4.Whole hog
5.ZER088

If you are looking for cheap and good, then there are softwares like martin Light Jockey available amongst hundred others.

Just do your R snd D and ask us if in doubt.
Hope this helps
Sharukh

By: William Smith

William Smith — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 13:25:36 +0000

I’m part of an emerging performance company (were all about to graduate from university) and were planning a large project for the coming year. I’ve been asked to hunt down information on lighting desks and prices and I wonder if anyone can point me in the right direction?

Many Thanks in Advance,

Will

By: LD SHARUKH

LD SHARUKH — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 13:44:05 +0000

Hi kyle,
I have replied to your email.check your inbox

By: Rob Sayer

Rob Sayer — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 11:41:24 +0000

Hi Doug, don’t much about the Scene Setter although looking at a picture it seems like you can record your static look onto a submaster on the bottom bank of faders while your chase runs.

Usually these controls just need the right combination of choose chase numnber, add step, record, etc.