Module Overview: Lighting Technology

Introduction

We've seen how lighting designers can use light to tell a story. But what are the actual tools they use to make that happen?

Each type of light and accessory has its specific traits, strengths, and best uses. Choosing what type of light to use for what purpose is as essential to lighting as a painter choosing what brush to use. Some are great a big, broad strokes of light while others are better for smaller details or very specific jobs. Others still are more multi-use.

As a lighting technician, understanding the gear is as important as a carpenter understanding the differences between a jigsaw and a table saw. Certain lights may do similar things to other lights, but how they operate and when you use each one might be drastically different.

Purpose and Objectives

The purpose of this week's module is to provide an overview of the basic lighting equipment, accessories, and technology that we use to create stage lighting.

By the end of this module, you will be able to:

Understand the basics of electrical theory and safety.
Use the power formula to calculate safe electrical loads.
Identify and distinguish between the major modern stage lights.

Module Activities

Complete the following activities during this module. Click on the pages below or use the Next button at the bottom of this page to access the content.