Unit
Designing with Light: No Tech Required
Created by Kerry Hishon
The exercises within this unit are meant for students to explore the concept of lighting for theatre without the need for extensive tech or even a theatrical lighting grid.
This unit is useful for students with no prior experience with lighting or students who may be intimidated by the idea of theatre technology.
Each exercise is meant to build upon the previous one, as students grow in their confidence with thinking about lighting in different ways.
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The overview sets the objective, outline and material needs for the unit, as well as assessment and general instruction.
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1Lesson 1Introduction and Exercise 1The exercises within this unit are meant for students to explore the concept of lighting for theatre without the need for extensive tech or even a theatrical lighting grid. Each exercise is meant to build upon the previous one, as students grow in their confidence with thinking about lighting in different ways.
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2Lesson 2Exercise 2: Concept CreationStudents work in groups of 2 or 3 for this exercise on concept creation.
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3Lesson 3Exercise 3: Found Lighting SourcesIn this exercise, students are given the opportunity to explore different methods of creating lighting effects using items and resources found around them.
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4Lesson 4Exercise 4: Shadow PuppetryIn this exercise, students will create a short shadow puppetry scene behind a sheet that is backlit.
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5Lesson 5Exercise 5: Notating and Communicating Your ConceptThis exercise takes the concept creation ideas explored in a previous exercise and has students notate their lighting plans on a script.
Standards Addressed
Improvisation Drama 10
Theatre Studies Drama 20
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Lighting
- 1 demonstrate understanding of the purpose of stage lighting
- 10 demonstrate safe and proper care in handling and maintaining available lighting instruments
- 2 recognize the importance of illusion in lighting design
- 3 demonstrate understanding of the important of artistic unity in lighting design
- 4 demonstrate knowledge of appropriate safety procedures
- 5 demonstrate understanding of functions of standard lighting instruments: flood, fresnel, ellipsoidal, follow spotlight, border lights
- 6 demonstrate understanding of functions of gels, barn doors, gobos, c-clamps, shutters
- 7 demonstrate understanding of basic functions of lighting control systems
- 8 demonstrate understanding of symbolism and psychological implications of colour, angle, intensity and timing in creating mood
- 9 demonstrate understanding that gels affect the way colour is perceived in scenery, costume and makeup
Junior Orientation
- generate imaginative and creative solutions to problems
- listen effectively
- meet deadlines and follow through on individual and group commitments
- offer and accept constructive criticism, given specific guidelines, with a desire to improve
- support positively the work of others
- understand that technical elements enhance verbal/physical communication
- work cooperatively and productively with all members of the class in pairs, small groups and large groups
Junior Goal I Objectives
Technical Theatre - Levels I, II, III - Awareness
- 1 recognize the basic terminology associated with the component being studied
- 2 demonstrate understanding of the basic functions of the component being studied.
- 3 show awareness of the importance of research
- 4 show awareness of available resources pertaining to the component being studied; e.g., supplies, libraries and theatre companies
- 5 demonstrate understanding of the various conventions of the components being studied
Technical Theatre - Levels I, II, III - Readiness
Technical Theatre - Application
Senior Goal I Objectives
- demonstrate a sense of inquiry and commitment, individually and to the group
- demonstrate a sense of responsibility and commitment, individually and to the group
- demonstrate the ability to considered decisions, act upon them and accept the results
- demonstrate the ability to contribute effectively and constructively to the group process
- demonstrate the ability to initiate, organize and present a project within a given set of guidelines
- demonstrate the ability to offer, accept, and reflect upon, constructive criticism
- develop a sense of inquiry and commitment to learning
- extend the ability to concentrate
- increase self-discipline
Senior Goal III Objectives
Orientation Drama 10
- concentrate on the task at hand
- demonstrate effective use and management of time
- demonstrate self-discipline, self-direction and a sense of responsibility
- listen to self and others
- make effective decisions or choices
- offer and accept constructive criticism with a desire to progress
- positively support the work of others
- share ideas confidently
- solve problems imaginatively and creatively
- work cooperatively and productively
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