Drama 211 Lighting Technology
Fall 2008

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 Drama 217, T/Th 9:30-10:45
Instructor: R. Lee Kennedy
Instructor: R. Lee Kennedy
email: kennedy@virginia.edu
Phone: 434-243-8954
Office Hours: M/W 1-2pm

All course information is available online at http://www.people.virginia.edu/~rlk3p/classes/dram211/

Lighting Technology is an introduction to the tools and technical processes of lighting design. Through lecture, demonstration, and hands-on experience, students are prepared for work as theatrical electricians and provided with an understanding of the craft essential to the lighting designer. 

Co-requisite: DRAMA 213: Production Lab Light and Sound. All students enrolled in Lighting Technology must also register for this 1 credit hour lab. Lab sections meet M-F 2-5pm. Students may also fulfil the lab requirement by serving on a run crew for a production. See the Lab Info Page for more information.

Required Text: Gillette, J. Michael. Designing with Light. 5th ed. (Available at UVa Bookstore) 

    Materials: Required Optional
    8" Adjustable Wrench Gloves
    Architect's Scale Mini-mag Flashlight
    Circle Template 10 or 12 colored pencils

     

    Grading: The final course grade is based on the following:  
    Take Home Exercises (5) 20
    Quizzes (3) 10
    Practical Exercises (4) 20
    Written Assignments (2) 20
    Final Project 15
    Practical Exam 15
    Total Points: 100

    Attendance: Regular prompt attendance is expected. Final course grades will be lowered by 3 points for every absence after 2. Chronic lateness will also affect grades negatively.

    Students are responsible for making sure that they receive all handouts and complete all ssignments by the due dates listed on the course schedule.
    Grading Scale:
    100+ A+  
    95-99 A   73-76 C
    90-94 A-   70-72 C-
    87-89 B+   67-69 D+
    83-86 B   63-66 D
    80-82 B-   60-62 D-
    77-79 C+   00-59 F
     


Assignments:
Take home exercises consist of problem solving and lighting paperwork exercises. Unless specifically instructed, students are not to share information or otherwise collaborate on take home exercises. See daily schedule for topics and due dates.

Quizzes (announced or unannounced) may be given at any time covering material presented in class or assigned in readings. See daily schedule for announced quizzes.

Practical exercises consist of hands-on exercises related to areas such as troubleshooting, wiring, hang, and focus. Credit is given for participation and satisfactory completion of specific projects in class. The practical exercises help prepare students for the practical exam and if missed cannot be made-up. 

Written assignments consist of two assignments: a two page review of the lighting design for Oklahoma, and a two page paper on a new lighting technology. Specific requirements for these assignments will be given in advance of the due dates. 

The practical final exam will take place during the final exam period and should last approximately an hour and a half. Students will work in teams on the practical portion of the exam. 

The final project will involve the preparation of lighting paperwork for a fictional production. Projects are due by the beginning of the scheduled final exam period.