In response to the request for high priority instructional technology projects I am providing the following proposal for a computer automated stage lighting system. In the past, ETF funds have been critical to instructional support in stage lighting by providing funds for new equipment. The most significant was the 1992 purchase of a $42,000 computer lighting control system for the Culbreth Theatre. Unfortunately, projects like this have been beyond the scope of recent TTI budgets as well as other sources such as the UTI, and TTI programs.

This project would have a significant and direct impact for students by providing sophisticated state-of-the-art, industry standard lighting equipment for classroom, project, laboratory and performance use. It would benefit not only students in lighting and Drama, but have interdisciplinary application among the increasing numbers of Engineering, Architecture, and Astronomy students I find in my courses.

Unlike other types of computer based technology, performance lighting equipment is comprised of dedicated hardware and software that is unavailable in other University supported labs or Media Centers.

Please let me know if I can provide any more information about this proposal.
 

Project Description

Instruction in stage lighting relies heavily on available technology. Sophisticated computer-controlled automated lighting systems are now found everywhere from Broadway to high school theatre and have found extensive application in Television, Film, and Architectural Lighting. It is essential in preparing students for careers in these areas that they be exposed to the kinds of advanced lighting technologies they will experience in the field. This proposal addresses this deficiency in the lighting program.

The computer automated lighting system described in this proposal is comprised of a lighting control console and four automated lighting fixtures. Each fixture allows remote control of color, focus, beam shaping, and intensity, as well as many other functions. All of the equipment is portable, but would be primarily located in the Helms theatre, which serves as lighting classroom and studio. The control console would replace our failing 1983 controller with a state-of-the-art system and add the increased functionality of remote controllable lighting equipment to classroom, studio, and production. All of the components of the proposed system are fully compatible with existing equipment, adding to the flexibility of its configuration.
 
 

Goals

The primary goal of this project is to close the gap between theory and practice in the teaching of stage lighting. Through the application of automated lighting technology, students are not only exposed to more sophisticated design possibilities, but increased class time can be spent working in the studio with actual light, and less time spent setting up cumbersome or out-dated equipment. Students are able to work hands-on with current technology, learning its operation, set-up, and maintenance and apply it to design projects as well as studio and mainstage productions.

Courses that will directly benefit from this project include Drama 211 Lighting Technology, Drama 411 Lighting Design, Drama 213 Production Lab Light/Sound, and Drama 917 Advanced Lighting Technology, as well as graduate level lighting design courses. Other drama courses for which the system would support regular guest demonstrations include Drama 117 The Magic of Theatre Technology, Drama 201 Image to Form, Drama 101 Introduction to Theatre, and special workshops for various acting classes.

Additionally, this project will support my goal to increase the inter-disciplinary application of stage lighting technology. Currently, I have Engineering students interested in the hardware, software, robotics, optics, and network systems involved with stage lighting. I also have Architecture students interested in the application of advanced stage lighting technologies to Architectural and interior design. Recently I even did a guest lecture/demonstration for an Astronomy class on automated lighting technology. This project would allow me to expand these connections and offer students from these areas the ability to explore the technology first hand.

As in many other disciplines, the level of available technology has become an issue in student recruitment. Questions about the availability and sophistication of our lighting equipment are frequently asked by prospective graduate and undergraduate students. This project would help provide the kinds of equipment that prospective students are interested in learning to design with.
 
 

Equipment Management and Support

The equipment outlined in this proposal can be managed, maintained and supported through existing department, vendor, and manufacturer support structures. Unlike general computer equipment, stage lighting systems are comprised of dedicated hardware and software. They are not subject to the day to day operating system maintenance of general use computer equipment. Free manufacturer provided system software and bios updates can be performed easily by our graduate and undergraduate student lighting assistants.

Operational instruction, equipment setup, configuration, and general maintenance is part of the existing lighting curriculum and production program. One of the benefits of this project will be that students will have the important experience of learning to support and maintain the new equipment as well as design with it.

All of the equipment outlined in this proposal will be supplied from known manufacturers through vendors from which we have a strong and ongoing service record.
 
 

Equipment List

The system is comprised of five components with associated peripherals, hardware, and cables. Projected costs include retail costs of all components with shipping. All equipment is currently available from a number of vendors, and can be used out of the box without extensive or costly set-up.
 

1 Expression 3 400 Computer Stage Lighting Controller
w/ monitor, remote focus unit, and control cables

Electronic Theatre Controls $10,000
 

4 Cyberlight Computer Automated Lighting Instrument
w/case, hanging hardware, power distro, and data cables

High End Systems $40,000
 

Total $50,000