Lesson 1Understanding small proscenium and black box stages (dimensions, sightlines, apron, wings)Get to grips with the layout and terms for small proscenium and black box stages. Learn about sizes, viewing angles, and how stage edges, side areas, and ceiling height shape actor positions, sets, and tech spots.
Stage parts: apron, wings, upstage wallMeasuring stage width, depth, and heightSightline studies and masking positionsBlack box flexible seating and stagingPlacing booms, pipes, and tech positionsLesson 2Lighting control surfaces: simple boards and software, fixture addressing, and scene storageLook into lighting control desks from basic boards to software systems. Learn how to address lights, connect them, and save, tweak, and call up lighting states for consistent shows.
Two-scene preset and memory board layoutsSoftware controllers and USB-DMX donglesAddressing and patching fixtures to channelsRecording and updating looks and cuesBacking up and labeling show filesLesson 3Basic lighting equipment: Fresnels, PARs, ellipsoidals (lekos), LED fixtures, and practicalsThis part introduces everyday theatre lights and their roles. See how Fresnels, PARs, lekos, LEDs, and set lights control beam shape, colour, and stage coverage.
Fresnels: soft-edged washes and focus rangePAR cans: punchy beams and lens choicesEllipsoidals: shutters, gobos, and focusLED fixtures: color mixing and dimmingPracticals and motivated stage lightingLesson 4Basic sound equipment: mixers, active/passive speakers, stage monitors, DI boxesThis part introduces main sound gear: mixers, speakers, stage wedges, and DI boxes. Learn simple signal paths from input to output and how to set up small systems for clear, balanced audio.
Analog vs digital mixers and key controlsActive vs passive speakers and amplifiersStage monitor placement and gain structureUsing DI boxes for instruments and laptopsBasic signal flow from mic to loudspeakerLesson 5Basic playback devices and signal sources: laptop, phone, tablet, audio interface, and USB/aux connectionsLearn how everyday playback devices link to theatre sound systems. This covers laptops, phones, tablets, interfaces, and clean connections via USB, aux, and digital outs.
Choosing devices for reliable playbackConfiguring laptop audio settings for showsUsing phones and tablets with adaptersAudio interfaces, drivers, and sample ratesUSB, aux, and DI connections to the mixerLesson 6Dimmers, DMX, and power: how dimmers work, patching, circuits, and basic safetySee how dimmers, DMX signals, and power systems drive stage lights. Learn patching basics, circuit loads, and key electrical safety for running small theatre rigs.
How dimmers modulate voltage to fixturesDMX addressing, universes, and channelsSoft patch vs hard patch in small venuesCircuit capacity, loads, and breaker limitsGrounding, overcurrent, and safe practicesLesson 7Essential cabling and connectors: XLR, TRS, Speakon, DMX512, IEC, and safe cable management practicesThis covers key audio, power, and control cables for small spaces. Learn connector types, signal flow, labelling, and safe cable runs to cut noise, wear, and trip risks.
Balanced vs unbalanced audio cablingXLR, TRS, Speakon, and RCA connectorsDMX512 data cabling and termination basicsIEC and power strips for stage equipmentTaping, routing, and labeling cable runsLesson 8Audience layout and actor blocking basics for a 200-seat houseLearn how seating, views, and actor moves fit in a 200-seat space. Build skills for planning entries, lighting focus, and paths that aid clear stories and full tech coverage.
Reading a basic seating chart and capacitySightlines, viewing angles, and obstructionsActor zones: downstage, upstage, and centerBlocking for focus, balance, and compositionCoordinating blocking with sound and lightLesson 9Microphone types and mounts: lavalier, headset, handheld, boundary, shotgun, and placement considerationsExplore common mics and mounts for theatre, focusing on pickup areas, handling sounds, and sightlines. Learn to pick, fit, and position mics for steady, clear stage audio.
Dynamic vs condenser microphones in theaterLavalier mounting on costumes and hairlinesHeadset mic fitting, boom length, and stabilityHandheld mic technique and stand placementBoundary and shotgun mics for stage pickup