Lesson 1Understanding small proscenium and black box stages (dimensions, sightlines, apron, wings)Get to know the layout and terms for small proscenium and black box stages. Learn sizes, viewing lines, and how front stages, side areas, and ceiling height shape actor moves, 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 storageCheck out lighting control panels from basic boards to software setups. Learn how to address lights, connect them, and save, change, and call up looks and cues for shows that run the same every time.
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 common stage lights and their jobs. See how Fresnels, PARs, ellipsoidals, LEDs, and practical lamps shape light beams, colours, 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 covers key sound gear: mixers, speakers, stage monitors, and DI boxes. Learn simple signal paths from source to speaker and how to set up small systems for clear, managed sound.
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 feed theater sound systems. This explains laptops, phones, tablets, audio interfaces, and clean connections using 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 control, and power systems team up for stage lights. Learn patching ideas, circuit loads, and key electrical safety for running small theater setups.
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 must-have audio, power, and control cables for small spots. You'll learn connector types, signal flow, labelling, and safe cable handling to cut noise, damage, 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, sightlines, and actor positions work in a 200-seat place. This builds skills for planning entries, focus points, and moves that aid clear stories and tech reach.
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 considerationsLook at common mics and mounts for theater, focusing on pickup shapes, handling noise, and looks. Learn to pick, fit, and place mics for steady, clear stage sound.
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
