Lesson 1Understanding small proscenium and black box stages (dimensions, sightlines, apron, wings)Grasp the layout and terms for small proscenium and black box stages. Learn about dimensions, sightlines, and how apron, wings, and grid height impact blocking, sets, and technical 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 panels: basic consoles and software, fixture addressing, and scene storageDiscover lighting control panels from simple consoles to software systems. Master fixture addressing, patching, and recording, editing, recalling looks and cues 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 gear: Fresnels, PARs, ellipsoidals (lekos), LED lights, and practicalsThis part introduces common theatre lighting instruments and their applications. Learn how Fresnels, PARs, ellipsoidals, LEDs, and practicals 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 gear: mixers, active/passive speakers, stage monitors, DI boxesThis part introduces key sound reinforcement equipment: mixers, speakers, monitors, and DI boxes. Learn basic signal flow from source to speaker and setting up small systems for clear 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 sources: laptop, mobile, tablet, audio interface, USB/aux connectionsLearn how everyday playback devices connect to theatre audio systems. This covers laptops, mobiles, tablets, audio interfaces, and clean connections via USB, aux, and digital outputs.
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 6Dimmer packs, DMX, and power: how dimmers function, patching, circuits, and basic safetyUnderstand how dimmer packs, DMX control, and power distribution power stage lights. Learn patching, circuit loading, and key electrical safety for small theatre 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 cables and connectors: XLR, TRS, Speakon, DMX512, IEC, and safe cable handlingThis covers vital audio, power, and control cables for small venues. Learn connector types, signal direction, labelling, and safe cable management to avoid noise, damage, and trips.
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 seating and actor movement basics for a 200-seat venueLearn how audience seating, sightlines, and actor movement work in a 200-seat hall. Build skills for planning entrances, focus, and paths that aid clear storytelling and 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 tipsExplore common mics and mounts for theatre, focusing on pickup patterns, handling noise, visibility. Choose, mount, place mics for clear, reliable stage reinforcement.
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