Lesson 1Understanding small proscenium and black box stages (dimensions, sightlines, apron, wings)Get to grips with small proscenium and black box stage layouts common in Namibia. Learn about sizes, viewing angles, aprons, wings, and grid heights, and how they shape actor movements, sets, and tech positions.
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 storageDive into lighting desks from basic boards to software setups used in local venues. Master addressing lights, patching, and saving, editing, recalling scenes and cues for consistent shows night after night.
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 practicalsMeet everyday theatre lights like Fresnels, PARs, lekos, LEDs, and practicals. Understand how they control beam shape, colour, and stage coverage to create moods suited to Namibian storytelling traditions.
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 boxesIntroduction to key sound gear: mixers, speakers, monitors, and DI boxes for small setups. Trace signal flow from mics to speakers and configure systems for crisp, balanced audio in intimate spaces.
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 connectionsSee how everyday devices like laptops, phones, tablets, and interfaces connect to theatre sound systems. Master clean USB, aux, and digital links for reliable playback in resource-limited Namibian productions.
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 safetyLearn how dimmers, DMX, and power systems power stage lights safely. Cover patching, circuit loads, and electrical basics to run small theatre rigs without risks in local power conditions.
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 practicesEssential cables and plugs for audio, power, control in small Namibian venues: XLR, TRS, Speakon, DMX, IEC. Practice labelling, routing, and management 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 houseExplore seating, sightlines, and actor paths in a typical 200-seat Namibian venue. Build skills for planning entries, focus areas, and moves that ensure 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 considerationsCommon mics for theatre: lavs, headsets, handhelds, boundaries, shotguns. Focus on patterns, noise handling, visibility, and placement for natural, reliable actor audio on stage.
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
