Lesson 1Understanding small proscenium and black box stages (dimensions, sightlines, apron, wings)Understand the layout and vocabulary of small proscenium and black box stages. Learn dimensions, sightlines, and how aprons, wings, and grid height affect blocking, scenery, and technical 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 storageExplore lighting control surfaces from simple boards to software controllers. Learn fixture addressing, patching, and how to record, edit, and recall looks and cues for repeatable performances.
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 section introduces common theatrical lighting instruments and their uses. Learn how Fresnels, PARs, ellipsoidals, LEDs, and practicals shape beam quality, color, and coverage on stage.
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 section introduces core sound reinforcement gear: mixers, speakers, monitors, and DI boxes. Learn basic signal flow from source to speaker and how to configure small systems for clear, controlled 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 common playback devices feed audio systems in theater. This section explains laptops, phones, tablets, audio interfaces, and how to connect them cleanly using 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 6Dimmers, DMX, and power: how dimmers work, patching, circuits, and basic safetyUnderstand how dimmers, DMX control, and power distribution work together to drive stage lighting. Learn patching concepts, circuit loading, and essential electrical safety for operating small theater systems.
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 section covers essential audio, power, and control cabling used in small venues. You will learn connector types, signal direction, labeling, and safe cable management to reduce noise, damage, and trip hazards.
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 audience layout, sightlines, and actor blocking interact in a 200-seat venue. This section builds practical skills for planning entrances, focus, and movement that support clear storytelling and technical 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 microphone types and mounts used in theater, with a focus on pickup patterns, handling noise, and visibility. Learn how to choose, mount, and place mics for clear, consistent reinforcement 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
