Lesson 1Understanding small proscenium and black box stages (dimensions, sightlines, apron, wings)Understand di layout and vocabulary of small proscenium and black box stages. Learn dimensions, sightlines, and how aprons, wings, and grid height dey 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 practicalsDis section dey introduce common theatrical lighting instruments and dia uses. Learn how Fresnels, PARs, ellipsoidals, LEDs, and practicals dey 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 boxesDis section dey introduce 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 dey feed audio systems in theatre. Dis section dey explain laptops, phones, tablets, audio interfaces, and how to connect dem 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 dey work together to drive stage lighting. Learn patching concepts, circuit loading, and essential electrical safety for operating small theatre 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 practicesDis section dey cover essential audio, power, and control cabling wey dem dey use in small venues. You go 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 dey interact in a 200-seat venue. Dis section dey build practical skills for planning entrances, focus, and movement wey 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 wey dem dey use in theatre, with 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
