WJEC/Eduqas GCSE Drama: Designing Drama

Taking care of your lanterns Lanterns need to be kept clean. Dusty lanterns give off a burning smell and dirty lenses are less effective at transmitting light. If you can clean your lanterns (de-rigged and unplugged, of course) it is important to: • use a window cleaning product and soft cloths for lenses, avoiding smears • wipe the metal body with a damp cloth • avoid touching halogen lamps because fingerprints cause hot spots that quickly degrade the lamp. If a lamp is accidentally touched it should be cleaned with methylated spirit or isopropyl alcohol. Controlling your lighting Every lighting system is controlled by a desk, which can be manual (with or without a computer facility) or a software programme. It does not matter what type of desk you have as long as you can use it confidently. Online manuals are available for many modern desks and software programmes along with tutorials. This is very useful research, particularly when your teacher and performers are busy. TASK 1.5 1 Find time to develop your knowledge and skill with the lighting desk. See if you can achieve: • a snap between two lighting states (for example DSL and USR) • a cross-fade between two lighting states • fading up a lighting state at a pace that feels right for the start of a performance and fading out for the ending • a sequence that brings a sense of excitement (This might involve moving between a number of states at a high pace. Would you end the sequence with a snap to blackout or a fade?) • an effect that adds tension. (Could you end with a snap to blackout?) 2 Switch everything off carefully. Human resources You should supervise the rigging, focusing, programming and operating of the design as appropriate. This means that you need to be centrally involved in these aspects of the design, but, for health and safety reasons, you almost certainly will not be rigging and focusing lanterns yourself. So, you will need help! TASK 1.6 As soon as possible, meet the person with the knowledge, clearance and time to be involved. Find out: what they are prepared to do what their availability is how much notice they need to rig and focus the lanterns. NOTE Your site supervisor or a technician is likely to be responsible for the electrical maintenance of school equipment and you should never be involved in that aspect of upkeep. If you have any concerns about the safety of a piece of electrical equipment, such as exposed or loose wiring, report this immediately to your teacher. DESIGN TIP You must never distract the actors during rehearsal. Ideally, arrange a time slot during rehearsal times in which you can experiment without disturbing the cast. DESIGN TIP Be appreciative and flexible with your human resources. They will already be busy! Chapter 1 Practical Guide to Lighting Design 21