WJEC/Eduqas GCSE Drama: Designing Drama

PLOTTING THE LIGHTING DESIGN Fixing your cues In this book, we are using the term plotting to mean the act of setting the lighting for every part of the production. The cue sheet should record details of every lighting cue decided. If you have lighting software, record each cue digitally, as you go along. You will need to make several decisions for each cue, including: • which lanterns are used • how bright they should be • what colours (if any) are needed • whether any special effects are required • the type and length of transitions. ASSESSMENT CHECK Achieving the important goal of the cue sheet means that you have all the information needed to use your theatrical skills to realise artistic intentions. You can also use your cue sheet to analyse and evaluate your own work (AO4). FOCUS • The stage at which your lighting design really comes together. • Creating a lighting cue sheet, which is essential for running a show’s lighting and required for assessment. LOOK HERE Check how you might use transitions by revisiting page 28. Grouping individual lanterns The first stage in plotting is likely to be putting lanterns into groups. Creating groups means that you can quickly bring up and mix your lighting states. A group of lanterns is several lights working together to give a particular look, such as general cover or warm colours; to light a specific area of the stage (DSL for example), create a special effect (sfx) and so on. You could also group lanterns by their position on the rig, such as those at the front lighting bar, sidelights and so on. A lantern could be in more than one group, and you will often use more than one group at a time. These lanterns could be grouped by colour, for example, or by the area of stage they are illuminating. Enlist a helper! If you can, invite a younger student who is already involved or interested in lighting to be your assistant – they will be learning too. Your assistant can walk around the acting area so that you can see the effect of your work clearly. Choose a quiet time. There is no point trying to plot during a rehearsal or when people need the main (house) lights on. Collect everything you need, including: – the annotated script or scene list – your lighting-rig plan – a task light (such as an angle-poise lamp) – a template for your cue sheet. Conditions for successful plotting DESIGN TIP Remember the requirements that your design should indicate at least five lighting states in Unit/Component 1, and at least four in Unit/ Component 2. Chapter 1 Practical Guide to Lighting Design 32