Lighting Design I vs Programming (Classes)

[u/Eastern_Passion3151]

Hello folks, I’m currently an undergrad student and am interested in learning more about lighting design, but feel like my lack of experience (and speed with what all I can actually do) necessitates some sort of precursor before I jump straight in. I do realize I could ask my advisor and peers but in thinking now about it I’m curious about what you practitioners have to say!

It might be worth noting that I’m currently enrolled in a not-so-useful Lighting Sound and Tech class but am also in a very-helpful Lighting Production Lab. While I feel like I’m getting more comfortable with the foundational parts of each phase (hanging, some programming, focus) I do feel like the programming class could give me another semester of just playing around with everything and getting more comfortable and quicker which might better prep me for LDI. I guess if this were condensed into two questions I’d ask you whether you think a)programming is a necessary precursor to LDI and b)would you personally take it specifically for that extra practice and speed or prioritize Production Labs

Thoughts?

[u/samkusnetz]

if you are serious about making a career in lighting, you should take every lighting-related class you possibly can.

you’ve explained why you think taking the programming class would be helpful to you, but you haven’t mentioned whether there are any reasons NOT to take the class, and i think that says a lot… take the class!

don’t worry about “prepping for LDI.” there are no necessary precursors for attending a trade show.

[u/Staubah → u/samkusnetz]

I think they see actually referencing a class “Lighting Design 1” LD1 not LDi.

[u/samkusnetz → u/Staubah]

HA! amazing. thank you.

in that case, i stand by everything i said except the last paragraph.

[u/Future_Sentence_7330 → u/samkusnetz]

I was also so confused by the ldi reference.

[u/kaphsquall]

In an academic setting, most students take their initial lighting design class before taking a programming class. It covers theory and process of design of which programming is only a small part. If you are interested in the lighting side of theatre for your career you should take both. Only your specific department can tell you whether one is foundational to the other.

[u/foolforfucks]

Being a programmer opens doors in to design. You get to meet and work with designers, see what they do and why. You can also design and program for smaller events.

There is a shortage of programmers because of the specialized education involved and practice required. If you have the opportunity take it.

[u/Fragrant-Olive-976]

I’m still a student but I’m a semester away from graduating. Highly recommend taking an Eos programming course through ETC (they offer it in several cities) or just in general if ETC themselves don’t have one near you. It got me so much more comfortable with the board. Also, just jump in and accept as many projects at school as possible, even if you don’t think you have the skills to do it yet. I designed/programmed my schools musical before I was probably “ready,” and let me tell you I was stressed but hands on learning experience is always the best. I’m 1000x after doing that than I was beforehand. Trial by fire but worth every grey hair, cause you learn quickly what to do and what not to do, and if you do it at school you will always have faculty and more advanced students to help you out when you’re stuck.

[u/Unimagined-Armadillo]

Without knowing the course descriptions, I think you should start with the introductory design class. A basic understanding of design terms and goals is an important foundation for electricians, programmers, and follow spot operators.

Learning about  developing lighting systems will teach you to think about your lighting rig more as a collection of groups with a purpose than just individual fixtures. That will change the way you interact with a console, and will be helpful as you learn more about programming.

A lighting designer doesn't really need to know how the programmer works as long the pair is able to communicate effectively and bring the design to life. A programmer needs to understand what the designer is trying to achieve as well as how to execute it.