College of Fine Arts School of Dance Undergraduate Handbook

Electric Shop

Lighting Designer: Steve Draheim
Office Location: 121 B
Hours: As posted
Phone: Leave messages in Main Office (325-4021)
   

General Policies

  1. Since lighting equipment requires skill to operate, is expensive to maintain and is potentially dangerous if misused, use of the lighting system must be supervised by a qualified staff member or student.
  2. Lighting equipment is not for use outside the theaters or building.     
  3. The lighting system in each theater is for legitimate design and technical production work only. Scenes, rehearsals, and personal photo sessions are to use existing work lights.

Lighting Area Safety

No handbook can anticipate every safety issue involved in working with electricity, ladders and lift devices, theatre rigging, hot lighting instruments and all other tools and techniques associated with stage lighting. Some general principles apply:

  1. If you have not been instructed in the proper techniques and procedures for safe usage of equipment not familiar to you, ask your instructor for advice before undertaking an activity. If you are uncomfortable with a working situation such as working above the stage on a ladder, catwalk or lift, make your feelings known to the instructor. You will not be asked to work in areas that cause fear and discomfort.
  3. Maintain a focus when working onstage, especially in noisy situations involving the work of many crew people. Be alert for instructions and the traditional stage warning, “Heads!” Most crew work is done in an atmosphere of camaraderie and good humor. At the same time, professional standards and good common sense must prevail.
  5. Specific instructions in the use of equipment and procedures for moving, hanging, plugging, focusing, and striking of lighting equipment are given in the lighting classes and crew labs. Be attentive and follow instructions.
  7. In all crew situations, be aware of the location of fire safety equipment and first aid supplies. Do not block this equipment with theatre lighting devices or anything else.
  9. Understand basic electrical safety as taught in the Basic Lighting course. In general, always be sure that you are working with disconnected or “dead” circuits. Again, if you are in doubt, seek the instructor or Master Electrician for the production.