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Professor: David Jacques
Office Telephone: 985-4044
Office Hours: Monday, Wednesday 1:00 -2:00
Class Times: Monday/Wednesday 10:00-11:50 / Room: Computer Lab
E-Mail: djacques@csulb.edu
Web Page: http://www.csulb.edu/~djacques/

Course Objectives:

This course is a comprehensive study in the techniques of virtual and automated lighting design. The course includes practical hands-on instruction in ESP Vision virtual lighting software, Hog IIIPC control software, Vari*Lite, and Elation automated fixtures. Other virtual controllers including WYSIWYG, EOS and ION Control software and hardware, and other virtual software and automated hardware may be covered (depending on availability).

Upon Completion of the course, the student will be able to:

1. Understand the aesthetics and techniques of virtual and automated lighting design.

2. Learn to incorporate virtual automated lighting software and hardware into actual theatrical productions.

3. Possess a broad understanding and technical skill set in ESP Vision software and the Hog III PC lighting control system.

4. Create AVI files for presentation of virtual designs.

5. Explode a two-dimensional CAD drawing into a three-dimensional virtual design in Vectorworks Spotlight and ESP Vision.

6. Incorporate video into the virtual environment.

Requirements:

The student will participate in class lectures and projects using the software and hardware introduced in class.

The student is expected to attend all classes and special seminars. Any missed classes will reflect negatively on the student’s Class Participation grade.

The student will present a culmination of his/her work at the stage design showcase at the end of the semester.

Projects turned in after the due date will not be accepted unless for compelling reasons.

Evaluations:

The student will be evaluated on three class projects (20% each of the final grade) and a Final Project (20% of the final grade). The remainder 20% will be class participation and attendance.

Projects turned in after the due date will not be accepted unless for compelling reasons.

Class Participation: Active class participation is essential to the student’s success in this course. 20% if the student’s final grade will be on class participation.

Attendance Policy: Regular On-time attendance is mandatory. Excused absences will be granted only if written evidence (e.g. a doctor's written notice, a letter for jury duty, or other official documentation) is provided in a timely manner. (University Attendance Policy PS 01-01, defines excused absences as 1) illness or injury to the student; 2) death, injury, or serious illness of an immediate family member or the like; 3) religious reasons (California Educational Code section 89320); 4) jury duty or government obligation; 5) University sanctioned or approved activities.) Students missing 2 or more classes will be advised to drop the class and retake it in a subsequent semester. On-time attendance at each class is expected. Points may be deducted for tardiness, leaving early, or disrespectful or disruptive behavior to other students or the instructor, e.g. talking while other students or the instructor is speaking to the whole class. In rare cases, due to a documented emergency or a "serious and compelling reason" (PS 02-12) a student may need to request an authorized incomplete or withdrawal. In such a case University Policy will be strictly adhered to. The full text of University Policy Statements may be seen at http://www.csulb.edu/divisions/aa/grad_undergrad/senate/policy/

Refer to the official CSULB attendance policy located at: http://www.csulb.edu/divisions/aa/grad_undergrad/senate/documents/policy/2001/01/

Documentation of excused absences is the responsibility of the student. Missing more than two classes with unexcused absences will result in failure of this course. If the student misses more than three classes for any reason the student must drop the course.

Withdrawal Policy:

It is the student’s responsibility to withdraw from classes. Instructors have no obligation to withdraw students who do not attend courses, and may choose not to do so. The deadline to withdraw from a class without a “W” is stated in the official Schedule of Classes. Withdrawal from a course after that date requires the signature of the instructor and the department chair, and is permissible only for serious and compelling reasons. [Severe or extensive medical problems would be a reason to drop after that date, but fear of receiving a final grade lower than desired, or change in one’s work schedule are not considered a serious and compelling reasons.] A “W” will appear on the student’s transcript.

DURING THE FINAL THREE WEEKS OF INSTRUCTION WITHDRAWALS ARE NOT PERMITTED EXCEPT IN CASES SUCH AS ACCIDENT OR SERIOUS ILLNESS WHERE THE CIRCUMSTANCES CAUSING THE WITHDRAWAL ARE CLEARLY BEYOND THE STUDENT’S CONTROL. THE CAUSE MUST BE DOCUMENTED. ORDINARILY, WITHDRAWALS IN THIS CATEGORY INVOLVE TOTAL WITHDRAWAL FROM THE UNIVERSITY. YOU WILL NEED THE APPROVAL OF THE COLLEGE DEAN AS WELL AS THAT OF THE CLASS INSTRUCTOR AND THE DEPARTMENT CHAIRPERSON FOR EACH CLASS YOU DROP.

Electronic Devices:

All electronic devices that have the potential to disrupt the class, its members, or the instructor must be turned off or silenced (unless approved by instructor).

Disabilities:

It is the students' responsibility to notify the instructor in advance of any need for accommodation of a disability that has been verified by the University.

Furloughs:

I am committed to your academic success. However, due to the extreme budget cuts, all 23 CSU campuses have cut admissions, classes, and faculty positions. Class sessions will be canceled on certain days this semester because of budget cuts. Furlough days are February 8, February 23, March 8, April 7, and April 21.

Required Materials:

Laptop Computer with Advanced 3D Graphics Card

There are four stations in the computer lab with class software installed. However all graduate lighting designers are required to have a laptop computer with an advanced 3D graphics card for their lighting design and technology classes.

PLEASE BE SURE TO HAVE ALL SOFTWARE PURCHASED AND INSTALLED ON YOUR COMPUTER BEFORE THE FIRST CLASS.

Vectorworks Spotlight Software - Free for Students – go to: http://www.nemetschek.net/student/software_application.php

ESP Vision Software - $249 for Students – go to: http://www.espvision.com/buyit/index.php?cPath=22&osCsid=0a2b55b8b6b48b44826914511c21dd2f

Hog III PC Software – Free – go to: http://www.flyingpig.com/support/Hog3PCSoftwareDownloads.shtml

Texts:

The Automated Lighting Programmer's Handbook, Shiller, Focal Press, 2003

WYSIWYG Manual, ETC Lighting / Cast Software, 2004

ESP Vision Manual, 2009

Vari-Lite Automated Fixture Manual, Vari*lite Corporation, 2004

Equus – Peter Schaffer

Class Structure

Week 1: Instruction in ESP Vision and Vectorworks Spotlight

Monday - Intro to Vectorworks - Creating a Light Plot - Modifying Lines into Positions , Inserting Symbols as Lighting Instruments

2D 3D Hybrid - Assignment: Create Vectorworks Plot

Wednesday - Trasnsfering Vectorworks Light Plot into Vision

Week 2:

Monday - Vision Basics - Videos of Projects - Placing and Focusing Conventional Lights

Wednesday - Hog Training - Integrating Hog with Vision

Week 3: Hog Training Continued - Project #1 – Creating a Music Project

Week 4: Project #1 cont.

Week 5: Project #1 Due

Week 6: Project #2 Creating a Theatrical Project - Equus

Week 7: Project #2 cont.

Week 8: Project #2 cont.

Week 9: Project #2 Due

Week 10: Project #3 - Integrating Video into Vision

Week 11: Project #3 Due

Week 12: Final Music Project - Transference and Live Presentations of Music

Weeks 13-15:Final Project cont. - Creating AVI Files for Student Design Showcase