A Sound and Video Production Company
TL;DR:A quick lesson on how to use one of the oldest lighting consoles out there. The Story:In 1993, Electronic Theatre Controls (ETC) released a lighting console called the Express. It came in a few models/sizes – the 24/48, 48/96, 72/144, and so on. Aside from some limitations on the lower numbered-boards, operationally they are identical. …
TL;DR: Use that ancient lighting console in new and exciting ways, by integrating your lighting cues with the rest of your show in Qlab! You can trigger Cues and Macros! The Story: The first big Qlab design I ever did was a show requiring me to design and run lights, sound, and video, in a …
Continue reading “Get more out of ancient ETC Express lighting boards, using Qlab and MIDI”
TL;DR: QLab can have more than one GO button. Here is why that’s a good thing. The Story: I realized that, in the course of this blog, I have talked a lot about using hotkeys and triggers in QLab. While I have sometimes explained how to do that, I wanted to put out the definitive …
I work with a lot of students, across a few schools. I count myself lucky to be able to share with them what I know – as well as learn a lot from them. Many have become just “younger peers” because I like to work collaboratively, even if I am driving the design. Last month …
Continue reading “A Brush-up on Basics – some helpful posts on Qlab and workflow”
TL;DR: Use the PDF version of your script/prompt book while running your live show. The Story: Last week’s blog post has already covered creating digital prompt books in detail – here I am going to show how I have worked those PDFs into my live show workflow. For following your prompt book during the show, you …
Continue reading “Actually using that digital script/prompt book”
TL;DR: Ditch paper scripts/prompt books for computer copies. Never lose or forget your script again, and guess what – it’s BACKLIT! The Story: I design in a lot of different theatres, often with overlapping schedules. This is a common designer dilemma. There was one time I had six shows opening within a six week window! …
Continue reading “Digital play scripts/prompt books are here!”
TL;DR: How to write cue numbers with a system that lets you skip around, know where you are in your cue sheet, and be compatible with other departments…by working in blocks of ten. The Story: Some seasons are completely insane for me. It’s a common theme for designers – you’ve got maybe one too many …
Continue reading “Cue numbering, and playing well with others”
TL;DR: Sync your computer with the rest of your team when you receive a Google Drive share. The Story: As I will cover elsewhere, Google Drive is king of all of the sync services out there – plenty of space for free, everyone has a Google account, and the Apps for word processing, spreadsheets, etc …
Continue reading “Google Drive and syncing your show with Backup and Sync software”
TL;DR: A primer on what you have to pay for – and what you don’t. And how it’s more affordable to use QLab than you might think. The Story: We have all been there. People use iTunes and Keynote (or, gasp, PowerPoint!) for a live production, because they don’t know what’s better out there. (That’s …
Continue reading “QLab licensing, costs, and what it all means”
…because it’s Spring in New England! Also, because I just wrapped on a production of “Annie.” It’s a pickup gig that I do lighting for every year, with a small school theater that has little budget but a director whom I like working with a lot. Not every gig is with international rock stars and …
