🔵 🔴 🟡 Course description

The course offers an introduction to the theory and technique of theatrical lighting, focusing on its dual nature as both a visual medium and a technological tool. Students become familiar with the physical properties of light and the historical evolution of lighting media, while simultaneously receiving training in the use of modern equipment—ranging from conventional fixtures to digital control systems (DMX). Through laboratory exercises, the significance of viewing angles and color composition is analyzed to enhance scenic plasticity and dramaturgy. Particular emphasis is placed on lighting design methodology, from textual analysis to the creation of technical plots and instrument schedules. The course culminates in the practical application of knowledge within real-world stage conditions, preparing participants to manage lighting transitions in a performance (including the use of projection software). The objective is to understand light as a structural element of the performing arts and to acquire the necessary skills for its safe and creative implementation.

• To analyze and understand the fundamental characteristics of lighting within performing and digital arts.
• To apply lighting equipment and software at a practical level.
• To combine lighting methodologies and theories with technological and artistic tools.
• To organize the stages of lighting design (plot, text, software, equipment).

🔵 🔴 🟡 Theory (2 hours)

• Introduction to the concept of Light. Physical properties, visible spectrum, and the mechanics of vision.
• History and Semiology. The evolution of lighting media and the role of light in narrative.
• Fixture Typology. Practical introduction to PC, Fresnel, Profile, and PAR units.
• Light Sources and LED. The transition from incandescent to digital sources and their properties.
• Electrical Safety and Power. Basic safety principles, loads, and the use of Dimmers.
• The DMX512 Protocol. Wiring, connectivity, and digital control.
• Color Theory and Psychology. Use of filters, color temperature, and color mixing.
• Lighting Angles and Plasticity. Study of light directionality.
• Lighting Plot. Mastering symbols and drafting floor plans on paper and software.
• Dramaturgy and Lighting Cues. Textual analysis and the creation of lighting change scenarios.
• Rigging and Focusing. Practical exercise in hanging, beam adjustment, and shuttering.
• Console Programming. The case of software - Creating and recording lighting states (cues) and fades.
• Project Presentation. Execution of a short lighting composition by each student group

🔵 🔴 🟡 Lab (1 hour)

• Introduction to the Space. Safety regulations on stage, ladder usage, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Fixture Anatomy. Disassembly, lens cleaning, and lamp replacement across different fixture types.
• Rigging and Securing. Practical exercise in rigging (clamps, safety cables) and cable management.
• Light in Practice. Intensity measurement and beam comparison between Fresnel, PC, and Profile fixtures.
• Electrical Connectivity. Connecting loads to dimmers, phase checking, and basic measurements with a multimeter.
• Addressing and Patching: DMX addresses for LED PARs and moving heads and the console.
• Color Workshop. Gel installation, use of shutters (knives) for beam shaping, and testing on various materials.
• Three-Point Exercises. Practical application of "Three-Point Lighting" on a model/actor on stage.
• From Plot to Stage. Transferring a lighting plot to the physical space and setting up instruments in their positions.
• Focusing Workshop. Collaborative work on focusing fixtures based on a specific dramaturgical requirement.
• Programming Basics. Creating initial submasters and cues, and the concept of timing (fade in/out) on the console.
• Performance Simulation. Sequence of changes (cue-to-cue) set to a musical piece or a short performance event.
• Final Evaluation. Execution and support of the lighting installation designed by each group.

Review language: Greek

🔵 🔴 🟡 Evaluation method:

• Written exams - 30%

• Art (Light) Project  - 70%

• Face-to-face
• Use of equipment (lighting)
• Support of the Learning process through the electronic platform e-class

• Support of the learning process with video lessons (part of them can be created by the teaching staff and students of the department)

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🔵 🔴 🟡 Course Textbooks [Eudoxus]

• Θανασούλα, Χ. (2021) Σχεδιασμός Φωτισμών: Ζωγραφίζοντας επί σκηνής στις τέσσερις διαστάσεις. Αθήνα: Ιδιωτική Έκδοση, Kωδικός: 122091428.

Extra Bibliography

• As suggested by each lecturer