Key lighting documentation includes:

• lantern schedule 

• lighting plan or plot

• lighting cue sheet 

Watch the video 'WICKED Lighting: Lighting plot' to learn how they approached their lighting design and documentation.

A lantern schedule is a specific list of fixtures used in a production, including the type of light and accessory details. This allows for the lighting team to know what lights are already available and what may need to purchased or hired for a production.

The lantern schedule lists detailed information about each fixture, sorted by fixture hanging position and sequence number within each position. A fixture is typically referenced by the name of its hanging position, and its sequence number within the group of fixtures at that position. 

The information listed for each fixture may include its type, wattage, color filter number, accessories, electrical circuit number, power dimmer number, and the control channel number used to command the dimmer. The Instrument Schedule usually has one line of text for each fixture. It contains more information than the Light Plot, but lacks the specific fixture location information - other than what can be guessed from the hanging position name and fixture's sequence number. 

Discussion: Who in the lighting team would need this information and why?

A lighting plan is a scale plan showing the lanterns on specific lighting bars, including the dimmer number or addresses, gel, accessories and any focus notes. This is particularly helpful for the lighting designer who will need to know exactly where a light is positioned and what its capability is so that they can design the lights around this. Knowing where it is addressed will also assist with plotting the lights.

A lighting cue sheet is an outline of all the lighting cues for the lighting operator, including details of faders, intensity and action or dialogue for each cue.

You may find some of the following terms used on a lighting cue sheet:

Build - to increase the intensity (brightness) of a lighting state or individual lantern.

Example: ‘At the end of the song, the state should build over 4 seconds’

Restore - return to the previous level.

Example: ‘After the blackout restore to the state for scene two’

Check - reduce the intensity either of the whole state or down to a particular area of the stage.

Example: ‘Check the state slightly when the hero exits’

Crossfade - a lighting state which completely replaces the current state on stage with a new state.  As one fades down the other fades up.

Example: ‘At the end of the scene crossfade to the downstage right special’

Special - a lantern used for a specific moment during the performance.

Example: ‘The special at the top of the stairs must be cut to only light the ghost’

DBO – Dead blackout.  This means cut all the stage lights immediately.  It is important that if a DBO is called for, that performers and crew are aware it will be happening and that there is still some working light available side and backstage.  Emergency exit lights should be checked prior to the event as they must be working for an event to take place and are particularly important if a DBO is going to be used.  Most commonly a DBO only lasts for a few seconds and then the lights come up on the next scene.

For a stage production, the master copy of the script or score is known as the prompt copy. It is the stage manager's script and contains all the actor moves and technical cues. It also contains all the relevant information for the production, including contact lists, venue information, show information, emergency procedures, show reports and so on. It is commonly referred to as the 'bible' of a show.

It is created and used throughout rehearsals and used by the stage manager to control the performance as they call the cues for the show.

A prompt copy is usually laid out so that the script is on one side of a folder or book, and the cues are on the opposite side. These cues included could be actor blocking, lighting, sound, props, set, vision, pyrotechnics and follow spot.

The prompt copy is primarily used by the Stage Manager and is the central document used to create all other documents for other tech crew.

1. Create a lighting plan of the lighting rig in PAC 1. Make sure you document all the light positions, patching/addressing and focus direction.

2. Using the short script (right), design some lighting cues and complete a prompt copy and cue sheet for the scene.

Who has the authority to modify a lighting plan? 

During a production, there may be times when lighting needs to be changed for various reason, whether it be that it is not working for the choreography, or maybe it is affecting the colour of the costumes. Whatever it may be, the production team must discuss and agree on the chages and the changes will be made on the prompt copy by the STAGE MANAGER. Once this change is made, the Stage manager will thne ensure that all relevant departments and people are noified and the documentation is updated.

To ensure that all personnel are working from the most recent documentation often a version number will be place on all documents and presonnel will be informed of what numebr version they should be working from. Sometimes the stage manager may even update the colour of a certain part of the documentation to provide an easy visul way for personnel to ensure they are working from the correct documentation.

Look at the Lighitng Cue Sheet (left) and identify what version of the original document this is and when this version was released.

Complete the following section of your workbook (pages 39-42).