Reading the script and understanding each setting is integral to lighting design. I include reference photos and descriptions of my design intentions based on each setting. Research of each location, especially for anything historical, is also important to include. Here are some my slides from SJH's Fall 2022 production of Radium Girls.

Although programming is still far away, most of the design happens now – with magic sheets. A magic sheet is a diagram showing what direction light will come from and what color that light will be. Every "beam" is paired with a description or emotion, as justification for the color and direction choice. Every moment of the show gets its own diagram. Attached below are 3 from SJH's 2022 Actor's Repertory production of A Midsummer Night's Dream

The next step is drafting a light plot. This should be to-scale with the overlaid set, if possible. This is less of an artistic step and more of an organizational/functional step.

After drafting, I'll normally make a "cheat sheet" for myself to reference channel numbers.