DJTL214 Lightning

Theatre Faculty
Summer 2027
Extent and Intensity
1/1/3. 2 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Teacher(s)
MgA. Jakub Mareš (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
doc. MgA. BcA. Petra Vodičková, Ph.D.
Theatre Management and Stage Technology Department – Dean’s Office – Theatre Faculty – Janáček Academy of Performing Arts
Supplier department: Theatre Management and Stage Technology Department – Dean’s Office – Theatre Faculty – Janáček Academy of Performing Arts
Prerequisites
Successfully completed subject Lighting in winter semester.
Course Enrolment Limitations
The course is only offered to the students of the study fields the course is directly associated with.
fields of study / plans the course is directly associated with
Course objectives
The aim of the Lighting module is to enable students to achieve full professional autonomy in managing complex productions, advanced programming and the technical management of systems. The course focuses on deepening practical knowledge of the programming interfaces of the main consoles (grandMA, ChamSys, Avolites), on the implementation of time synchronisation (SMPTE, MIDI, Network Timecode) and on the effective preparation of shows in pre-configured visualisation environments. At the same time, it emphasises preventative maintenance methods, fault diagnosis (troubleshooting) in DMX/IP networks and hardware, and ensuring stable operation.
Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:



- demonstrate advanced proficiency in operating and programming a lighting console (grandMA, ChamSys or Avolites)
- create and execute a fully synchronised show using timecode, integrated with other elements of the performance or event (sound, multimedia, etc.)
- prepare a complete scene in 3D visualisation software (Previz), link it to the console and pre-programme a complex show
- systematically diagnose and resolve faults in signal paths (DMX, RDM, IP/Art-Net/sACN networks) and on the lighting fixtures themselves
- carry out basic servicing, cleaning and preventative maintenance of the optical and mechanical parts of intelligent lighting fixtures and ensure the trouble-free operation of the technical equipment.

Syllabus

  1. Console programming interfaces

    1. grandMA
    2. Chamsys
    3. Avolites
  2. Lighting control – synchronisation
  3. Visualisation, Previz
  4. Maintenance and troubleshooting

Literature
    required literature
  • AVOLITES, 2026. Avolites Manual. Online. Dostupné také z: manual.avolites.com.
  • CHAMSYS LTD. MagicQ User Manual, 2026. Online. Dostupné z: secure.chamsys.co.uk/docs/magicq/manual/index.html.
  • MA LIGHTING TECHNOLOGY GMBH, 2026. GrandMA3 User Manual. Online. Dostupné také z: help.malighting.com/grandMA3/2.4/HTML/help.html.
    recommended literature
  • DUNHAM, Richard E. Stage Lighting: Design Applications and More. New York, NY: Routledge, 2018. ISBN 978-1-138-67137-9. info
  • FITZGERALD, Deanna. The Heart of Light. New York, NY: Routledge, 2022. ISBN 978-1-000-51690-6. info
  • GILLETTE, J Michael and Michael MCNAMARA. Designing with Light. 8th. New York, NY: Routledge, 2025. ISBN 978-1-032-58290-0. info
  • LANDAU, David. Lighting for Cinematography. Bloomsbury Academic, 2014. ISBN 1-62892-692-9. info
  • LANGHAM, Josephine. Lights, Camera, Action. 2nd. British Film Institute, 1997. ISBN 978-0-85170-573-6. info
  • MOODY, James L and DEXTER PAUL. Concert lighting: the art and business of entertainment lighting. 4th ed. New York: Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group, 2017. ISBN 978-1-138-94291-2. info
  • MORAN, Nick. Performance Lighting Design. 2nd. London, UK: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2018. ISBN 978-1-350-01709-2. info
  • WOLF, R Craig and Dick BLOCK. Scene Design and Stage Lighting. 10th. Boston, MA: Wadsworth Pub Co, 2013. ISBN 978-1-111-34443-6. info
Teaching methods
Lessons take place on a regular basis in the form of lectures using visual and audiovisual materials, seminars and practical exercises, during which students immediately put their knowledge into practice. The course culminates in the realisation of a student’s own lighting concept (show), in which they apply the knowledge acquired over all four semesters.
Assessment methods
Credit is awarded on the basis of attendance (at least 80 % attendance at lessons), the completion of individual tasks set by the lecturer during the semester, and the preparation (30 %) and implementation (70 %) of the student’s own lighting concept (show) using smart luminaires and cue-based timecode programming of the lighting console, in accordance with the lecturer’s instructions.
Language of instruction
Czech
Follow-Up Courses
Further Comments
The course is taught every week.
The course is also listed under the following terms Summer 2015, Summer 2016, Summer 2017, Summer 2018, Summer 2019, Summer 2020, Summer 2021, Summer 2022, Summer 2023, Summer 2024, Summer 2025, Summer 2026.
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