DJTZ114 Fundamentals of Scenic Lighting

Theatre Faculty
Winter 2026
Extent and Intensity
1/1/0. 1 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
Timetable
Tue 16:15–17:45 17
Prerequisites
The course is taught in the winter semester of the first year of undergraduate study, the only prerequisite is therefore admission.
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 course ‘Fundamentals of scenic lighting’ is to provide students with a comprehensive theoretical and practical overview of lighting technology by introducing them to the physical properties of light, its functions, historical development and the characteristics of light sources. The course focuses on explaining issues relating to colour, spectral fidelity and methods of colour mixing using filters, on a systematic explanation of the functions of both conventional and modern lighting fixtures and dimmers, and the basic principles of their control, whilst also emphasising an understanding of how to work with the direction, angle and distribution of light in a space.
Learning outcomes

Upon completion of the course, students will be able to:
- understand the physical characteristics of light
- familiarise themselves with different types of light sources
- master colour-mixing techniques
- understand issues relating to colour rendering (CRI, TM-30), spectral fidelity and the influence of the spectrum on the rendering of colour tones
- work with all types of conventional lighting fixtures, understand their differences and assess their suitability for use in various situations
- understand the function of dimmers, dimming methods and their relationship to different types of loads
- gain an overview of other types of lighting fixtures
- be able to work with the direction, angle and distribution of light to shape space, create atmosphere and achieve three-dimensionality
- master practical procedures for the installation, suspension, mechanical securing and correct focusing (directional control and cut-off) of luminaires
- gain an introduction to the subject of lighting control.

Syllabus

1. Physical characteristics of light
2. Basic functions (effects) of light
3. Introduction to the history of lighting
4. Light sources
5. Colours (colour-mixing methods, filters, issues relating to colour rendering and spectral fidelity)
6. Conventional lighting fixtures
7. Introduction to other types of lighting fixtures
8. Installation and focusing
9. Dimmers
10. Introduction to lighting control
11. Direction and angle of light – distribution
12. Electrical basics

Literature
    required literature
  • SHELLEY, Steven Louis. A Practical Guide to Stage Lighting. 3rd ed. New York: Focal Press, 2014, 565 pp. ISBN 978-0-415-81200-9. info
  • KELLER, Max. Light fantastic: the art and design of stage lighting. 3rd ed., copletely rev. New York: Prestel Verlag, 2010. ISBN 978-3-7913-4371-6. info
    recommended literature
  • 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
  • BRIGGS, Jody. Encyclopedia of Stage Lighting. Jefferson, North Carolina, London: McFarland Publishing, 2003. ISBN 978-0-7864-1512-0. info
  • DUNHAM, Richard E. Stage Lighting Second Edition: The Fundamentals. 2nd. New York, NY: Routledge, 2018. ISBN 978-1-315-45468-9. info
  • FITZGERALD, Deanna. The Heart of Light. New York, NY: Routledge, 2022. ISBN 978-1-000-51690-6. info
  • HABEL, Jiří. Světelná technika a osvětlování. Praha: FCC Public, 1995. ISBN 80-901985-0-3. info
  • KOLEGAR, Jan. Historie scénických technologií. Vyd. 1. Brno: Janáčkova akademie múzických umění, 2001, 2 sv. ISBN 80-85429-51-9. info
  • MORAN, Nick. Performance Lighting Design. 2nd. London, UK: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2018. ISBN 978-1-350-01709-2. info
  • REA, Mark S. The IESNA Lighting Handbook. 9th. New York: Illuminating Engineering Society of North America, 2000. ISBN 978-0-87995-150-4. info
    not specified
  • BOX, Harry C. Set lighting technician's handbook: film lighting equipment, practice, and electrical distribution. 4th ed. Boston, MA: Focal Press, 2010. ISBN 978-0-240-81075-1. info
Teaching methods
Lessons take place on a regular basis in the form of lectures using visual and audiovisual materials, seminars and practical sessions, during which students immediately put their knowledge into practice.
Assessment methods
Credit is awarded on the basis of attendance (at least 80 % attendance at lectures), completion of assignments set by the lecturer during the semester (20 %), submission of a seminar paper on a specified topic via Microsoft Teams (40 %) and its presentation (40 %).
Language of instruction
Czech
Follow-Up Courses
The course is also listed under the following terms Winter 2014, Winter 2015, Winter 2016, Winter 2017, Winter 2018, Winter 2019, Winter 2020, Winter 2021, Winter 2022, Winter 2023, Winter 2024, Winter 2025.
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