DATZ105 Working with light (lighting design)

Theatre Faculty
Winter 2026
Extent and Intensity
0/24/0. 1 credit(s). Type of Completion: z (credit).
Teacher(s)
MgA. Jakub Mareš (lecturer)
Guaranteed by
doc. Mgr. Petr Francán
Audiovisual Media and Theatre Department – Dean’s Office – Theatre Faculty – Janáček Academy of Performing Arts
Supplier department: Audiovisual Media and Theatre Department – Dean’s Office – Theatre Faculty – Janáček Academy of Performing Arts
Timetable
Wed 14:30–16:00 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 ‘Working with Light’ course is to provide students with a comprehensive theoretical and practical foundation in the field of lighting technology. The course covers topics ranging from the basic physical principles of light, its functions, history and colour theory, through the characteristics of light sources, to practical skills in the installation, focusing and use of lighting equipment. At the same time, it focuses on lighting control (lighting chain, addressing, patch, introduction to consoles), the creation of a visual concept (research, storyboard, light distribution and direction), a comparison of the specific features of theatre, film and photographic lighting, and the essential electrical engineering fundamentals for safe operation.
Learning outcomes

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



- describe the physical properties of light, its wavelength, spectrum and key milestones in the history of lighting technology
- define the basic functions of light in a space and its effects on human perception, atmosphere and dramaturgy
- apply colour mixing methods (additive and subtractive), work with filters and evaluate spectral fidelity and colour rendering (CRI, TM-30)
- understand light sources and distinguish between the use of conventional, smart and special-effect lighting fixtures, as well as non-standard light sources
- understand the principle of operation of dimmers and operate atmospheric effect generators
- describe the complete lighting chain from the control desk through transmission routes to the end lighting fixtures
- carry out lighting fixture addressing, set up a patch in the system and operate the basic functions of lighting consoles
- work with the direction, angle and distribution of light to model objects and spaces
- safely install, suspend, secure and correctly focus lighting fixtures
- prepare visual research and a storyboard as a basis for communicating the lighting concept
- distinguish between and describe the specific characteristics of photographic and film lighting as opposed to theatre lighting
- comply with basic electrical regulations, power rating calculations and safety standards when working with lighting equipment

Syllabus

  1. Introduction to the history of lighting
  2. Physical characteristics of light
  3. Basic functions (effects) of light
  4. Light sources
  5. Colours (colour-mixing methods, filters, issues of colour rendering and spectral fidelity)
  6. Classification and use of lighting fixtures
    1. Conventional
    2. Introduction to smart lighting fixtures
    3. Effects lighting
  7. Use of non-standard light sources
  8. Dimmers
  9. Power supplies
  10. Lighting control
  11. Direction and angle of light – distribution
    1. Lighting chain
    2. Addressing, patch
    3. Introduction to lighting consoles
  12. Installation and focusing
  13. Visual research and storyboard
  14. Specific features of photographic and film lighting compared to theatre lighting
  15. Basics of electrical engineering

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
  • MORAN, Nick. Performance Lighting Design. 2nd. London, UK: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2018. ISBN 978-1-350-01709-2. info
  • DUNHAM, Richard E. Stage Lighting Second Edition: The Fundamentals. 2nd. New York, NY: Routledge, 2018. ISBN 978-1-315-45468-9. info
    recommended literature
  • 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
  • BRIGGS, Jody. Encyclopedia of Stage Lighting. Jefferson, North Carolina, London: McFarland Publishing, 2003. ISBN 978-0-7864-1512-0. info
  • HABEL, Jiří. Světelná technika a osvětlování. Praha: FCC Public, 1995. ISBN 80-901985-0-3. info
  • HUNTER, Fil and Steven BIVER. Light Science & Magic: An Introduction to Photographic Lighting. 6th ed. Taylor & Francis Ltd, 2021. ISBN 0-367-86027-9. 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
  • KITSINELIS, Spiros. Light Sources: Technologies and Applications. Boca Raton, FL: Taylor & Francis, 2010. ISBN 978-1-4398-2079-7. info
  • KOLEGAR, Jan. Historie scénických technologií. 2nd ed. Brno: Janáčkova akademie múzických umění v Brně, 2011, 136 pp. ISBN 978-80-86928-94-4. info
  • LANGHAM, Josephine. Lights, Camera, Action. 2nd. British Film Institute, 1997. ISBN 978-0-85170-573-6. info
  • MILLERSON, Gerald. Lighting for television and film. Third edition. New York, 1991. ISBN 978-0-240-51582-3. info
  • MORAN, Nick. Electric shadows: an introduction to video and projection on stage. Cambridge: Entertainment Technology Press, 2013. ISBN 978-1-904031-73-4. 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
  • 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 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
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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