DJTZ214 Lightning

Theatre Faculty
Winter 2026
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
Timetable
each odd Wednesday 16:15–19:30 17
Prerequisites
Successful completion of the first year of the Theatre Design course, and completion of the module ‘Fundamentals of Stage Lighting’.
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 advance students’ knowledge of the technical operation of lighting technologies and to introduce them to the creation of complex lighting concepts and the use of professional programming interfaces. The module focuses on an in-depth analysis of the design and advanced functions of intelligent lighting fixtures, and on a structural analysis of the components of a lighting show. The course aims to provide a detailed understanding and practical comparison of the main lighting console platforms available on the market (grandMA, ChamSys, Avolites). The aim is also to master the entire creative and analytical process – from interpreting a text or libretto through to creating visual research and storyboards, whilst taking into account the specific requirements of various theatre, music and event genres.
Learning outcomes

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



- understand and utilise the advanced functions of smart lighting fixtures
- familiarise themselves with the latest technologies in the lighting market
- familiarise themselves with the architectures and workflows of key systems on the market (grandMA, ChamSys, Avolites)
- grasp and utilise the individual components of a lighting show
- design a lighting show intended for live performances (busking)
- stage a lighting show intended for live performances (busking)
- carry out an in-depth analysis of a dramatic text, libretto or musical structure as a basis for a lighting concept
- compile visual research, a mood board and a storyboard to present their concept to the director or production team
- apply specific approaches to lighting design with regard to the given genre (drama, opera, ballet, concert, event).

Syllabus
  1. Analysis and advanced features of intelligent lighting fixtures
  2. Components of a light show
  3. Console programming interfaces
    1. grandMA
    2. Chamsys
    3. Avolites
  4. The design process: text analysis
  5. Visual research and storyboarding
  6. Genre-specific characteristics.
Literature
    required literature
  • CADENA, Richard. Automated lighting: the art and science of moving and color-changing lights. 3rd ed. New York: Routledge, 2017. ISBN 978-1-138-85090-3. info
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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. Electric shadows: an introduction to video and projection on stage. Cambridge: Entertainment Technology Press, 2013. ISBN 978-1-904031-73-4. info
  • MORAN, Nick. Performance Lighting Design. 2nd. London, UK: Bloomsbury Publishing, 2018. ISBN 978-1-350-01709-2. info
  • SCHILLER, Brad. The automated lighting programmer's handbook. 2nd ed. Boston: Elsevier, Focal Press, 2011. ISBN 978-0-240-81553-4. 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
    not specified
  • BROWN, Blain. Motion picture and video lighting: for cinematographers, gaffers, and lighting technicians. 4th. London, 2024. ISBN 978-1-032-37034-7. info
  • MILLERSON, Gerald. Lighting for television and film. Third edition. New York, 1991. ISBN 978-0-240-51582-3. info
Teaching methods
The course is delivered on a regular basis through lectures using visual and audiovisual materials, seminars and practical sessions, during which students immediately put their knowledge into practice. The course concludes with a concert lighting workshop, where students put their acquired knowledge and technical skills to the test in a hands-on, intensive setting.
Assessment methods
Credit is awarded on the basis of attendance (at least 80 % attendance at lessons), completion of the individual tasks set by the lecturer during the semester, participation in the pre-project phase of the live lighting for a concert (50 %) and attendance at the workshop on live lighting for a concert (50 %).
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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