Lighting Console Programming 101

Lighting Console Programming is a job that requires more than just technical skill. Programmers may face situations which can potentially place the entire company at risk from blackout, fire, electrical shock, blindness, and other hazards if they are not properly trained to recognize and avoid them. Financial hazards exist as well as an unskilled programmer can cause tens of thousands of dollars in damage and lost time by not managing multicables or generator loads properly.

The first part of this class will define and provide training in the responsibilities that the Lighting Console Programmer has in regards to the set lighting crew, the safety of the set, and the efficiency of production. We will also discuss methods to increase your value and negotiate an over-scale rate and box rental.

The second part of this class is entirely hands-on and will focus on the underlying concepts of programming that are common to all lighting consoles, such as: patch, playback controls, recording cues, groups, submasters, parking, profiles, console setup, saving, and timing functions.

This is essential knowledge for anyone who wants to move on to specific console classes and work as a Lighting Console Programmer.