As an automated lighting programmer, you are often exposed to many different productions, designers and other contacts. Every gig should be approached as a learning experience. Watch how the designer interacts with the client, study the shop order to see how it was conceived and changed, and notice how the LD calls the conventional focus. Observing professionals in the real world is often a much better learning experience than any classroom environment. I also like to collect various bits of paperwork from productions so I can study the subtle differences. Magic sheets, plots, patch sheets, followspot notes, etc., all have unique touches that each LD applies. By noticing how each is used by the LD and crew I have learned how to improve my own designer paperwork.
– From Brad Schiller’s stint on the LD-At-Large page in the August issue.
