MTEM-How To Guide: Lighting

At events, venues and shows, lighting is an important aspect. "the basic function of stage lighting is to be the final glaze of the visual element of a theatrical production. It should stylistically support the piece as a whole by creating the environment in which the action happens." (Behrens 2013) The main purpose of lighting is visibility and that the performers can be seen, it also makes the production/event more aesthetically pleasing and enjoyable from an audience perspective. 

Four elements of lighting: 

Power- Dimmers and distribution have different channels for controlling sources. Use technical power (Clean power source) 

(n.d.) G

Source- Lighting used e.g.

• Profile Spot

(n.d.) A

• Beam light

(n.d.) E

• Wash light

(n.d.) F

Support-

• Trusses

(n.d.) B

• Grids 

(n.d.) C

Control- "Control refers to the methods we use to shape and colour the light emitted from our light sources." (Lighting for television n.d.)

(n.d.) D

Setting up a light: 

• Take lantern and hang it on your desired choice of support e.g. Grid. 
• Tighten screw and attach safety cable to bar.
• Plug dimmer into technical power.
• Plug light into dimmer.
• Connect dimmer to control desk with output cable. You can then control shape, size and colour of lights. 

(208 words)


Bibliography/References:

Lighting for television. n.d. [online]. Available at: http://zimmer.fresnostate.edu/~candace/Basic6.htm [accessed 19 October 2016].

BEHRENS, Russ. 2013. “Design philosophy.” [online]. Available at: http://stagelightingtextbook.com/design-philosophy-2/ [accessed 19 October 2016].

n.d. [online]. Available at: http://www.terralec.co.uk/Portals/54/product/images/prdf292c8ae-02f8-48a7-821c-e0eed7d4d076.jpg [accessed 19 October 2016a].

n.d. [online]. Available at: http://img.diytrade.com/cdimg/783094/6703718/0/1219373643/Truss_Exhibition_Truss_Aluminium_Truss_Lighting_Truss.jpg [accessed 19 October 2016b].

n.d. [online]. Available at: http://www.stagesuperstore.co.uk/ekmps/shops/stagesuperstore/images/strand-100-series-control-console-12-24-lighting-desk-2485-p.jpg [accessed 19 October 2016d].

n.d. [online]. Available at: http://www.ziogiorgio.com/images/2009/abeam%201500.jpg [accessed 19 October 2016e].

n.d. [online]. Available at: http://www.dhresource.com/0x0s/f2-albu-g2-M00-AC-60-rBVaG1Uk9GuAYTl4AAH34QvWH8k706.jpg/36pcs-10w-zoom-led-moving-head-wash-light.jpg [accessed 19 October 2016f].

n.d. [online]. Available at: http://www.fluxitylighting.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/06/Beta3.jpg [accessed 19 October 2016g].

n.d. [online]. Available at: http://toronto.freeadsincanada.com/content/root/users/2011/20111101/u189007/images/201111/f20111101150855-0136-lighting-grid.jpg [accessed 19 October 2016c].

MTEM-How To Guide: Audio

"a PA system—more formally, public address system, and also known as a sound reinforcement system—is an electronic amplification system used to get sound from the performer(s) to the audience." (fernandes 2014)

At theatre, dance and music events and venues audio will always be a necessity, whether it is for musicians at gigs and festivals or music for dance and theatre shows, a PA system is an essential part of equipment for any performance. In this guide you will learn how to set up a standard PA system. 

• Mixing Desk- 16 channels. Dials for EQ(Equalisation), Volume, AUX etc. 

(n.d.) A

• XLR Cables- 'Gendered' cables connect speakers to mixing desk. Female-input, Male- output. 

(n.d.) B

• Speakers-1,000 Watts in each speaker. Built in amplifier. 

(n.d.) C

Setting up a standard PA System: 

• Set up two speaker stands on either side of the stage. Make sure that they are safe and secure. 

• Place speakers on to stands. 

• Plug speakers in to technical power (clean power). 

• Plug the 'gendered' XLR cables into the appropriate input and outputs in the speakers and mixing desk. 
• Turn speakers and mixing desk on. 

For more guidance on how to set up a PA system watch this video

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Bibliography/references: 

BEAMWORKSPRODUCTIONS. 2013. How to set up a simple PA System Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmHvvf8UKfs [accessed 18 October 2016].

FERNANDES, jerry. 2014. “Buying guide: How to choose the right PA System.” [online]. Available at: http://thehub.musiciansfriend.com/live-sound-buying-guides/how-to-choose-the-right-pa-system [accessed 17 October 2016].

n.d. [online]. Available at: http://www.allen-heath.com/media/WZ4_16_2_Top_2800.jpg [accessed 17 October 2016a].

n.d. [online]. Available at: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/images2000x2000/Rycote_017018_Mic_Tail_Short_XLR_706559.jpg [accessed 17 October 2016b].

n.d. [online]. Available at: http://indieambassador.com/assets/iauploads/jbl_mrx515_passive_speakers.jpg [accessed 18 October 2016c].

MTEM-How To Guide: Rigging

Rigging can be defined as "the use of mechanical load shifting equipment and associated gear to move ,place or secure a load using plant, equipment or members of a structure to ensure the stability of those members; or the setting up or dismantling of cranes or hoists." (Safety guidelines for live entertainment and events I event rigging I October 2015 I page 2 of 16 2015)

When using lighting and sound systems at events it is vital that the equipment is safely secured in place. To do this you will need rigging equipment. 

Examples of rigging equipment: 

• Trusses 

(n.d.) A

• Hoists

(n.d.) C

• Slings

(n.d,) B

In some venues if may be possible for the rigs to be lowered to the ground. If it is not possible then access to the appropriate 'Access Equipment' for Working at Height will be required to complete the task. Before using equipment check that it is undamaged. 

Rigging whilst working at height: 

• Set up ladder securely with two people present. 
• One person climbs ladder. The other attaches light to pulling equipment.
• Send light up.
• Hang lighting equipment on bar.
• Tighten screw.
• Attach safety cable to bar. 

(195 words)

Bibliography/References: 

Safety guidelines for live entertainment and events I event rigging I October 2015 I page 2 of 16. 2015. Available at: http://liveperformance.com.au/sites/liveperformance.com.au/files/resources/101215_event_rigging_hazard_guide.pdf [accessed 17 October 2016].

n.d. [online]. Available at: http://www.stage-rigging.net/images/bv_img238.jpg [accessed 17 October 2016a].

n.d. [online]. Available at: https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0750/4661/products/bluebowshackles_large.JPG?v=1452162685 [accessed 17 October 2016c].

n.d. [online]. Available at: http://www.mwrigging.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/Nylon-Web-Sling02.jpg [accessed 17 October 2016b].

MTEM-How To Guide: Health and Safety and Risk Assessments

"It is an employer's duty to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees and other people who might be affected by their business. This means making sure that workers and others are protected from anything that may cause harm, effectively controlling any risks to injury or health that could arise in the workplace." (Employer's responsibilities: Worker's health and safety 2015) 

Health and safety in the entertainment industry is about enabling people to carry out tasks safely, not stopping them from doing them. Risk assessments are in place for doing unavoidable tasks as safely as possible.

Three main areas of risk: 

• Manual Handling- Find an appropriate way of moving the load e.g. more people, mechanical aid. 
•  Electrical Safety- Equipment should carry an in-date PAT sticker. Be installed by a 'competent' person and regularly visually inspected. 
• Working at Height (Covered in previous blog: here ) 

It is important before any event that a risk assessment is carried out to identify potential risks when carrying out unavoidable tasks. Writing a risk assessment should include:

• Identifying risk and potential outcome.
• Identify who is at risk and assess the severity.
• Identify that the risk is controlled from the information, if not identify what needs to be done.
• Document findings.
• Regularly update and review.  

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Bibliography/References:

Employer’s responsibilities: Workers' health and safety. 2015. [online]. Available at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/workers/employers.htm [accessed 12 October 2016].

MTEM-How to guide: Working at height. n.d. [online]. Available at: http://jessmtemhowto.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/mtem-how-to-guide-working-at-height.html [accessed 19 October 2016].

MTEM-How To Guide: Working At Height

“Work at height means working in a place (except a staircase in a permanent workplace) where a person could be injured by falling from it, even if it is at or below ground level.”  (Guide to health & safety regulations (working at height), 2010) 

In this guide, you will learn how to climb a ladder in the correct way. Working at height is only to be done when it is an unavoidable task. It should never be done alone. There should always be a ground crew. Always use appropriate equipment.

Examples of appropriate equipment known as ‘Access Equipment’:

•          Ladders.
•          Trestle.
•          Scaffolding.
•          Mobile Elevated Work Platforms.

(Work at height-types of equipment 2014)

Before using the equipment check that it is undamaged and safe. The equipment must be compliant with PUWER 1998. ‘PUWER Regulations require that equipment provided for use at work is: maintained safe for use, in a safe condition and, in certain circumstances, suitable for the intended use.’(Limited 2016)

(n.d.) 

How to climb a ladder in the safest way:

•         Position ladder, extend arms and grab hold of rungs.
•           Climb slowly, hand over hand method.
•        Come down the ladder facing the rungs. 

    For more information on working at height visit this website

(208 words)

Bibliography/References: 

LIMITED, Industrial Safety Inspections. 2016. “Puwer 1998 risk assessments.” [online]. Available at: http://www.isisafety.com/puwer-regs [accessed 6 October 2016].

Work at height - types of equipment. 2014. [online]. Available at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/work-at-height/types-of-equipment.htm [accessed 6 October 2016].

Guide to health & safety regulations (working at height). 2010. Available at: https://www.cwu.ie/_uploads/documents/Health__Safety_Dosc/Guide_to_Health__Safety_Regulations_Working_at_Height.pdf [accessed 4 October 2016].

n.d. [online]. Available at: https://madsif.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/3-points-of-contact-ladder-safety.png [accessed 18 October 2016].