Stagecraft Institute Las Vegas
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Partners in Building a Better StageHand
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Why Vegas?
It's all about the experience. And anyone looking for a broad spectrum of experience will find it in Las Vegas. Starting with shows like Jubilee, developed nearly three decades ago and still running today, right up to Ką, Cirque du Soleil's biggest show which astounds audiences with its amazing mechanics and effects, entertainment technology has been defined by the Vegas model. Las Vegas is the home of emerging technologies, new technology developers and manufacturers, and a growing demand for technicians trained in these cutting-edge technologies.
Whats included?
Ticket to a Las Vegas show each week session, a backstage or industry tour, weekday lunches, weekly grill chat dinners, aiport pickup/dropoff (arrival and departure restrictions apply), and class related local transportation from the SILV hotel. Housing: Participants are encouraged to register at the official SILV hotel, Emerald Suites Las Vegas Blvd, for an uparalleled special rate. SILV will provide details upon application.
Summer 2011 Classes
Week 1 (June 6-10)
Computer Drafting
Intensive program in Computer Assisted Drafting/Design specifically geared to theatrical application. Basic concepts to advanced techniques, from AutoCAD to CADLite. Software is provided. Don Childs brings his 26 years of CAD experience to the class along with his 40+ years of drafting and design experience.
Weekend 1 (June 10-12)
Instrumentation
15 hour intensive hands-on workshop concentrating on conventional theatrical lighting instrumentation. Includes instrument selection, trouble shooting, repair, optical trains, and basic color. Ideal for both newbies and more advanced technicians and designers.
Week 2 (June 13-17)
Computer Modelling
The SILV group is joined by a team of previsualization experts from WYSIWYG, Sketch-up and Solid Works for an intensive unit on computer assisted lighting design, rendering, presentation techniques, and computer control systems. Students will use 3D modeling as a tool for presenting design ideas, preparing paperwork, and controlling complex shows.
Weekend 2 (June 17-19)
Photoshop
15 hour intensive workshop using Photoshop to communicate design ideas. Participants will learn short cuts and techniques to turn their work into presentation quality images and renderings. Ideal for designers in all areas: scenery, props, costumes, and lighting.
Week 3 (June 20-24)
Rigging
SILV leaves the confines of the theatre to get an intensive hands on unit on rigging. The unit includes basic rigging techniques, fall-arrest training, winch trouble shooting and repair, and equipment testing. One of the most popular elements is the destructive testing of everything from cables to hardware. The week concludes with a unit on rigging to fly humans. Depending on facility availabitlity, all participants may have the opportunity to both fly and be flown.
Week 4 (June 27-July 1)
Automation
Intensive course in automation from mechanical basics of automation to programming, and operational skills. Course is aimed at students of technical theatre, working professionals and educators wishing to improve their skill set or to acquire a new understanding and skill set in the growing field of automation, automation programming and operating automation systems.
Props & SFX
Another popular unit that is returning for 2010 is SFX. The week starts with a lesson on stage blood including blood that won't stain and blood that can be drunk and more. The blood unit is followed by a unit on atmospherics from haze to snow. Techniques and methods of creating effects for low-fog, high rising fog, rain, snow and more are part of the unit. One of the most fun sessions is the one on fireworks and explosives.
Weekend 4 (July 1-3)
Foam Carving
15 hour hands on workshop on carving foam for many applications. Ideal for props artisans, scenic artists, designers, and technicians. Each participant will carve a number of objects and complete a final project to add to his/her portfolio.
Week 5 (July 5-9)
Sound
A crash course in the world of audio. Sound week will start off with the basics of acoustics and psycho-acoustics then make its way through system components, speaker placement, sound analysis, mixing, paperwork, automated playback, wireless technology, trouble shooting and more. SILV's primary goal is to squash the rumor that sound is "too complicated".
Makeup & Masks
Create your own life mask. Use it to create slush mold characters and cold foam masks. Masks ranging from the simplest "Phantom of the Opera" style to the most complex Halloween style are part of the class. Participants will go home with a new arsenal of skills, as well as the masks they have made.
Weekend 5 (July 8-10)
Stage Management
15 hour intensive workshop focusing on management techniques and skills. The field of management is changing almost as fast as technology in general. Traditional stagecraft like building flats, platforms, and paper mache props is disappearing and being replaced with automated scenery, power lifts and thermoplastics. Managing the technical side of theatre also requires a new level of knowledge and understanding.
Week 6 (July 11-15)
Lighting Technology
From power distribution to DMX, from Par Cans to LED's lighting technology is in a nearly constant state of change. This week provides intensive hands-on training conducted by leading professionals from both the production and manufacturing areas and is designed to prepare the participants for today and the future.
Patterning
Learn to alter patterns beginning with standard slopers or measurements. Create wide varieties of bodices, collars, sleeves, skirts and pants. Both modern and period styles will be dealt with.
Weekend 6 (July 15-17)
Gobo and Color Magic
15 hour course on color theory and use. Participants will experiment with the use of color as a designer's tool and as a technical artist. Gobo design and integration will be included and each participant will design a custom gobo and have it manufactured
Week 7 (July 18-22)
Projections & Video
Students will be exposed to facets of the media/lighting convergence currently sweeping the entertainment industry. Students will have hands on instruction in programming and installing various current media display technologies and practices used on television, Broadway, concert and theatrical stages throughout the world. Areas and technologies to be included are video projection, LED display, media server and lighting control programming.
Weekend 7 (July 22-24)
Design Charette
15 hour intensive design project that culminates in a presentation and showcase. Project will focus on set, costume, light, effects, props, and sound design. The Charette will be led by award winning designers and the presentation will be adjudicated by leaders in the industry.
Week 8 (July 25-29)
Moving Lights
The moving lights unit is probably the most exciting session that we offer. The team of experts who teach this section are the very best in the world. It begins with a load-in on Monday AM where students unload the truck, hang, power-up, and provide control to a complete rig including movers, video projectors, and LED's. Participants learn to program three different consoles. The week ends with a 'light show' created by the students followed by the load-out.
The above schedule is subject to change due to the everchanging and flexible nature of theatre and the schedules of our faculty members. Check this page for any changes. If you are enrolled in a class where dates change you will be notified immediately.
