Resources
Books
The Backstage Handbook
A great handbook outlining all the facts and information for all production hardware and equipment.
Theatrical Design and Production - 7th Edition
A fantastic textbook outlining all the areas of theatrical production and design. A must-have for any student interested in production, or as a basic guidebook for theatrical design.
iOS Apps
DMX Dip
A handy little app to help you find the correct positions of your DIP switches when addressing fixtures.
iRFR Classic
The FREE app that lets you use your iOS device as a focus remote for any ETC Eos or Cobalt/Congo console connected to a Wi-Fi enabled network.
Reference Guides
Eos-Family Video Learning Series
Wanting to learn how to use ETC's Eos-Family consoles? Here is ETC's video course with workbook and exercises to get you going in no time!
Expression Personality Editor QuickGuide
Many people are still programing on the ETC Express/Expression consoles. Here is a useful guide to creating and editing fixture personalities for the ETC Express/Expression consoles. (The software used in this guide can be downloaded here.)
Programing Moving Lights - User Guide (for ETC Express and Expression 3)
Many people are still programing on the ETC Express/Expression consoles. Here is a useful guide to working with moving lights on these systems.
Social Media Groups
ETC Eos Family Console Programmers
The Facebook group for asking questions and getting FAST answers relating to ETC's Eos Family of lighting consoles.
ETC Expression Family Programming Discussion
The Facebook group for asking questions and getting FAST answers relating to ETC's Express/Expression Family of lighting consoles.
Overheard Backstage......
A Facebook group for sharing anything and everything related to theatrical and event production.
Theatre Auditions for SE Wisconsin
Looking to audition for your next show? Here you will find postings for auditions in Southeastern Wisconsin.
Theatre Swap
Looking for or have theater items to sell, buy, rent, or give away? Try this Facebook group.
Software
ETC Express Software
Here you will find all the software for ETC's Express consoles.
ETC Ion (Classic) Software
Here you will find all the software for ETC's original Ion console.
ETC Ion Xe Software
Here you will find all the software for ETC's Ion Xe console.
Light Plot Paperwork Template (for Microsoft Access)
This is a database file for Microsoft Access I made a few years back that creates reports for channel hookup, framed color, gobo/accessory counts, instrument counts, and instrument schedule. Simply record the information for each fixture into the "All Plotted Lights" table, then print out the generated reports you need. (Requires Microsoft Access 2010 or later.)
LXFree
Free lighting design drafting software. I currently use LXFree for Java for most of my design work. A little clunky, but overall it works well, and it's FREE! I use it to create my plots and all related paperwork.
Theater Education
Bringing Light From The Shadows: The Job Of A Lighting Designer
An interesting article outlining some tips for lighting designers.
Seven Amazing Images of Stage Technicians Throughout History
An interesting set of photographs showing stage techs going their jobs in years past.
Why High School Musicals Should Be As Respected As Sports Programs Are
Why should the arts be as respected and supported as sports programs?