Need to learn outside my discipline

NateTheRiddler

Well-Known Member
Premium Member
Good morning, CB.

I’ve spent the last 12 years in lighting, and even there I’d say my experience and knowledge level is mediocre at best. I recently started sniffing around the job I’d like to have in about 2 years or so (I’m finishing an unrelated degree right now), and discovered that I’m going to need a much better grasp of the other disciplines, if only to speak the lingo and not be in the way.

So, that said, I’d like to grasp the following to a minor level of competency:
1) Stage and touring rigging (I’m not even sure what to say here, it’s my weakest area)
2) Audio engineering (thinking FOH, more live, less recording-based)
3) Projection and Media Server Technology (I’ve worked in basic television video production before, so I have some minimal grasp of this already)

In addition, if any of you know areas that you think a “generalist with one specialization” should know and know I’m probably lacking, I’d appreciate pointers there, too.

Right now, formal education is out of the question because I’m hard-locked to my current degree due to some financial restrictions. However, I’ve got the motivation and willingness to learn on my own, so video tutorials, inexpensive online coursework, textbooks, and things I can practice at my PAC would be most effective!

Thanks CB! Y’all rock for helping me become slightly less ignorant, every gig.
 
Jay Glerum's Stage Rigging Handbook. Reading it will not make you a rigger, but you'll have a clue what the riggers are talking about.

Thanks for this, added it to my book order. Don’t worry, I’ve been fortunate enough to work around some incredibly talented riggers, and I learned right quick that head knowledge doesn’t make you a rigger. I primarily want to learn so I don’t make HURR DURR sounds when around people who are riggers. It rounds off my professional vocabulary nicely.
 
Projection and Media Server Technology (I’ve worked in basic television video production before, so I have some minimal grasp of this already)

Being a lighting guy and probably wanting to use Media Servers in that fashion, I would recommend Media Servers for Lighting Programmers. If you want to learn more about the technology, how it all works together, and how it is perceived from a media designer's perspective, try Media Design and Technology for Live Entertainment. If you want to learn the process of projection design, try Digital Media, Projection Design, and Technology for the Theater. Are you specifically looking to do projection mapping? Try Augmented Reality in Public Spaces.
 
@ruinexplorer Thanks so much for the detailed reply! I've added all those materials to my reading list and I look forward to sifting through it all! I'll try to focus on the more lighting-oriented aspects for now since I'm not a dedicated video tech, but it's information I'd like to know. This will give me a ton of resources to look into, I really appreciate it.
 
Audio:
The Sound Reinforcement Handbook (some consider it the sound bible)

That is the book for live sound, there is a reason it is still in print after all these years. Understand that while half the gear mentioned is either in your console or has been included in another device, the terms and information is still valid. Also with any of these books plan on reading them more then once. You won't understand everything at first but as you work in those areas and reread more and more will click.
 
That is the book for live sound, there is a reason it is still in print after all these years. Understand that while half the gear mentioned is either in your console or has been included in another device, the terms and information is still valid. Also with any of these books plan on reading them more then once. You won't understand everything at first but as you work in those areas and reread more and more will click.


Noted! Thanks again @ruinexplorer for the insane number of recommendations, I really really appreciate all of the great reading material. I’m looking to build a library of Bibles on topics so I can reference it when I have questions.

@Lextech I definitely plan on re-reading and studying the material, with practice if I can. It’ll take me a while to sift through, and I promise to dump all the questions on you guys here at CB. :p
 

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