Ok, seeing as I just graduated highschool, I feel perfectly apt to respond to this question. Now, my highschool did not have a
stage. Rather, we had a large multipurpose room in which we set
up stage platforms. The lighting for this space consisted of 30 circuits on
Rosco dimmer strips. The only way to access this lighting was from a Genie lift, which I wasn't supposed to use but my TD let me because I knew how to properly handle myself on such equipment. I can still name the entire inventory by heart: 9 6x9
360Q's, 6
PAR 64's, 9 65Q Fresnels, and 4 3.5Q's. In addition, we had a random 4
channel striplight and 2 14" scoops. Our board was a
Strand GSX. Nothing to extreme here, but what we were able to do with that basic inventory was actually quite flexible. Adding to that the fact we had a good relationship with the local rental
house, we always had lighting for our fall plays that was both effective and artistic.
Now, I mentioned we don't have a
stage, yet for a school without a
stage, our crew is one of the most dedicated and ambitious crews in Southeastern Michigan. I say that not as a brag, but as fact. The amount and quality of set we have constructed are much more elaborate and imp;ressive than many of the surrounding schools. For our spring musicals, we always have to rent off site. This means moving our set in three to four, and this year five, truckloads from the highschool ot whereever we've rented. In 4 years, I have had experience on 5 different stages throught school, and 2 different stages through various summer activities. Of those stages, I have been the LD on 4 of them, and involved with lighting on 6 of them. And of course, there are the countless stages and setups I have witnessed from 15 years as a Polish folk dancer, a member of the choir, and a large supporter of local
theatre
Yes, my highschool crew complained about the moving the set, dreamed about owning a
stage, and griped about logistics, but when all is said and done, I can't be any more thankful for my highschool experience. I feel I have done more, seen more and made more connections around town than the average highschool student. Sure, schools with a
stage might do several (more than 2) productions a year, but they come nothing close to the
intensity of the program I was involved with. This all coming from a school where
theatre is strictly extra-curricular.
From having this experience, I have designed with everything from A lamp striplights and old Fresnels to
PAR 64's Source 4's and everything inbetween. I've used boards by both
ETC and
Strand. I couldn't be happier with what I have already done, however:
I KNOW THERE IS MUCH YET TO LEARN.
I've read alot and I've seen alot, but I've yet to be able to do alot. Being "the lighting guy" in highschool consumed so much of my time on top of schoolwork that I have yet to have a large amount of experience to exploere the ideas in my head and the theories on paper. Sure, I've done alot in different spaces, but I haven't really had the time to
play and experiment when I wasn't under-the-gun of a shows deadline. So much I had to teach myself that I was busy learning the basics and didn't have time to
play around. That is really what I look forward to college for- the chance to explore. Already I look back at the shows I've done and think "If I did it today, it would be SO different". It fun to see myself evolve.
I, for one, am for the Integration of technology and fundamentals. As I searched for a college, I wanted one that had an emphasis on the future while retaining the past. Some places operated on the belief that all a designer needs is a mastery of fixed
instrument designing. Other places were caught up in technology. I believe a found a place that will offer me both, because if there is one thing I have seen in the working world is that, as a designer, one must be prepared to encounter anything. You walk into a place, all
ETC, great. You design a show, spec all new gear, great. But when your working for that regional thats got the mix of Century, Kliegl,
Strand,
ETC,
Altman,
Martin and Vari*Lite, it helps to know what your dealign with and what each thing can do. Flexability is the key. Getting caught
in one track or the other is the
road to a limited career.
I really try hard not to be one of those "kids who think they know everything", because, well, I know I don't, and I like to believe its that fact that sets me apart. I mean, if I knew everything already, why would I need college. Yet, at the same time I believe I know more about
instrument selection, about color theory and design basics than the average college freshman, at least I've tried to absorb as much as I can while still in highschool. What I do know is that I want to learn as much as I can from those who have the experience and are ready and willing to share it with me. I hope this all makes sense. I really try to come off as someone who is sincere and truly interested than someone who thinks they're the greatest thing since the
HPL.