@Programmerintraining, I have done the
level two training at A.C.T Lighting's office in New Jersey and I would say if you can get into the class to do it. They go through everything from patching, saving/ recording cues, setting up all your control buttons and faders different ways, writing macros and going over the fx engine. To be honest with you while this is a great class to get acclimated with the
console you will by no means be an expert
programmer open completing it. Theres so much to the Grand MA there could be a two day class on the FX engine alone. This is however a good start to have someone who knows the
console well to get you going. Also keep in mind that you need to be in an situation where once you complete their training you can use it on a regular basis, no real
point if you do it then wont touch the
console again for 6 months. The
level 3 training they offer goes over less used/ more advanced features, from what was explained to me is that it pretty much custom. For example if you wanted to learn how to time code a show you could come in with a show file of say 200 cues and you can go over how to time code it all.
@CBR372, you are honestly at a disadvantage living in Gainesville. I lived in Florida for three years and your pretty much in the boondocks when it comes to getting your hands on an MA. Orlando or Atlanta would really be the closest places where you may be able to do that. I would say your best bet would be what was mentioned before, either
PRG or Christie Lights in orlando, there are a lot of shops in Orlando. Honestly I don/t think you would be able to get proficient at any of the consoles mentioned in your post as "
practical, cost-effecient (recently graduated working part-time), professional development type of way?" I would tell you to get a job either in a production
house or on a tour or cruise ship. Your not going to get experience on an MA in grad school, much less a Hog or an M1, I amy be wrong, if so i would like to know. There are only 5 academic institutions I know of that have a Grand MA and only 4 of them are degree granting, Im sure they
cover this in an graduate moving light class but i don't know of/ never heard of any formal course work at a university that is dedicated to consoles. Southern Methodist Universty, The University of Nevada Las Vegas, Carnegie Melon and Full Sail University are the degree granting institutions that have an MA, the New World Symphony has a few but they are a non degree granting academic institution. In my opinion it sounds like you should look for full time work outside of Gainsville.