Resources & Training

for the Theatrical Arts

…our professionals come to you!

Parlights is pleased to offer Seminar Sessions in Stage Lighting, Scene Painting, and Stage Makeup to our customers in the Mid-Atlantic region.  Sessions range from basic to advanced, and can be tailored to meet the experience and interests of the attendees.  All Seminars are taught by trained professionals...at your facility!  Information given here is subject to our Terms & Conditions.

Email seminars@parlights.com or call us to schedule a seminar or request additional information!

Beginning with an overview of typical equipment, this introductory seminar covers the basics of Stage Lighting with an emphasis on getting it all up and working…safely.  

• Lekos, scoops, & fresnels…Oh My!

• Connectors, plugs, & lamps

• Basic lighting positions

• Electrical safety

This “hands-on” session focuses on correctly reading, installing, focusing, and maintaining a lighting plot.  A basic knowledge of stage lighting equipment is recommended.

“Rep” plots and standard hangs for your facility are available.  Extended sessions to implement a complete hang with your crew are available on a POA basis.

• Plots, schedules, & hookups

• Hanging & focusing

• Basic Troubleshooting

• Safety First!

Moving battens can be dangerous if not operated properly.  This session details the correct operation of counterweight and winched rigging systems in the theatre, with an emphasis on communication and safety.

• How it all works (physics!)

• Loading, weighting, & balancing

• Safety procedures

Good lighting begins with the right fixtures in the right place.  So how do you know where to put the lights?  Why there?

Starting with an overview of the qualities and functions of light, this class continues by exploring the question “If you have one light, where do you put it?  Two?  Three?”

This advanced session is recommended for those with who have taken our Introduction to Stage Lighting course or who have equivalent experience.

• Qualities & Functions of Light

• Visibility is step one

• Fixture placement & systems

This session outlines a quick and simple method for choosing and locating color in a lighting plot.

From an overview of basic color theory to an exploration of how colors on stage effect one another, this class covers the ins and outs of picking a palette that works together and placing it in your hang. 

This advanced session is recommended for those with who have completed our Lighting the Stage – Part I: Functions & Priorities or who have equivalent experience.

• Warm & Cool Colors

• The Color Wheel

• Picking colors that work together

• Blending to "white"

• Creating a dominant shadow

• Placing color in the plot

Beginning with an overview of the paints and finishes commonly used in the Theatre, this “hands-on” demonstration covers the basics of Scene Painting.  

Students will experiment with several different tools and products during the course of this session.

• The right paint for the job!

• Priming the surface

• Laying in color

• Basic Texturing techniques (ragging, spattering, & sponging)

• Taking care of your tools

This session is a “hands-on” chance for students to learn the basics of faux finishing, using wood graining and marbleizing as primary examples. 

Students will experiment with glazes, layering, and spattering and use specialty tools such as feathers, combs, and grainers to achieve desired effects.

This advanced demonstration is recommended for those who have completed our Introduction to Scene Painting course or who have equivalent experience.

• Tools of the trade

• glazes, layering, & spattering

• Finish techniques (wood grain and marble)

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Actors and designers alike will benefit from this two-part demonstration and discussion exploring the enhancement of a character through makeup, translating the personality into the physical. 

Participants will first learn corrective techniques for the stage and then progress into the topic of aging, exploring the factors that affect the aging process & how to translate them into practical techniques. 

• Corrective makeup for the stage

• Aging techniques

• Basic skin care

• Design Elements

Everything you’ve always wanted to know about blood, but were afraid to ask!  Participants will build on basic makeup techniques to learn beginning molding and prosthetic skills. 

Discussion and demonstration of new products will teach participants how to create special effects wounds for the stage through the use of color, simple prosthetics, latex and wax.

• Molding and prosthetic skills

• Latex & wax

• Putting it all together

Parlights can help design and implement the stage make-up for your production.  Pricing varies based upon the complexity of the project and the number of participants.

Email seminars@parlights.com for more information!