The Assistant Lighting Designer's Toolkit

What are the do’s and don’ts of being a good assistant lighting designer? What are focus tapes, and how do I use them? What is the best method for creating a magic sheet? What should be found in every assistant’s kit? How do I make that first important leap into this professional career? Answer these questions and many more with The Assistant Lighting Designer’s Toolkit. This definitive guide unlocks the insider-secrets used to succeed as a professional assistant lighting designer (ALD) – whether choosing assisting as a career or while transitioning to another. This book outlines, step-by-step, the challenges the ALD faces during every phase of production. Never before has a resource existed that views the design process through the eyes of the assistant. Intermingled among the nuts and bolts of the paperwork and essential procedures, top industry professionals reveal tips for personal survival in this challenging career – both domestically and abroad as well as in other careers in lighting. Within these pages are the industry secrets rarely taught in school! The author'swebsite can be found at http://www.aldtoolkit.com/.

Foreword Introduction Common Theatrical Abbreviations PART 1: The Profession Chapter 1 – Understanding Assisting Chapter 2 – The Tools Required Chapter 3 – Production Personnel Chapter 4 – Unions PART 2: The Process Chapter 5 – Design Prep Chapter 6 – Load-in Chapter 7 – Tech Chapter 8 – Previews & Performances PART 3: The Paperwork Chapter 9 – Pre-production Paperwork Chapter 10 – Tech Process Paperwork PART 4: The Industry Chapter 11 – U.S.-based Employment Opportunities Chapter 12 – Working Outside the United States Chapter 13 – Working in Industries Outside of Theatre PART 5: The Life Chapter 14 – Working as an Independent Contractor Conclusion Appendices Appendix A: Step-by-Step Assistant’s Checklist Appendix B: Design Package Checklist Appendix C: Assistant’s Kit Checklist Appendix D: Electronic Folder Organization Appendix E: Site Survey Measurements Appendix F: Sample Shop Order Appendix G: Sample Cover Letter and Resume Appendix H: Contributing Designers and Associates Appendix I: Product Websites

Anne E. McMills’ career extends across the vast landscape of the lighting world – from theatre (including Broadway and the West End) to television and theme parks to architecture, industrials, concerts, awards shows, dance, and opera. In addition to designing her own work, Anne works as an associate lighting designer assisting award-winning Broadway designers such as Brian MacDevitt, Howell Binkley, Peter Kaczorowski, Jason Lyons, David Lander, Brian Monahan, and Ken Billington. Anne is the Head of Design at California State University, Los Angeles, and a member of United Scenic Artists, Local 829. In the Fall of 2014, Anne will join the faculty of San Diego State University, leading the MFA in Lighting Design.