Revised 01/2025

CST 251 - Stage Lighting and Sound (3 CR.)

Course Description

Provides students with a basic understanding of the principles of stage lighting and sound. Instructs students in the fundamentals of stage lighting such as: functions of lighting, qualities of light, design, basic electricity, lighting instruments and equipment, board operation, and safety. Instructs students in the functions of sound, equipment, design, and sound operation. Lecture 2 hours. Laboratory 2 hours. Total 4 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

To develop an advanced understanding of lighting and sound for the stage

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisite: CST 136 or instructor permission. Fluency in Standard American English; recommend proficiency in reading and writing at English 111 level

Course Objectives

Upon completing the course, the student will be able to:

  • Employ proper theatrical terminology for lighting and sound design
  • Create effective lighting and sound designs for a theatrical production
  • Analyze text with the purpose of developing various specific lighting and sound effects to enhance the storytelling process.
  • Explore how various genres may influence the sound and lighting effects utilized in the production
  • Safely handle electricity when using sound and lighting equipment in a theatrical environment
  • Identify and use theatrical lighting instruments and sound equipment
  • Execute lighting and sound designs
  • Read, create and execute light plots
  • Read, create, and execute sound plots

Major Topics to Be Included

  • History of theatrical sound and lighting
  • Theory of light
  • Theory of sound
  • Play analysis
  • Sound and lighting design aspects
  • Safety in theatre
  • Basic electricity
  • Theatrical unions
  • Software for lighting and sound design
  • Lighting and sound instruments and control systems
  • Lighting and sound instruments and control systems