Monday, March 01, 2010

Memo....

'Curtain up, light the lights
We got nothing to hit but the heights....'

This is my lighting desk. No. No. No! This is not my lighting desk. This is the lighting desk which I found myself in charge of for the recent Young Farmers' production. Lighting desk and I had only got to know each other 2 days previously. We are strangers, still in the exploratory stage of our relationship. I slide my fingers over Lighting Desk's box-fresh controls and Lighting Desk responds with spots, washes and filters. I am hesitant and confused - left is right and right is left. Thank goodness Lighting Desk doesn't want me to play with its computer programme too. I'm a straightforward sort of gal - I don't do kinky - can just about manage the switch for the 'big light' in our sitting room....

I had an artist's palette of lights to play with here; such potential. That I really didn't know how to work it plus the pressure of a production at very short notice added to my angst. I'm quite touched that somebody thought it within my capabilities but on reflection now realise that I have become by default the person that 'does the lights'.  I've been up the scary high ladder and adjusted the lights. I know which slider relates to which spot. I can plug things in and wind wires up with un-natural confidence. I have the DVD of the computer programme...In the land of the blind the one eyed man is king. Oh dear.

.....note to self: always go to meetings where tasks are allocated.

14 comments:

Friko said...

I'd have thought never go to meetings where tasks are allocated.

Or do they inherit tasks by default in your YFU because no one elsethere is called is muggins?

mountainear said...

I think if I'd gone to that meeting I could at least have said, loudly 'I'm not doing that - perish the thought etc..)

As it was I didn't go and was appointed lighting director. Muggins? Definitely.

her at home said...

And now of course it is ajob for life, from here on in it will be " Meet XXXXXXXXX she is our lighting director"

Frances said...

I am sure that you are doing a fine job as Lighting Star. However, definitely do start planning your abdication speech!

Watch others carefully to learn how they avoid responsibility. (I do that constantly at the shop, hoping to alter the course of human nature.) xo

Pondside said...

Yes, I've found myself saddled with jobs that came by default - in fact I have a guilt-inducing set of minutes to produce because I came just a little late to a meeting. Everyone else had declined and I couldn't defend my tardy self against all those expectant faces.

SmitoniusAndSonata said...

Yes , but it's so impressive ...
" The person that does the lights " !! You don't need to go into one-eyed man explanations , for Heaven's sake ! . Just glory in your technical superiority .
And develop a prior engagement or three when they decide that poster design , make-up and refreshments come under Lighting .

Fred said...

Young Farmers drama competitions, four words to drive fear in to the heart of every country dwelling theatre lover. You do realise it is now a job for life...

Chris Stovell said...

Berlimey - you are brave!

Tattieweasle said...

I think it's wonderful I always wanted to be the one in charge of lights - just think the fun you can have by controlling where everyone is just by a switch of a button (no actor wnats to be out of the spotlight!)

Pam said...

It brings to mind the time they made me score at cricket. Very confusing but I enjoyed the challenge. Good luck!

Fennie said...

Anymore talk like that and we'll put in a bid for you to come and do the lights at CADS! I realised the other day that I didn't even know how to switch them on let alone do anything more complicated. But I'm sure those Shropshire lights are in very competent hands. I echo Chris's comment. You are brave!

Chris Stovell said...

I'm so impressed I've sent you an award!

Pam said...

I meant to also say that I LOVE the snowdrop picture! It has given me hope that spring might come after all.

snailbeachshepherdess said...

Takes my hat off to you! you brave woman you....and no ...I dont want a go with your lighting deck thank you!