There are some amazing games that are able to be used in order to get students to spend time with aspects of theatrical design that seem complicated. Sound and lighting design are conceptually difficult to understand to those who are new to it. The scope and size of a lighting design and lighting theory are not easy to grasp without seeing it. Trying to manipulate hundreds of lights, circut them, gel them and focusing them is a task that takes a few people days. The one thing that I would find useful is a game app that would give the power of design to the kids on their own time.
The lighting design app I would use is Lighting Designer.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lighting-designer/id511366142?mt=8
I know that having kids go and use these tools/games makes the application part of lighting design much easier to grasp. I remember in college when I had to go and plot and focus a black box worth of lights with trial and error to see how my ideas work. Now the kids can plot and focus in the ipad without the difficulty of climbing a ladder. Awesome.
For sound design I would have the students use Voco.
https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lighting-designer/id511366142?mt=8
This app lets the students manipulate sound files through manipulation of the screen. It will get the ideas in a fun way of how you can make new and exciting designs from sounds and songs you already know. I think that with games and tools like these kids have such an advantage to create and produce. The challenge of creativity is no longer constrained by the physical restraints of your equipment. The Voco app allows you to completely change and play with any sound you sing, find, or buy. I cannot wait to get the kids on this in the fall.
Hey there - I think both apps are pretty cool! I agree that technology has opened up a world without as many physical constraints for our students. Would you use these apps for exploration purposes only? Do kids have access to computers/tablets in your room to view them? Lastly, would there be an assessment piece to this and what would that look like? I know a lot of people decided to do the alternate assignment this week rather than post games/apps they explored. I was just wondering if this is something you can expand upon. Great stuff!
ReplyDeleteMost of the theater students that I have either have an iPad or iPhone. That way they can use their own devices when and where they want. Also, the kids who have their own ipads are able to control the main lighting and sound consoles from those devices. That is why most of the kids have them. I have always looked to try and have the kids use apps and other software in the development of my courses. The advancements in technology just really help me push it further.
DeleteVoco and lightning designer look really cool and I'll have to try this out with them. Particularly, the voco game harnesses their creativity, as you an make sounds and make a new song. It looks like an really interesting concept. You might like the website http://www.incredibox.com This website makes music from a mixture of beatboxing, and is really fun with the kids.
ReplyDeleteJohn,
ReplyDeleteThe lighting app that you shared is a great way to try out different lighting situations and see what the results are without all the expense or hassle of having to physically work on something that might not work. This is a great way for students to work with lighting on a trial-and-error basis -- excellent learning strategy!
Your theater students will really enjoy using this app to help make your productions better. Do you see any limitations to this app that might be different from their experience in your own auditorium?
The apps will allow them to take theory into simulated practice. There is a very difficult learning curve when it comes to lighting and sound design and the space does have a lot to do with it. Every space is different. The better the student is at adapting the better designer they can become. These apps help push the kids without having to actually put up the lights and speakers.
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