Module 3: Classic Staged Show Control: Scenes, Tags & Cuelists

In scripted theatre, corporate galas, and choreographed stage performances, lighting changes must be predictable, polished, and repeatable down to the fraction of a second.

This module covers the core building blocks of staged show control: capturing static scenes, organizing rigs with Unilighter's flexible Tag Architecture, generating rhythmic animations, and operating sequential theatrical cue lists.

📑 Module Lessons

  1. Lesson 3.1: Building Scenes: Static Looks & Visual Moments

    • What is a Scene? Capturing luminaire states (Intensity, Color, Position, Gobos).
    • Designing distinct emotional states: Intros, Ballads, Speeches, Climaxes, and Blackouts.
    • Avoiding parameter pollution: Only recording the parameters you actually intend to change.

  2. Lesson 3.2: Fixture Tags: The Evolution Beyond Rigid Groups

    • Why traditional console "Numbered Groups" become rigid and brittle.
    • Unilighter’s Multi-Dimensional Fixture Tag Architecture:
      • Positional tags (#backline, #front-wash, #floor-beamer)
      • Optical tags (#spots, #washes, #pixel-bars)
      • Role tags (#lead-vocal, #drum-riser, #audience)
    • Dynamic multi-tag selection and filtering.

  3. Lesson 3.3: Dynamic Motion: Step Sequences & Keyframe Timelines

    • Step Sequencer: Precise, rhythmic on/off chases and color hops.
    • Keyframe Animation Engine: Fluid Bezier curves, easing functions, and continuous pan/tilt trajectories.
    • Looping, ping-pong, and one-shot triggers.

  4. Lesson 3.4: Theatrical Cuelists & Scenario Playback

    • The anatomy of a theatrical cue: Fade In, Fade Out, Parameter Delay, and Cue Notes.
    • Unilighter Scenario Widget: Sequential playback with a single dedicated "GO" trigger.
    • Tracking transitions cleanly: Making sure moving heads don't jerk unexpectedly between scenes.

  5. Lesson 3.5: Momentary Overrides & Flash Bump Effects

    • Flash / Bump buttons vs. Latching toggle buttons.
    • Audience blinders, white strobe bursts, and accent solos.
    • Understanding priority layering: Why a flash button must instantly override the running cue without resetting its underlying values.