Digital Resources and Training

Irma Vep

The list below includes web-based tools, downloadable software, on-campus resources, online training videos and articles for common software, tools, and safety practices in the production environment. Most of the software is free or offers steeply discounted rates for students. Many of these tools are found in Undergraduate Production venues and were used to make the ground plans and light plots available on the On-Campus Performance Venues page.They all act as good introductions or refreshers to the various topics. However, these online trainings do not replace in-person training requirements for specific activities such as shop access and power tool use.

Throughout the year, UP also provides a number of hands-on workshops and trainings on a wide variety of production skills. To keep updated on these workshops and other news, sign up for the UPWords newsletter. If you are interested in receiving training on a specific topic or have questions about the proper use of equipment or software, please reach out and we would be glad to help. 

Research, Documentation, and Organization

The Robert B. Haas Family Arts Library offers a guide to all things theater,students in the Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies program, David Geffen School of Drama, and anyone interested in acting, theatrical design, directing, playwriting, etc.

Arts librarian Erin Carney is the subject liaison for the library. Her subject specialties are drama, theater, and performance studies. Erin is the point person for students who are interested in studying or majoring in any of those three disciplines. She also provides research assistance about theater history to students and faculty in Yale’s well-known graduate-level theater conservatory.

Theater Studies, Drama, and Dance Research Guide

Yale Software Library - The Yale Software Library includes a list of powerful software applications available to Yale students for free, including Microsoft Office Suite (to cover your spreadsheet and document creation) and the Adobe Creative Cloud (to help with graphic design and video editing). Contact ITS with any questions or access issues.

STC Studios - STC Studios is a free graphic design and event support group run by students through the Student Technology Collaborative. They provide photography, videography, poster and logo design, and other media support. Their request form can be found here . (They ask for two weeks notice on any request).

Design and Drafting

Vectorworks - The standard for professional lighting design, Vectorworks is available in a free educational version. From this education portal, you can sign up for a student account and download the latest version of Vectorworks. You can also request a free version of Vision, Vectorworks’ previsualization software, to see your plot in action before it’s hung! For those transitioning to the professional world, they offer a Student2pro deal, for the professional version of the software for about 60% of the full cost.

SketchUp  - SketchUp is a 3D modelling program that is great at creating everything from basic scenes to fully rendered environments.  UP has SketchUp models of all of our theater spaces available to download from the Performance Venues page.  The tiered software is available as a free web app. Educational licenses are available for SketchUp Studio as well.

Cueing and Tech

ETC EOS Family Software - The software that runs ETC’s Eos family (including the Element, Element 2, and Ion consoles) is available as a downloadable program for your computer via this website. Using the same on-screen interface you have at the console, you can patch your show, set up palettes and magic sheets, and even start cueing all before you walk into tech. For those more serious about lighting, they also offer a discounted student rate for the Gadget II , a USB to DMX interface to convert your laptop into a powerful, yet portable, lighting control station.

QLab - This show control software is great for creating and controlling your sound, video, and even lighting cues, all from one computer. This powerful software is available for free to everyone. The Pro version, which offers additional features, is available on a daily basis for a low rental fee.

Millumin - This MacOS-only audiovisual control system can handle anything from basic video playback to complicated projection mapping to audio and DMX control. It has an easy learning curve, and excellent customer support. A 30 day free trial is available. They also provide both educational and rental pricing.

Lighting

ETC Lighting Consoles - The tutorials linked below cover everything from very basic operation to moving lights and complex effects. The Eos family includes the Element, Element 2, and Ion consoles that can be found in undergraduate performance venues. UP also has an ETC ColorSource console available to borrow.

Rosco Color Guide - This guide to Rosco brand color filters is a helpful introduction to the use of color in lighting design and includes a list of commonly used Rosco gels and what each color may be used for. These colors and concepts are transferable to LED lighting as well.

DMX Guides - These links explain the basics of DMX lighting control protocol, how to hook up, patch, and control lighting fixtures. Specific details behind each setup will depend on what console and fixtures you use, but these primers will help you get started.

Sound and Video

QLab - QLab is arguably the most popular audio and video cueing software on the market. On top of offering a free version that includes most basic functionality, their website provides tutorials to help you get started. 

Sweetwater has many other videos in this playlist to help you with engineering a show, including how to coil cable and choosing the right microphones.

Virtual Performances and Exhibits

Zoom at Yale - Yale has adopted Zoom as the nearly universal platform for online meetings, courses, and gatherings. While there are other options that may be more suited to virtual performance, the prevalence of Zoom around campus makes it a great choice for rehearsals and production meetings. Yale School of Music has published recommended guidelines for accessing the high fidelity music mode in Zoom’s settings, allowing for better audio performance.

ZoomOSC- ZoomOSC integrates with Zoom to allow for centralized control over Zoom’s user-interface functions. The software facilitates the connection between Zoom and show control software like QLab or Isadora, allowing for easy creation of cues and presets as well as incorporation of other production elements.

Open Broadcaster Software - Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) is a free and open source software for video recording and live streaming available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux. It allows for easy audio and video mixing, capture, and streaming, and the creation of preset scenes for fast transitions. Sponsored by Facebook and Twitch, it allows for easy integration with both of those platforms.

Virtual Exhibit Resources - Yale College Arts keeps this curated page with information about resources for hosting virtual exhibits at Yale, focusing on a partnership with Wix to provide a multi-year premium account for free to currently enrolled Yale students. For more information on the partnership, visit the Office of Career Strategy website (link is external).

Tools and Ladders

Power Tool Institute  The Power Tool Institute is the leading organization for power tool safety resources, information, and education. They have detailed videos and PDFs explaining how to properly handle and safely use a wide variety of power tools. Please note that PTIs resources do not replace the in-person training that is required before using power tools for production activity.

  • Werner Ladder has produced this video series describing proper ladder safety practices. The topics covered include ladder selection, inspection, proper handling, set up, and use. From the link above, you can find this video in both English and Spanish. 
  • Little Giant ladders are common in on campus venues because of their flexibility. However, their additional moving parts require more knowledge and understanding for safe use. They have produced these instructional videos for their various styles of ladder.

Safety

Yale EHS Theater Safety  - The Environmental Health and Safety office at Yale has compiled a great list of resources related to production-specific safety concerns. From this landing page, you can access various trainings, required formes, and other resources  including links to university-wide safety policies.

Driver Safety Awareness Training - Yale offers low-cost access to an online Driver Safety Awareness Training that is  highly recommended for all students and required for anyone driving for production work. The link above connects to log in instructions.

Hands Only CPR  The American Heart Association has produced a one-minute training video to explain Hands Only CPR. This life-saving skill is something everyone should know! 

General Knowledge

LinkedIn Learning - Previously lynda.com, LinkedIn Learning is an online subscription library that teaches  software tools and skills through high-quality instructional videos. The full range of this content is available to all current faculty, staff, and students of the University.  You can search for many production-related topics as well, including live sound mixing, SketchUp for set design, and more.