Concert Lighting

TheRoadieLibrarian: If you are like me and had no formal training in the physics and theory of electricity before jumping into a career in Entertainment Lighting – then this is the book for you! The book is organized similar to a textbook, with questions at the end of each chapter that can help you to better retain the information. Thanks to this book, I gained a solid foundation of knowledge regarding electricity and safe working practices. There are useful charts and tables in this book as well that can help throughout your career. I used this book as a reference when preparing to tour overseas for the first time; I read up on the various types of connectors, power distribution systems, and AC voltage that I expected to encounter on tour. Richard Cadena makes even the most complex mathematical formulas understandable by explaining them clearly, with helpful diagrams, and relating the math back to real-world applications. This book is a must-read for all newbie Entertainment Electricians before they even think of purchasing their first RMS multimeter! – Review by The Roadie Librarian

TheRoadieLibrarian: For anyone interested in a career in lighting, this book is for you: After reading this, if you feel inspired to take the next steps on your career path towards becoming a lighting professional, this book can be a guiding light (pun absolutely intended) on your journey. For anyone already working in the lighting industry, this book will make you feel seen and better connected with the community of lighting professionals. Divided into eight sections: The job, career, business, creativity, lifestyle, and travel, followed by interviews with industry professionals and a survey. The survey covers areas like employment status, health insurance, retirement plans and more. This is the first survey I have ever seen of its kind and provides an informative dataset about lighting professionals and the lighting industry. This book is notable in that it was published after the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic. It is a testament to both the author’s sense of optimism and the inherent creative-problem-solving skills of lighting professionals that Schiller includes a section at the end of chapter eight where the effects of the Pandemic on the industry are recognized yet also presented as a catalyst for growth. He reminds us that “We never know what tomorrow will bring and no show or event is ever one hundred percent guaranteed” and encourages people to use downtime to “learn new skills and improve existing knowledge” (p. 52). Schiller’s honest evaluation of how tenuous the entertainment industry can be, and has always been, is refreshing and provides hope for aspiring and current lighting professionals. -The Roadie Librarian

TheRoadieLibrarian: This book is one of few with the word “handbook” in the title that has actually lived up to the name, because this is a book you will definitely want “at hand” throughout your career. Now in its 3rd edition, Brad Schiller takes the reader through basic, intermediate, and advanced programming skills that are a MUST for anyone who finds themselves in the “hot seat” of an automated lighting console. What raises this book above and beyond a how-to manual for programming is the author’s own voice of hard-earned experience and wisdom, combined with his genuine desire to help other programmers to learn and succeed. There is also a compilation of anecdotes and advice from notable programmers in the industry, and Schiller’s own journal notes taken from when he worked on major event productions and concert tours. This is the book that will get you through the rough days when the frustrations of troubleshooting equipment or writing and re-writing and Re-WRITING that same cue has you feeling disappointed, alone, and imposter syndrome looms large. Spend some time reading this book and it will give you the supportive hug and/or kick in the pants that you need to carry on. – Review by The Roadie Librarian

TheRoadieLibrarian: This book is especially helpful for those interested in a career in Lighting Design (as indicated by this book’s title). However, I found it to be helpful for anyone working in, or interested in working as a lighting designer, programmer, technician, or any other role pertaining to the art of photon wrangling. This was my first introduction to the world of business management, accounting, bookkeeping, and other aspects of being a successful freelancer and business owner. James L. Moody takes concepts one might learn in a business 101 class and directly applies and relates them to the tasks and challenges that are specific to working in the entertainment lighting industry, with chapters including “Staff and Design Associates”, “Theatrical Unions” and “The Contract Rider and Follow-Up”. Full disclosure – I have only ready the 1st Edition of this book; however, I believe this review covers both editions well enough – Review by The Roadie Librarian