Focus Session PrepEasyStagecraft Course · Tier 1B · Module 4 (Reading a Lighting Plot) · v1.0 · the 4-hour focus call, broken down

Why this matters. "Focus" is when every fixture in the rig is aimed, shuttered, and gelled to do exactly what the plot says. It's expensive labour — 2-4 hours of senior crew time at A$75/hr × 2 operators = A$300-600. Wasted focus time is the most common avoidable cost overrun in school lighting. This sheet shows what should be done BEFORE focus starts so the 4 hours run cleanly.

The pre-focus checklist · 4 hours before focus call

4 hours before · Power + control

Venue power on. 3-phase + single-phase circuits energised.
Dimmer racks powered + tested (every channel briefly to 50%).
Console powered + responding to console buttons.
DMX universe(s) cabled in + responding to test channel.
RDM scan run on movers (if used) to confirm responses.
Show file backed up to USB + console.

3 hours before · Hanging + addressing

All fixtures hung on the correct bars in the correct positions per plot.
Every fixture safety-tied with a secondary suspension wire.
Power lead routed to each fixture (no daisy-chaining beyond rated capacity).
DMX addresses set on every LED + mover fixture (per circuit list).
Patch verified on console — every channel responds to its assigned fixture.

2 hours before · Gel + accessories

Gel cut per cut list — all sheets prepared in gel frames + labelled with code.
Gels inserted into fixtures per circuit list. Each fixture has its assigned gel.
Gobos inserted into profile fixtures (per plot annotations).
Iris settings adjusted (preliminary — final during focus).
Barn doors / shutters set to "wide" position pending focus.
Spare gel + spare lamps stocked at SM desk.

1 hour before · Final pre-checks

Pre-aim every fixture roughly toward its focus zone (saves focus time).
Test every channel one-by-one (channel check) — confirm fixture responds.
Replace any non-responding fixture.
EWP positioned, fuelled, operator briefed.
Focus chart printed (one for LD, one for LX op, one for spotter).
Stage cleared of unnecessary set/props.
Worker lights ready to switch off when focus starts.

15 min before · Focus crew briefing

LD walks the LX op + EWP operator through the focus order.
Confirm cans + comm working.
Confirm "fixture being focused" channel calls + signal between LD + crew.
Brief on safety procedures during focus (EWP working at height).

What "focus" actually involves (per fixture)

Step	What happens	Time
1. Fire fixture	LX op brings channel to 50%. LD on stage observes the beam.	5s
2. Aim	EWP operator at fixture rotates pan + tilt to put beam centre on the focus point (taped on stage floor).	30-60s
3. Lock	EWP op tightens pan + tilt locks.	10s
4. Shape (if profile)	LD calls shutter cuts: "stage-right shutter in 30%", "back shutter in 50%". EWP op operates shutters.	30-90s
5. Soften (if needed)	LD calls for slight focus shift to soften edge.	10s
6. Lock + step down	EWP op verifies all locks. Channel to zero.	10s
Total per fixture		~2-3 minutes

For a 50-fixture rig: 50 × 2.5min = 125 min = ~2.5 hours. Plus 30 min initial setup + 30 min wash/group focus = ~3.5 hours total. Most school rigs land at 3-4 hours.

What slows down focus (and costs you money)

Fixtures not pre-aimed — EWP op has to start from zero on every unit. Adds 30s per fixture × 50 = 25 min lost.
Gels not in — pause focus to insert gels. 5-10 min lost per round of insertion.
Patch not set — wrong fixture lights when LX op fires a channel. 5-10 min to trace.
Wrong DMX address on mover — re-address mid-focus. 10-15 min.
Iris/shutter accessories missing — fixture can't be shaped. Re-visit later. 5 min lost + repeat trip up the EWP.
EWP needs to move between fixtures — typical, but plan order to minimise re-positioning.
LD undecided about focus point — argues with director mid-focus. Costs whole minutes.

A well-prepped 4-hour focus delivers a 50-fixture rig clean. A poorly-prepped one delivers 30 fixtures + 2 hours of overtime.

Focus chart format (one row per fixture)

Channel	Fixture	Position	Focus point (stage location)	Beam character	Notes
1	S4 LED 26°	FOH bar pos 1	Centre stage, just upstage of proscenium	Sharp, no shutters	Front key for opening number
5	S4 LED 36°	FOH bar pos 5	DSR area, 1m upstage of edge	Soft, ¼ frost	Warm key for DSR scenes
17	Mac Aura mover ×2	LX1 pos 7-8	Programmable	—	Dance number coverage; programmed in cue stack
20	S4 LED 36°	LX2 pos 3	DSR chair (position taped X)	Sharp, shutters in to chair only	"Chair special" for scene 4

One habit that saves money

Photograph every focus state. Walk the rig with phone camera after each focus pass + photograph the lit stage from FOH position. Means:

Year-2 production can restore last year's focus from photos.
If a fixture moves accidentally during run, you can restore aim quickly.
The LD's design intent is preserved in case of substitute LX op.

15 minutes of photography + folder organisation saves 1-2 hours of re-focus next year. Worth it.