Training

The list below includes online training videos and articles for common software, tools, and safety practices in the production environment. 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 our 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. Our contact info can be found here.

Drafting

Vectorworks University - Vectorworks University is an online portal that provides class-style training courses that build upon each other. Offering everything from basic concepts to modelling and rendering to entertainment design, these courses will get you up and running in Vectorworks. They also offer an introduction to Vision, Vectorworks previsualization software. While most of the library is free, an expanded selection of courses is available for a fee.

SketchUp - Sketchup offers a wide variety of training videos on their core line of drafting and modelling software as well as SketchUp LayOut, their formatting and layout software. These videos will be sure to make you feel comfortable with SketchUp’s free online software as well as SketchUp Pro and Studio. 

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. 

Audio Mixers and Engineering - The links below include tutorials to help get you started on 

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.

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.

Ladder Safety - These links give a good primer on proper ladder usage.

  • Werner Ladder has produced this 20-minute training video 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.