ABSTRACT
FINAL PREPARATIONS FOR THE LOAD-IN Many of the final steps in preparing for a load-in are completed as the lighting designer produces their design packet for a project. This packet includes all the information that the designer needs to communicate to the electricians who will actually hang the show. The design packet most importantly contains the light plot, other draftings related to the electric’s department (e.g., the lighting section and plates containing signage or other scenic pieces containing practicals), the lighting schedules, and inventory lists and shop orders. This informational packet is often created as close to the load-in as possible so that the plot can address the latest needs of a production. If a show is to be sent out for bids, this material may have to be produced well ahead of the actual load-in date, but regardless of the individual conditions that a designer is working under, it is important that the material be assembled in a timely manner so that the load-in can proceed on schedule. When designing locally it is common for the packet to be hand-delivered to the master electrician or shop so that it can be reviewed and prepped prior to the day of the actual load-in. It is also common, especially in the case of touring productions, for the design packet to be mailed to the performance venue using carriers like FedEx. Today, it is even becoming fairly common to send these materials by electronic methods like e-mail attachments. Regardless of how the materials are delivered, most electrical departments and master electricians need to have the design packet at least several days before the actual load-in.
