https://mikewoodld.com/blog/ Process notes, design opinions, and dispatches from Mike Wood. en-us https://mikewoodld.com/blog/owning-the-darkness-embracing-the-shadow/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/owning-the-darkness-embracing-the-shadow/ Fri, 13 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT Over the years, I’ve started thinking about shadows in terms of ownership. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/effects-trainer/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/effects-trainer/ Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT Having a hard time learning effects on Eos? https://mikewoodld.com/blog/harmony-in-highlands-the-making-of-the-burnt-part-boys/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/harmony-in-highlands-the-making-of-the-burnt-part-boys/ Sun, 24 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT In this episode, you’re invited into the world of lighting and sound design for The Burnt Part Boys. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/reddit-ama/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/reddit-ama/ Mon, 19 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT /r/techtheatre AMA – May 2025 https://mikewoodld.com/blog/tst-etc-first-monday-2025/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/tst-etc-first-monday-2025/ Wed, 26 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mike Wood (@mikewoodld) The ETC NYC First Mondays events series brings production professionals together to socialize and share knowledge. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/focus-tapes/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/focus-tapes/ Tue, 07 Jan 2025 00:00:00 GMT Links to the materials that I use for my focus tapes. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/ld-photography/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/ld-photography/ Tue, 12 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT At the time of this writing, there are SO MANY options out there that allow you to get truly incredible images of your design work. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/magic-sheets-revisited-2/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/magic-sheets-revisited-2/ Mon, 11 Nov 2024 00:00:00 GMT In 2018, I wrote an article about theatrical magic sheets for the UsedLighting.com blog – it went on to be one of their most viewed pieces, and to this day I get comments about it when I meet students… https://mikewoodld.com/blog/lifting-com-audio/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/lifting-com-audio/ Wed, 30 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT Building your own com audio capture cable Occurred to me today that I promised this post about 2 years ago and then never delivered on it, so here it is! https://mikewoodld.com/blog/usa-829-table-talk/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/usa-829-table-talk/ Wed, 23 Oct 2024 00:00:00 GMT If you missed the live broadcast, you can now watch the Table Talk here: https://vimeo.com/1022564357 Playback problems? https://mikewoodld.com/blog/mac-quick-action-create-folders/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/mac-quick-action-create-folders/ Sat, 24 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT A quick little shortcut to help automate your workflow a bit. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/live-stream-eos-color-effects/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/live-stream-eos-color-effects/ Sun, 16 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT POSTPONED – TBA Watch on YouTube In this much-requested video, I will go over the basics of creating a robust library of color effects that can be quickly recalled and used in your base showfiles. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/live-stream-dance-recital-quickstart/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/live-stream-dance-recital-quickstart/ Wed, 05 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT POSTPONED NEW DATE ANNOUNCED SOOM Watch on YouTube In this week’s video, I’ll walk you through some of my tips and tricks to create a fast and sustainable dance recital showfile, including work in QLa… https://mikewoodld.com/blog/live-stream-vor/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/live-stream-vor/ Sat, 01 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT June 17, 2024 @ 8:00pm Eastern Watch on YouTube Hi all! https://mikewoodld.com/blog/hang-tapes/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/hang-tapes/ Thu, 21 Sep 2023 00:00:00 GMT At long last! In this much-requested video, I walk you though the basics of how to create position hang tapes using Vectorworks without the need for plugins or special tools. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/eos-followspot-control/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/eos-followspot-control/ Mon, 10 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMT Multiple spots, multiple cuelists, oh my! https://mikewoodld.com/blog/diy-pixel-bars/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/diy-pixel-bars/ Tue, 04 Jul 2023 00:00:00 GMT Some tips, tricks, and product links to make your own pixel products! https://mikewoodld.com/blog/vorapp/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/vorapp/ Thu, 09 Mar 2023 00:00:00 GMT For the past few months, you’ve probably seen me posting about Vor – a new tool from Borealis Solutions that has quickly become an essential part of my lighting design tool kit. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-5-1-2/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-5-1-2/ Sat, 05 Feb 2022 00:00:00 GMT February 2022 Patching Continued – Eos Patch Fixture Libraries https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-5-1/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-5-1/ Sun, 16 Jan 2022 00:00:00 GMT Monday, January 17, 2022 Patching EOS consoles from FileMaker https://mikewoodld.com/blog/ld-at-large-podcast/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/ld-at-large-podcast/ Fri, 14 May 2021 00:00:00 GMT Mike was honored to be the guest on the LD-At-Large podcast with Chris Lose On this episode, we discuss how to maintain living rates post-pandemic, how far we should be willing to compromise, how tran… https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-4-1/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-4-1/ Sun, 31 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT Friday, February 12, 2021 @ 1:00p – It’s time for Chapter Four! https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-4-2/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-4-2/ Sun, 31 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT Friday, February 19, 2021 @ 1:00p – Capturing focus images with text and graphic annotations! https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-4-3/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-4-3/ Sun, 31 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT Friday, February 26, 2021 @ 11:00a – Automated focus image capture using ETC EOS https://mikewoodld.com/blog/mixbook/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/mixbook/ Mon, 04 Jan 2021 00:00:00 GMT In this video, I talk about how the Rosco Mixbook works and how I use it as a valuable tool in my production toolbox. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/livedesign-31-days-of-plots/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/livedesign-31-days-of-plots/ Mon, 21 Dec 2020 00:00:00 GMT To reflect on the creative, innovative moments of 2020 and to welcome the hope that the New Year brings, Live Design is conducting 31 Days Of Plots. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-3-1/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-3-1/ Wed, 18 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT Monday, November 23, 2020 @ 1:00p – The start of chapter 3! https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-3-2/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-3-2/ Wed, 18 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT Tuesday, November 24, 2020 @ 1:00p – Today, we’ll add more contract types to our database. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-3-3/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-3-3/ Wed, 18 Nov 2020 00:00:00 GMT Wednesday, November 25, 2020 @ 1:00p – Today, we’ll wrap up any loose ends and explore data aggregation, including tracking pension/health contributions, union dues, and more. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/2019-economic-impact/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/2019-economic-impact/ Fri, 25 Sep 2020 00:00:00 GMT Originally inspired by an instagram post by Fireplay’s Nick Whitehouse, I thought I’d take a few minutes to add up some numbers from 2019. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/mike-on-the-casting-light-podcast/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/mike-on-the-casting-light-podcast/ Mon, 27 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT 27 July 2020 – Mike and Abby join host Jason Marin on the first episode of the Casting Light podcast since it went on hiatus in 2016! https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-1-5/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-1-5/ Thu, 02 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT Tuesday, July 21st 2020 @ 6:00p – This will be a wrap-up session for Chapter 1, covering a few advanced topics and other miscellaneous tips and tricks. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-1/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-1/ Thu, 02 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT Monday, July 6th 2020 @ 6:00p – In this first session, we will start out by creating a basic work note database, linking instrument records to worknotes and vice-versa. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-2/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-2/ Thu, 02 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT Tuesday, July 7th 2020 @ 6:00p – In this session, we’ll keep building our basic worknotes database, exploring some basic layout tools and scripts for the first time. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-3/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-3/ Thu, 02 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT Wednesday, July 8th 2020 @ 6:00p – In this session, we’ll keep building our basic worknotes database, focusing on creating and distributing worknote reports. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-4/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-4/ Thu, 02 Jul 2020 00:00:00 GMT Thursday, July 9th 2020 @ 6:00p – In this session, we’ll add a mobile layout (iOS only) to add and update worknotes from your iPhones and iPads (requires network connection.) https://mikewoodld.com/blog/top-priorities-for-entertainment-workers-in-subsequent-covid-19-legislation/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/top-priorities-for-entertainment-workers-in-subsequent-covid-19-legislation/ Mon, 04 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT Congress has begun to pursue additional federal legislation in response to the coronavirus pandemic. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/vectorworks/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/vectorworks/ Sat, 02 May 2020 00:00:00 GMT At the time of this writing, there are two DMX universes worth of people (1024) who have signed a Change.Org petition calling on Vectorworks to discount their pricing during the COVID-19 crisis. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/backstage-perspectives-interview/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/backstage-perspectives-interview/ Wed, 29 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT Early in COVID-Quarantine, I was interviewed by Hans Pregler from the University of Wisconsin – Whitewater’s Young Auditorium! https://mikewoodld.com/blog/faq/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/faq/ Wed, 29 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT How did you get your start? What advice do you have for students? https://mikewoodld.com/blog/mikes-vectorworks-workflow-take-2/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/mikes-vectorworks-workflow-take-2/ Sun, 19 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT Thursday, April 23rd @ 6:00pm Eastern/NYC – Back by popular demand, Join me on YouTube Live as I walk you through my Vectorworks and Lightwright workflows. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/webinar6/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/webinar6/ Sun, 19 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT Thursday, April 30th @ 6:00pm Eastern/NYC – I’ll be joined by Abby May and Dalton Hamilton, talking about our process. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/webinar-5-production-photography-for-lds/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/webinar-5-production-photography-for-lds/ Thu, 02 Apr 2020 00:00:00 GMT Thursday, 09 April 2020 @ 6:00p ET – In this session, Mike will share some tips and tricks for capturing photos of your work as a theatrical lighting designer. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/webinar-3-the-basics-of-color/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/webinar-3-the-basics-of-color/ Sat, 28 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT Tuesday, 31 March 2020 @ 6:00p ET – In this session, Mike will go over the basics of color for lighting. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/webinar-4-lighting-pinch/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/webinar-4-lighting-pinch/ Sat, 28 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT Thursday, 02 April 2020 @ 6:00p ET – In this session, Mike will talk about how to implement the best design possible when dealing with factors beyond your control – budget, time, equipment, and person… https://mikewoodld.com/blog/live-demo-paperwork-management-portal-filemaker/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/live-demo-paperwork-management-portal-filemaker/ Sun, 22 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT Sunday, 22 March 2020 @ 2:00p ET – I’ll be doing a live demo of how my FileMaker-based lighting paperwork tool works. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/mikes-vectorworks-workflow/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/mikes-vectorworks-workflow/ Sun, 22 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT Thursday, 26 March 2020 @ 6:00p ET – I’ll be showing the basic components of how I lay out my base Vectorworks file and how I use Lightwright to manipulate data. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/plotspaperwork/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/plotspaperwork/ Sun, 22 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT Tuesday, 24 March 2020 @ 6:00p ET – In this webinar, participants will get an in-depth look at the various pieces of lighting paperwork that are needed to prepare, load in, program, and archive a show… https://mikewoodld.com/blog/webinar-1-stage-lighting-the-art-the-science-the-profession/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/webinar-1-stage-lighting-the-art-the-science-the-profession/ Fri, 20 Mar 2020 00:00:00 GMT In this workshop, participants will get an overview of theatrical lighting technology and design including the science, the art, and the profession of being a working lighting designer. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-2-6/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-2-6/ Thu, 06 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT Wednesday, August 26, 2020 @ 12:00p -In this session, we will connect our solution to EOS using MBS plugins to send UDP strings to EOS. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-2-5/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-2-5/ Wed, 05 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT Tuesday, August 18, 2020 @ 1:00p -Today’s session is all about labels – how to format them, how to create them, different options for printing them, and more! https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-2-4/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-2-4/ Tue, 04 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT Monday, August 17, 2020 @ 1:00p – In today’s session, we’ll work on adding focus chart documentation to our solution, including adding a mobile focus photo insertion tool. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/essential-workflow-tools/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/essential-workflow-tools/ Mon, 03 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT Every month or so on instagram, I do a Q&A session where I invite any and all questions about the world of lighting – everything from the basics of design to day to day life in the industry. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-2-3/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-2-3/ Mon, 03 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT Thursday, July 30th 2020 @ 2:00p – In this session, we will create several different pieces of lighting paperwork, including Instrument Schedules, Channel Hookups, Gobo Orders, and more. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-2-2/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-2-2/ Sun, 02 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT Tuesday, July 28th 2020 @ 2:00p – In this session, we will keep working on expanding the instrument side of our solution, adding color, position, and accessory tables in preparation for creating detai… https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-2-1/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/filemaker-2-1/ Sat, 01 Feb 2020 00:00:00 GMT Thursday, July 23rd 2020 @ 6:00p – In this session, we will expand on our solution from Chapter 1, this time starting to focus more on the improvements that we can make on the instrument data side of… https://mikewoodld.com/blog/stamp/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/stamp/ Thu, 01 Aug 2019 00:00:00 GMT Stamp is an incredibly powerful and useful tool in the production process. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/ig2/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/ig2/ Fri, 04 Jan 2019 00:00:00 GMT Another round of questions curated from Instagram! https://mikewoodld.com/blog/ig1/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/ig1/ Wed, 18 Jul 2018 00:00:00 GMT In this post, I answer a handful of questions asked on Instagram – things ranging from career advice to equipment and more. https://mikewoodld.com/blog/analog-patch-system/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/analog-patch-system/ Tue, 22 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT There are many ways to interconnect control systems – but how do you wire all the various ports together? https://mikewoodld.com/blog/magicsheets/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/magicsheets/ Sat, 12 May 2018 00:00:00 GMT Magic sheets are one of the most important pieces of lighting paperwork – but what’s the best way to make them? https://mikewoodld.com/blog/makingtheproducers/ https://mikewoodld.com/blog/makingtheproducers/ Tue, 24 Apr 2018 00:00:00 GMT It takes a lot of time, energy, and people to transform an empty field into a fully functioning theatre space!