Technical Design Solutions for Theatre

Hanging Cardboards

Eugene Leitermann

 

Hanging cardboards are easy-to-read quick-reference guides for hanging, circuiting, and focusing a light plot. Union electricians have used cardboards in a variety of formats for many years; the form presented here was derived from these early cardboards by Gilbert V. Hemsley, Jr. and his associates.

After the light plot and hook-up are completed, the lighting designer or the master electrician prepares the hanging cardboards. One cardboard is drafted for each lighting position. Cardboards are usually drafted from the electrician’s point of view, from upstage looking downstage. The example in Figure 1 and the discussion below are for a lighting pipe. The basic form can be adapted for booms, lighting ...