New Vectorworks Tutorial for Scenic and Lighting Design Available from Kevin Lee Allen

Nemetschek Vectorworks, Inc. announces the publication of a new training guide for users of Vectorworks software: Entertainment and Lighting Design with Vectorworks Spotlight, First Edition. The manual was written by Kevin Lee Allen.

This book explores the use of the Vectorworks Spotlight with Renderworks program for use in the entertainment industries. While the methods and techniques described are applicable to film, television, concerts, exhibits, and themed architecture or interiors, this tutorial focuses on a project that creates lights and a set for the stage, the root of entertainment design.

"It is definitely going to be my course textbook for this semester because, despite my students having different needs than entertainment designers, it specifically lists the most important tools, commands and workflows and talks a little about each one," said Cris Dopher, entertainment design instructor, FIT.

From one step beyond traditional pencil thumbnails, this guide outlines a process of design development and collaboration with other designers and technical staff. The text is tutorial-based and directs the user to create two projects, each supported by a series of simple exercises. The first project is the creation of a simple 3D form, and the second project entails the creation of a scenic and lighting design for a theoretical production of Romeo and Juliet.

"Although I started out in the industry as a hand-draftsman and renderer, Vectorworks has streamlined my operations and accuracy," said Allen. "I've been teaching Vectorworks software at theater festivals and universities for years, and I'm thrilled to share these skills and methods with users around the world."

This book is written for professional designers as well as designers in education (students, instructors, schools). It is intended for use with Vectorworks 2012 software and is most applicable for Vectorworks Spotlight and Designer users. It is a part of Nemetschek Vectorworks' self-paced training options, designed for people who like to learn on their own and at their own pace.

Kevin Lee Allen is an award-winning scenic and lighting designer who works in theater, film, television, museums and corporate environments, including architainment, exhibits, fashion and special events. Notable projects include work for Fox News, the United States Government, CNN and CNN International, a virtual interview with Benjamin Franklin, productions of Romeo and Juliet and The Tempest, and the Chase Bank Flagship Signage in Times Square. His design sketches are held in private collections and in the permanent collection of the Library of Congress. Allen has been a Vectorworks software user since MiniCAD version 3. He has taught Vectorworks courses at the university level and has given lectures and demonstrations at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (Region 2 Festivals).

The tutorial will also be part of the prize package for the iSquint.net and Stage Directions Student Lighting Design Competition (SLDC), sponsored by Nemetschek Vectorworks, City Theatrical, and Field Template. Allen serves on the competition's panel of judges. Entries are due March 16, and the winner will be announced at the USITT Conference on March 29. For more information and to view the complete rules, visit: http://isquint.net/student-design-competition.