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Permalink Reply by Kenny Knapp on November 19, 2010 at 9:18am

I realize this isn't the answer you're looking for but... I'd throw my vote in for SketchUp. Of course, it depends on the features you're interested in; SketchUp certainly isn't a Pre-Viz tool but it's great for modeling a set, calculating throw distances and angles. I've also used it to generate 2-D plots to give to my lighting techs with all the info they need to hang, aim, add accessories, program DMX channels, etc. All for free.

Since we use it to model sets (which is a great communication tool between Directors, Producers, Designers), I can take the set model and add a lighting grid at the correct height and distance and build my plot. The learning curve is minimal, and I find it very easy to use which makes generating drawings very fast.

Been using it for a few years now so I don't know if there are better "free" tools out there currently. I'm interested in what else you find.

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Permalink Reply by Jerry George on November 22, 2010 at 9:43am

You might look at ProgeCad Smart. It's a free (for personal use) version of a pretty complete AutoCAD clone. They are at http://www.progesoft.com/. Be warned that the 2009 version does not get along well with Windows 7. It's fine under XP though. There is an update due pretty much any time.

Along more commercial lines, do I not recall that Vectorworks was offering free educational versions?

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Permalink Reply by Justin Lang on November 29, 2010 at 10:14am

Try LX Free. http://isq.cc/9tH4PT

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Permalink Reply by Crystal M. Lee on November 29, 2010 at 9:46pm

Vectorworks has a free student version! There is information on their website.

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Permalink Reply by Ryan R on January 10, 2011 at 11:09am

I'm also a fan of SketchUp. Why? Well because most people who are not familiar with drafting can use it and understand it. I also feel that there are many other fields that use SketchUp whereas VectorWorks is very limited in it's usage, IMHO.

VectorWorks free student version, however, is much better if you are teaching your students serious construction drawings or light plots.

So, the verdict? If you wanna ease your students into thinking about drawing and using a CAD program, start with SketchUp. If they are more advanced students you need to get them started on industry standards like VectorWorks or AutoCAD, which both offer student versions.

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Permalink Reply by Terry Dana Jachimiak II on January 31, 2011 at 11:50am

Before I toss in my 2 cents, a couple of questions. Is this for high school or college? Will it be used in the classroom, or merely something for them to look into? Are these students are are looking at theatre for a career, or hobbyists trying to learn as much as they can? Thanks.

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Permalink Reply by Lonnie Royal on January 31, 2011 at 12:07pm

Thanks to everyone who responded to my question. I have tried out several of the suggestions and will probably stick with SketchUp.

Terry, this is for a high school advanced tech class. Some of these students might go on to study Theatre in college, but others will not. I just want to give them as much knowledge as I can so they will have a good background if they decide to continue. We will probably do some in class, but I will have them do a design outside of class also.

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Permalink Reply by Terry Dana Jachimiak II on February 3, 2011 at 7:56am

Lonnie, I think SketchUp is the best choice at this time then. If any of the students seriously consider technical theatre as a career, I highly suggest Vectorworks due to the fact you can receive a free copy as a student or professor. Let me know if you run into any other questions, I'd be glad to help.

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Permalink Reply by Paul Denckla on March 28, 2011 at 4:38pm

DoubleCad by IMSI/Design is free and is a lot like AutoCad LT. It is a bit more time consuming to learn, but once you get used to the interface it is quite nice. It is basically just a drafting program, but one can create templates and once you get comfortable using the program you can create blocks for just about anything you use frequently; platforms, walls, lighting fixtures, etc.

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Permalink Reply by Scott Walsh on April 11, 2011 at 10:47pm

I never met a CAD program I liked, though Im devoted to doing 3-D with Blender someday.

I think maybe you can find something usable at:

http://www.stagelink.com/resources/Software/Lighting/index.html

Hope this helps,

Scott - http://www.stagehand.us

Let me know what workz good for you and your students.

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