Daniel Checa is a seasoned lighting technician, programmer, and designer with over 20 years of experience in the lighting industry. Throughout his career, especially in his role as a technician for the Teatro Español in Madrid, Daniel has had the privilege of collaborating with many renowned international companies, directors, and lighting designers, on a wide variety of projects – Homebody Kabul, directed by Mario Gas (Theater), Black the Clown and Pagliacci, directed by Ignacio Garcia (Opera), Follies, directed by Mario Gas (Musical), to name a few.
While he’s worked in opera, dance, and musicals, his primary passion lies in lighting for theater, which he finds akin to painting – crafting moods, times of day, and environments that enhance the performance while never overshadowing the story being told.
Discovering wysiwyg
Daniel first encountered CAST’S wysiwyg software in 2012, through a lighting designer and friend with whom he frequently collaborates. Initially, Daniel was hesitant to use the program and it wasn’t until 2021 that Daniel began experimenting with the software himself. Once he started using wysiwyg, he quickly realized its immense potential. Not only could he build trusses and stage floors with hundreds of fixtures, he could also create detailed stage designs and lighting setups, which closely mirrored real-world conditions. He has been using wysiwyg ever since.
Favorite wysiwyg feature
While Daniel finds many aspects of wysiwyg valuable, one of his favorite features is how intuitive the software is. He finds it incredibly easy to draw and create spaces in CAD and appreciates how effortlessly it allows him to direct fixtures. The ability to visualize and plan complex lighting arrangements before stepping foot on set has made his workflow significantly more efficient.
The flexibility and detailed rendering capabilities of wysiwyg have revolutionized Daniel’s design process, enabling him to bring his creative vision to life in ways he hadn’t previously imagined.
Why wysiwyg?
Having experimented with other lighting design software, Daniel firmly believes that wysiwyg is the most complete and user-friendly program available. The ability to create detailed 3D renderings, simulate lighting effects, and integrate seamlessly with other systems like CAST’S BlackTrax makes it the ideal choice for both large-scale productions and smaller, more intimate performances.
The role of wysiwyg at Madrid Destino
In addition to working on various projects, Daniel regularly performs lighting technician duties at Madrid Destino. His responsibilities include setting up and breaking down shows, programming with GMA3, adapting performances for different venues, and maintaining and repairing all equipment.
wysiwyg has been a game-changer in Daniel’s lighting design process. One of the biggest improvements it has brought is the ability to pre-record lighting cues at home, on the lighting console, before ever setting foot in the theater. This has significantly reduced the time and effort required on-site, allowing for a more efficient and effective workflow. The ability to test lighting heights, angles, and directions in the virtual environment before setting up in the real space has been invaluable in perfecting the lighting before the performance.
Looking ahead
As technology evolves, Daniel is eager to explore new ways to push the boundaries of lighting design and continue delivering visually stunning, high-quality experiences for audiences. Whether in theater, opera, or dance, wysiwyg will undoubtedly remain an essential part of his toolkit.
