diff --git a/light9/showconfig.py b/light9/showconfig.py
new file mode 100644
--- /dev/null
+++ b/light9/showconfig.py
@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+from os import path,getenv
+
+def root():
+    r = getenv("LIGHT9_SHOW")
+    if r is None:
+        raise OSError("LIGHT9_SHOW env variable has not been set to the show root")
+    return r
+
+def musicDir():
+    return path.join(root(),"music")
+
+def curvesDir():
+    return path.join(root(),"curves")
+
+def songFilename(song):
+    return path.join(musicDir(),"%s.wav" % song)
+
+def subtermsForSong(song):
+    return path.join(root(),"subterms",song)
+
+def subFile(subname):
+    return path.join(root(),"subs",subname)
+
+def subsDir():
+    return path.join(root(),'subs')
+
+def patchData():
+    return path.join(root(),"patchdata.py")