Lighting technician jobs

Concerts, dance shows, plays, musicals, and comedy sets all require lighting, as do live events such as fundraisers, galas, awards shows, rallies, and gallery openings. Lighting technicians have a variety of tasks within the lighting crew, bringing the plans and blueprints of lighting designers to reality. This almost likely entails rigging and programming tried-and-true overhead lighting, but it could also entail using other visual elements like video screens, background projections, or LEDs. Lighting technicians must be very adaptable engineers that can handle a wide range of tasks in the service of the show.

An Ordinary Day

Lighting technicians normally begin by putting in their equipment, organizing wires, hanging lights (which can entail climbing as high as 50 feet), and concentrating the light fixtures, unless they're working in-house at a specific location or using only house equipment. Then it's time to make sure the light boards are programmed, which varies depending on how much planning and design went into the performance. Lighting technicians may run light boards, call cues, manage power distribution, and handle problems as they emerge throughout the play. Lighting technicians maintain the equipment after and between shows, checking for wear and tear, making minor repairs, and purchasing supplies as needed.

No two positions are alike, especially because a lighting technician's precise responsibilities are determined by his or her function in the overall lighting crew, which, in turn, is determined by the show's needs. Lighting crews are typically divided into numerous jobs, including one or more electricians, dimmer technicians, programmers, lighting directors, and crew leaders.

Choosing a Career

Although a degree in electrical engineering can be useful, there are no official educational requirements for working as a lighting specialist. Most people learn on the job; those in the music industry might start as concert techs on tours, while those in the theatrical industry might start as technical apprentices. This position is an ideal starting place for prospective lighting designers because it provides an introduction to all aspects of lighting. As veterans of the live performance and events sector, experienced and successful technicians are well-positioned to create their own shows or become technical directors, in addition to becoming designers.

Getting a Job

Lighting technicians have a variety of responsibilities. Some are freelancers who rely on their professional ties with crew chiefs, designers, entertainment businesses, and rental event organizations to keep a regular flow of work coming in at local performance and events venues. Others primarily work on national or regional tours for record labels. Although some theater companies and performance-oriented colleges may hire professional lighting technicians as in-house workers, these roles are few and are more likely to be filled by highly trained technical directors.

Professional Capabilities

Lighting equipment rigging

Using a light board

Electrics

Operation spotlight

Video/multimedia

Design of lighting

Physical stamina

Details are important.

Personality Qualities

Lighting technicians are adaptable and versatile workers. They must be humble, capable of following instructions, friendly, and at ease working closely with the staff for long periods of time. The social side of this profession is crucial, especially when you're on the road and your coworkers are your only constant social contact for weeks. Lighting technicians should seek to demonstrate initiative, independence, efficiency, and the capacity to remain calm under pressure, as these are the types of technicians crew chiefs most likely to recommend and rehire.

Life at Work

Lighting technicians are nearly often employed on a contract basis, have variable work hours, and travel to and from jobs. They work the majority of their shifts in the afternoons and evenings, with late gigs and load-outs forcing them to work into the early hours of the morning. Aspiring lighting technicians should be aware that the profession requires a lot of physical labor and working at great heights. Furthermore, everything noted regarding touring responsibilities applies to lighting technicians who choose to do so: weeks or months away from home, living in close quarters with the crew, and working long hours on the road.