Lighting Technician

What is a lighting technician?

A lighting technician is someone who works with lighting equipment to create and control the lighting for live performances, events, film, or television.

What does a lighting technician do?

Usually, a lighting technician does the following tasks:

• Sets up lighting equipment and fixtures for performances or events
• Operates lighting consoles to control the intensity, color, and movement of lights
• Collaborates with directors, producers, and other members of the production team to understand the lighting requirements
• Maintains and repairs lighting equipment as needed

What does the day-to-day life of a lighting technician look like?

A lighting technician's working hours can vary depending on the type of project. For live performances or events, you might work in the evenings or on weekends. In film and television, you could have long days with early mornings or late nights.

During a typical day, a lighting technician might:

• Conduct a pre-production meeting to discuss lighting plans and requirements
• Set up lighting equipment, including fixtures, cables, and control consoles
• Program and test lighting cues in collaboration with the director or lighting designer
• Operate the lighting consoles during the performance or shoot
• Troubleshoot any technical issues related to lighting equipment
• Perform routine maintenance and repairs on lighting equipment
• Attend post-production meetings to review and analyze lighting effects

Where does a lighting technician work?

Lighting technicians work in various settings, including:

• Theatre: You could work in a theatre, where you'll be responsible for setting up lighting equipment for live performances such as plays, musicals, or dance shows.
• Concert venues: You might work in concert venues, setting up and operating the lighting systems for live music events.
• Film sets: Lighting technicians are also employed in the film industry, working on film shoots and TV productions. You'll collaborate with the director of photography and other members of the camera crew.
• Event companies: Some lighting technicians work for event companies that provide lighting services for weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions.

What tools/equipment does a lighting technician use?

A lighting technician uses a variety of tools and equipment, including:

• Lighting fixtures: Such as spotlights, floodlights, and LED fixtures.
• Lighting control consoles: These are used to program and control the lights. Popular consoles include GrandMA, ETC Eos, and Avolites.
• Gels and filters: These are used to change the color and intensity of the lights.
• Rigging equipment: Such as trusses, clamps, and safety cables for hanging and securing lights.
• Electrical tools: Including cable testers, multimeters, and wire strippers for maintaining and repairing lighting equipment.

What do I need to become a lighting technician?

There are a few different paths to becoming a lighting technician, including:

• Apprenticeship: You can start as a lighting technician apprentice, where you'll learn on the job and receive training from experienced professionals. This is a great option if you prefer hands-on learning.
• College courses: Some colleges offer courses or vocational programs in technical theatre or entertainment technology, which cover lighting design and operation.
• Work experience: Another way to get started is by volunteering or getting work experience in local theatres, events, or film productions. This allows you to learn from professionals and gain practical skills.

What career paths are available?

There are several career paths available to lighting technicians, including:

• Lighting Designer: With experience, you can become a lighting designer and be responsible for creating the overall lighting concept and design for a production.
• Production Manager: Lighting technicians who develop organizational and managerial skills can move into production management roles, overseeing all technical aspects of a production.
• Theatre Technician: If you enjoy working in a theatre setting, you can specialize as a theatre technician and work on various technical aspects of productions, including lighting, sound, and set construction.

What jobs are similar to a lighting technician?

• Sound Engineer: Sound engineers work with audio equipment to capture and enhance sound for live performances, events, or recordings.
• Stage Manager: Stage managers are responsible for coordinating and overseeing the backstage activities during performances, ensuring everything runs smoothly.
• Broadcast Technician: Broadcast technicians operate and maintain equipment used in television, radio, or internet broadcasts.

What made you want to become a lighting technician?