Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Light Technician

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a master of mood and a wizard with watts? We are searching for a highly skilled and passionate Light Technician to join our dynamic production team. In this pivotal role, you will be the creative force behind the visual atmosphere of our live events, theatrical productions, and corporate shows.

A Light Technician, also known as a Lighting Operator or Master Electrician, is a hands-on technical professional responsible for the setup, operation, and maintenance of lighting and special effects equipment. You'll be responsible for everything from rigging and programming complex lighting systems to executing flawless cues that captivate audiences. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, have a deep understanding of lighting technology, and are committed to safety and excellence, we want to see your talent illuminate our stage. This is your opportunity to work with cutting-edge equipment and collaborate with a team of dedicated professionals to create unforgettable experiences.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Stagehand
Production Assistant
AV Technician Intern

Advancement To:

Lighting Director / Lighting Designer
Master Electrician
Production Manager

Lateral Moves:

Audio Technician
Video Technician
Rigger

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Interpret lighting plots, channel hookups, and other technical schematics to accurately install, hang, circuit, and focus a diverse range of lighting instruments.
Program, operate, and maintain sophisticated lighting control consoles (e.g., ETC Eos/Gio, GrandMA series, Hog 4) for rehearsals, live shows, and events.
Perform comprehensive pre-show system checks on all lighting equipment, control systems, and power distribution to ensure show-readiness and reliability.
Execute live lighting cues with precision and timing as directed by the Lighting Designer or Stage Manager, adapting to the dynamic nature of a live performance.
Conduct routine maintenance, cleaning, and repair of a diverse inventory of lighting equipment, including conventional fixtures, intelligent/moving lights, LED units, and atmospheric effects.
Safely rig and install lighting fixtures, trusses, motors, and associated cabling in various venues, strictly adhering to all safety protocols and weight-load limits.
Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues with lighting systems, including DMX, networking (sACN/Art-Net), power, and fixture malfunctions, often under high-pressure, live-show conditions.
Manage and distribute electrical power for the entire lighting system, ensuring balanced loads and safe operation in accordance with electrical codes.
Collaborate effectively with lighting designers to achieve their artistic vision, providing technical input on equipment capabilities and implementation strategies.
Supervise and provide clear direction to local stagehands and junior technicians during load-in, setup, and load-out phases of production.
Operate a follow spot, maintaining a tight and consistent focus on performers throughout their movement on stage.
Manage the inventory of lighting department assets, including consumables like gels, lamps, and tape, and oversee the organization of storage and work areas.
Assist with the seamless load-in and load-out of all production equipment, ensuring it is packed and transported safely and efficiently.
Patch lighting fixtures into dimmers and control consoles, configuring addresses and profiles for both standard and intelligent lights.
Update firmware and software on lighting consoles, fixtures, and network devices to maintain system stability and access the latest features.
Create and maintain accurate system documentation, including patch sheets, focus charts, and cue lists for archival and future use.
Establish and manage complex show control networks, integrating lighting systems with audio, video, and automation elements.
Implement and maintain safe working practices on-site, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and fall protection.
Interface directly with clients and venue staff in a professional and courteous manner to ensure all lighting requirements are met.
Prepare, test, and package lighting systems for transport, ensuring all components are accounted for and in perfect working order for touring or rental applications.

Secondary Functions

Liaise with other technical departments (audio, video, staging) to ensure cohesive integration and avoid conflicts in rigging and power.
Participate in production meetings to discuss technical requirements, scheduling, and logistical planning for upcoming projects.
Research new lighting technologies and techniques to contribute innovative ideas and improve workflow efficiency.
Adhere to and promote all company and venue-specific health and safety policies, including the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
Assist in the preparation of equipment orders and rental lists based on the specific needs of a production's lighting design.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Advanced proficiency in programming and operating industry-standard lighting consoles, particularly the GrandMA (MA2/MA3) and ETC Eos family.
Deep understanding of lighting network protocols including DMX512-A, RDM, Art-Net, and sACN for complex system configuration and troubleshooting.
Comprehensive knowledge of electrical theory, power distribution systems (distros, breakers, cabling), and safe working practices with single-phase and three-phase power.
Proficiency in reading and interpreting technical design documents, including lighting plots, riser diagrams, and system schematics.
ETCP-Certified Rigger (Arena/Theatre) or demonstrable equivalent knowledge and experience in safe rigging practices for entertainment.
Experience with lighting visualization software such as Vectorworks Spotlight, WYSIWYG, or Capture.
Skilled in the component-level maintenance and repair of modern automated lighting fixtures (e.g., Robe, Martin, Clay Paky) and LED technology.
Strong understanding of color theory, beam optics, and the artistic application of light to create mood and focus.

Soft Skills

Exceptional problem-solving abilities with a calm and logical approach to troubleshooting under the pressure of a live event.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills for collaborating effectively with designers, directors, performers, and crew members.
Keen attention to detail and a commitment to precision in all aspects of work, from cabling to cue execution.
High degree of adaptability and flexibility to work long, irregular hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays, often in diverse and challenging environments.
A proactive, positive attitude and a strong sense of teamwork and personal accountability.
Excellent time management and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and meet tight production deadlines.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High School Diploma or equivalent.

Preferred Education:

Vocational certificate or an Associate's/Bachelor's degree in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Technical Theatre
Theatre Design and Production
Live Event Production
Electronics Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-5+ years of professional experience as a light technician in a live event, touring, or theatrical setting.

Preferred:

Demonstrated experience in a lead or head electrician role for large-scale corporate events, music tours, or Broadway-caliber theatre productions is highly desirable. Experience with advanced networking and system integration is a significant plus.