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Career profile
Lighting Designer
Depending on their size, theatres may employ a Lighting Designer, a Theatre
Lighting Technician or Chief Electrician, a Deputy Chief, and one or more
Electricians. Their main function is to arrange the lighting equipment for each
production. Most Chief Electricians are permanently employed; Lighting Designers
usually work as freelances. Three key visual technical artists are involved in the look
of a production: the Director, Set Designer and Lighting Designer. The role of
Lighting Designer may be combined with that of Chief Electrician, or the same person
may perform either role depending on the requirements and staffing of each
production. Lighting Designers may work across the disciplines of Theatre, TV and
Film.
The work
Lighting Designers design and arrange lighting to enhance productions. They read
the script, and discuss requirements with the Director and Set Designer. They attend
production meetings with the Director and other heads of department, e.g., Set
Designer, Costume Designer (these two roles are often combined), Master
Carpenter, Stage Manager Make Up Artist, Sound Supervisor. They discuss in detail
the logistics of the production, and resolve any conflicts. Lighting is influenced by a
wide range of factors, including: the script, the Director’s requirements, set design,
costumes, makeup, budget and the available equipment.
Lighting Designers attend rehearsals, and in collaboration with the Director, they
prepare a Lighting Plan (or plot), detailing the position, type and colour of all the
lights for the production. They work closely with Lighting Technicians, who organise
any extra equipment required. Lighting Designers oversee the set up and focussing
of the lights on set, working closely with other technical personnel, and liaising with
them in order to meet schedules. Final adjustments are made during or after the
technical rehearsal. Other than on a touring production, this may be end of the
Lighting Designers’ involvement with the production – Lighting Technicians take over
the operation of the Lighting at this stage.
Theatre Lighting Technicians are in charge of rigging, operation and maintenance of
all lighting equipment. In smaller venues, they also take care of sound equipment. In
Receiving theatres, Chief Electricians liaise with the incoming Lighting Designer and
interpret their lighting plans in terms of the venue’s facilities. As each theatre is
different, Lighting Designers must be able to adapt their plans to achieve effects
which are as close as close as possible to their original concept, within the
constraints of the physical layout of the theatre and the available equipment. Where
possible, Lighting Technicians prepare Lighting rigs, working from plans, ensuring
that all lanterns are in the correct position, before the company arrives. On arrival
day, they focus the rig, resolve any problems, and help to plot the design into the
control desk. They must be aware that the position of the set dictates the placing of
lights, and they may also need to liaise on some effects with Stage Management and
the Sound team. If required Lighting Technicians operate the lighting during the
show. They work from cue sheets, and also from spoken cues from the Stage
Manager, or the Deputy Stage Manager, transmitted over headphones. Responding
to a live show may involve making changes and adaptations during the performance,
without affecting the audience’s enjoyment. After the show, they help with the get
out, or de-rig, ensuring that the lights are stored or packed, or returned to hirers,
carefully and safely.
Touring Companies generally use the lights and equipment of the receiving theatre.
However, they may also work in venues where no, or very few, lights are available,
e.g., Town Halls, Schools, Community Centres, etc., in which case they tour their
own lighting rig, set it up at each venue, making any necessary adjustments to the
plan, operate the desk during the show, and de-rig and pack carefully and safely at
the end of the show. Lighting Technicians may also be responsible for the set up
and operation of any pyrotechnics, e.g., flash boxes; any working electrical props; or
any special effects on stage. In Producing Theatre, or Rep, Chief Electricians may
perform all of the above functions, working closely with other members of the
production team.
Typical Career Routes
Although there are a number of lighting courses available, practical industry
experience is vital for this role. Lighting Designers and Chief Electricians may be
graduates of technical courses run by Drama Schools, which provide a broad
grounding in the technical aspects of theatre; or they may have undertaken
performing arts courses, which enable them to empathise with all those involved in
the creative process. There are some opportunities for school leavers with proven
enthusiasm for the discipline to start their careers as Trainee Electricians,
progressing to Electrician, Deputy Chief Electrician and eventually to Chief
Electrician. In larger venues, they may progress to Technical Manager.
Essential knowledge and skills
All members of the Lighting team must have a deep knowledge of, and sympathy
with what is required, and what can be achieved in terms of lighting, for any
production, in any particular building. Lighting Designers must know how their plan
will work, or how it can be adapted, to preserve their original concept. Lighting
Designers and Chief Electricians need to be able to work effectively with members of
their own team, and with all others involved in the production process. They should
have a good understanding of all aspects of stagecraft. They must be able to
prepare lighting plans, including all aspects of the rig, prepare scale drawings of all
lamps, and their positions, colours, what circuits to use, etc. They must also ensure
that the rig is achievable within the available lighting budget and in the time available.
In Receiving Theatres, they may also work with amateur productions, which can
involve being responsible for all aspects of lighting, including offering suggestions to
enhance the production, and explaining what is and is not possible to achieve.
Key skills include:
• Creative and artistic abilities
• Knowledge of theatre production processes
• Knowledge of stagecraft.
• Knowledge of electrical theory and practice.
• Excellent IT skills
• The ability to adapt before and during the performance
• Good communication, interpersonal and team skills
• Patience, self-discipline and reliability
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Diplomacy and sensitivity when working with artists and crew members
Willingness to work long and irregular hours
A logical and fast approach to problem solving
A thorough knowledge of the relevant Health and Safety requirements and
legislation, and the ability to carry out risk assessments
The ability to concentrate for long periods of time and to pay attention to detail
Good colour vision
Financial acumen
Training and Qualifications
No specific qualifications are required to work in Lighting. Rose Bruford College, and
the University of Leeds offer degree courses in Lighting Design; some larger Drama
Schools, e.g., the Welsh College of Drama, Mountview College, offer degree courses
which include Lighting elements; and some Lighting training courses are available via
the Association of British Theatre Technicians. Although Lighting Designers and
Lighting Technicians learn the majority of their practical skills through hands on
experience, continual professional development is vital, as lighting and stage
technology is continually changing. Domestic Electrical qualifications are not directly
applicable to theatre work, although some practitioners achieve City and Guilds
qualifications and subsequently move into theatre work.
Where to go for more information
¾ CC Skills is the Sector Skills Council for the Creative and Cultural Industries.
For information about training and professional qualifications, visit their
careers website www.creative-choices.co.uk
¾ Equity is the trade union representing artists across the whole spectrum of
arts and entertainment, and offers representation, specialist knowledge and
advice for its members and student members on work in Theatre and other
Live Performance. T: 020 7379 6000. www.equity.org.uk
¾ The Conference of Drama Schools www.drama.ac.uk
¾ National Council for Drama Training www.ncdt.co.uk
¾ The Association of British Theatre Technicians, ABTT, provides
information concerning theatre planning, Health and Safety, stage machinery,
lighting and sound equipment, acoustic, scenery construction, stage
management and all aspects of presentation. www.abtt.org.uk
¾ The Professional Lighting and Sound Association, PLASA, is a leading trade
body and provides information on many aspects of lighting: www.plasa.org.
PLASA also publishes the trade magazine, Lighting & Sound International.
¾ The major lighting hire companies often have useful information on their
websites about available lighting equipment and some run apprenticeship
schemes.
¾ The Stage newspaper is the entertainment trade weekly. Recruitment
advertisements, useful links, and ‘how to guides’, such as finding an agent or
drama school, are on its website www.thestage.co.uk
¾ Contacts is published annually by The Spotlight, and provides details of all
aspects of the entertainment industry. www.spotlight.com