Theatre Lighting Technician

Also known as:

Lighting Technician, Theatre

Introduction

Theatre lighting technicians prepare, rig, operate and maintain stage lighting systems and electrical effects. Work may be permanent or freelance. Operating lighting systems usually takes place from behind a console or by aiming individual spotlights by hand.

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Work Activities

Theatre lighting technicians are responsible for preparing, wiring, operating and maintaining theatre lighting systems and electrical effects. Although they are sometimes known as theatre or stage electricians, they do not have to be qualified electricians.

Theatre lighting technicians work closely with lighting designers. Lighting designers decide where the lights (also referred to as lamps or lanterns) are to be placed, and plot their position on a lighting plan. Using this plan, the technicians fit the lights, place coloured filters or gobos in front of the lights and focus them.

During rehearsals, theatre lighting technicians help lighting designers create special lighting effects and write down lighting cues. Once productions are underway, they check that the lights are working properly and are correctly maintained. They may also help to operate lights.

While on tour, technicians stay in temporary accommodation and may spend weeks away from home.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

You should have a good eye for visual effects and for colour. Your creative flair should be combined with good organisational skills and a practical approach.

You will need to be highly motivated and have good communication skills. You should also enjoy working within a team, although there may be periods when you will have to work alone and use your own initiative.

You should have an interest in electrical work and an aptitude for electronics. A good knowledge of health and safety regulations is very important.

The work can be physically demanding as it involves climbing ladders, working at heights and carrying heavy equipment.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for theatre lighting technicians vary depending on the area of theatre they work in, their role and responsibility and whether they are employed or self-employed.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Theatre technicians earn in the range of £16,000 - £20,000 a year, rising to £24,000 - £30,000 a year.

Theatre lighting technicians usually work a basic 40-hour week. However, early starts, late finishes, weekend work and working on public holidays may all be required.

Employment (often on a freelance basis) is found with theatre companies throughout the UK, in touring theatre and London West End theatres. Other employers include event and exhibition promoters (both indoor and outdoor).

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Adult Opportunities

It is now illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Late entrants are often qualified and/or have skills and abilities gained in a related field, for example, as an electrician. Experience as a junior technician, or stagehand, in local theatre is useful.

Some colleges relax entry requirements for applicants with relevant experience.

• 30% of people in occupations such as theatre lighting are self-employed.
• 3% work part-time.
• 4% have flexible hours.
• 2% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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