Theatre lighting director: Job description and activities

A theatre lighting director oversees all aspects of lighting a production. This involves the operation and maintenance of lighting systems in a theatre.

Lighting directors normally have a technical background in electrics/electronics or have acquired their skills from technical theatre or stage management courses, specialising in lighting.

In large theatres, the theatre lighting director liaises with the lighting designer to create the design and oversees the work of a team of technicians. In smaller theatres, the lighting director designs the lighting, decides on the equipment to use as well as how it is to be rigged, and may even operate the equipment during performances.

Work activities typically include:

liaising with lighting directors and designers to create the lighting design;
establishing lighting requirements;
plotting the lighting;
coordinating the equipment and the technical crew;
assembling all required lighting and filter equipment;
ensuring all lighting equipment is in working order;
arranging for any additional lighting equipment, e.g. for special lighting effects;
rigging the lighting;
ensuring all cables and wires are safely concealed;
loading automated colour change systems;
programming lighting consoles;
supervising the focusing of lighting at rehearsals;
liaising with the stage manager, producer and sound technician throughout each project;
de-rigging all equipment at the end of each production;
ensuring all equipment is stored or transported back safely from locations;
taking responsibility for the maintenance and security of lighting.