What will you do?
The job is also known as lighting technician, gaffer or video operator. You discuss the technical designs, choose and position the lighting and image equipment and set up fixed or moving spots. You program the lighting cues and call the light states during a performance, and sometimes you design the lighting of a show, recording, building or artwork.
- Discuss the technical designs with the team
- Choose and position the lighting and image equipment
- Install lighting equipment and set up fixed or moving spots
- Program the lighting cues
- Call the light states during a performance or recording
- Maintain the equipment
- Work safely and with respect for the environment
Skills to develop
- Knowledge of lighting fixtures, DMX and lighting consoles
- Comfortable working at height and rigging safely
- Accurate, calm under time pressure and a team player
Your foundation for this occupation
Stage technology training is most useful when it includes building and operating real setups. Learn lighting plans, equipment lists and patching, which connects controls to fixtures. Ask about conventional lights, moving lights and projection. Work at height and electrical work require separate instructions and authorisation; knowing a lighting desk is not enough.
From preparation to your first day
Develop the practical skills
Build a small show from a plan under supervision. Label cables, check fixture assignments and record changes. Programme clearly named states and transitions, then practise following cues in rehearsal. For projection, check aspect ratio, placement and visibility from the audience.
Check your work
Before a show, verify that the correct state can be recalled at the correct moment, not merely that a lamp illuminates. Save show files as agreed and maintain a clear change list. A portfolio should show a plan, selected states and your own contribution, distinguishing operation, programming and design.
How can you grow?
You can specialise in programming, projection, touring or technical design. Large productions split these tasks; a cultural venue may combine them. Discuss evening work, late load-outs, travel and preparation time. Design responsibility develops with experience and is not included in every technician role.
Frequently asked questions
Do I design new lighting for every show?
No. You often implement an existing design or a visiting company's technical specification. You adapt it to the venue and equipment, discuss differences and programme the agreed states. Creating a design is a separate assignment.