Lighting Technician

Lighting technicians use lighting effects to alter the mood and shape of interior and outside scenes or performances, theatres and music venues and film and TV productions.

Effects range from basic stage lighting and spotlighting for plays or musicals to strobe, searchlight and special effects lighting for outside concerts, or providing the relevant lighting and power supply for television or film productions.

Their main responsibilities are to set up and operate lighting equipment during concerts, theatre performances, television broadcasts, films or video productions, under instructions from lighting directors.

Hours of work are usually long and unpredictable. Working environments vary from theatres, concert halls or TV studios to working outside on location in streets or other open spaces.

Salaries range from £9,500 to £25,000. Overtime payments may be available. Many lighting technicians are self-employed and work on short-term contracts for a negotiated fee.

Lighting technicians must:

• have an aptitude for electrical work and electronics
• have creative flair
• be able to work quickly and creatively as part of a team
• have patience, stamina, physical agility and a head for heights.

Employers include theatres, concert venues, film, television and video production companies and lighting equipment and facilities companies. There may also be opportunities with events companies, road shows and rock concerts and sometimes museums and art galleries. Many specialist companies employ freelance lighting technicians on short-term contracts.

All lighting technicians must be qualified electricians. It is possible to qualify as a lighting technician by doing a vocational qualification or a degree. There are also courses at drama schools. Apprenticeships may be available.

The Diploma in creative and media may be relevant for this area of work.

Relevant work experience, paid or voluntary, is a definite advantage.

Most training takes place on the job. Lighting technicians are expected to undertake additional training throughout their careers to keep their knowledge up to date.

Career progression for lighting technicians depends on acquiring skills, qualifications and experience. Progression in film and television might be to senior roles, such as best boy or gaffer. In theatre, progression may be to technical stage manager. Some then move into lighting design and eventually become lighting directors. Others move into special effects or production design.

Further details