Wiki Page, Oklahoma High School- Drama/Theatre Course (OK Art Tech): 3.6 Lighting Technician

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2025-03-06T08:26:17-06:00

Lighting Technician

The last career we will explore in this module is a lighting technician. A lighting technician prepares and operates the lighting or light system for a theatrical production. Lighting technicians make lighting effects for theatre, concerts, or television shows based on the designs created by a lighting designer.

The responsibilities of a lighting director include collaborating and communicating with a lighting designer to develop a clear lighting plan. They rig, which means to hang the lights, or hang battens to hang the lights and operate necessary lighting equipment. They take lighting direction and cues from a stage manager and operate manual and computer-controlled lighting systems during the show. Lighting technicians are also responsible for ensuring that lighting equipment is in a safe, working condition.

This video features a Senior Lighting Technician, Andrew Haden, speaking about a typical day in his job at Queensland Performance Arts Centre.

Video: Working Behind the Scenes: Senior Lighting Technician

QPAC. (2020, Jul 16). Working Behind the Scenes: Senior Lighting Technician. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/yEIoZDQJFm8?si=pJDBXwwiRTLKETr3

Click on the button at the bottom of the video to access the closed captions.

Guiding Questions

By yourself, or with a partner, answer the questions below before moving on to the next page:

Consider what you've learned about prop masters, set designers, and lighting technicians. Think about the unique skills each role brings to the production and how they complement each other.

1. How might a well-coordinated team of prop masters, set designers, and lighting technicians enhance the overall quality of a production?

2. What would the performance be like if one of these pieces were missing?