This Web site was designed using Web standards.
Learn more about the benefits of standardized design.

Quick Links

E-mail Article Print Article

Fine Arts: Drama


Story image 1_0
432d99cd8bd9f

LIGHTING DESIGNER: PRODUCTION TEAM JOB DESCRIPTION

"Let there be light. And there was and it was good."

by Tom McLaughlin

September 18, 2005

The lighting designer, after meeting with the director and set designer, is responsible for compiling an equipment inventory, designing a light plot, and hanging, focusing and circuiting the lighting design.  The lighting designer or master electrician is responsible for running the board during technical rehearsals and performances.  The following is a list of specific items which need to be done and a time-frame for accomplishing your tasks.  (NOTE: If you have a lighting designer and a master electrician, separate the jobs listed below.)

Before Rehearsals Begin

     Begun  Done

�      ____   ____ Read the play.
�      ____   ____ Analyze each act and scene for specific lighting needs.  Make note of the location, time of day, motivating light sources, day and night transitions, practical light sources, and special lighting effects.
�      ____   ____ Meet with the director, stage manager, set designer, and scenic artist, prop master, and costume designer to determine the mood and requirements of the show.
�      ____   ____ Meet with the master carpenter, set designer, scenic artist for information and drawings of the set including the colors of paint to be used.
�      ____   ____ Meet with the video master and view any instructional video tapes.  Read any lighting texts for background information.
�      ____   ____ Design a light plot which meets the needs of the show.
�      ____   ____ Together with the technical director, make a list of everything your needs to do.
�      ____   ____ Make a production time line establishing deadlines dates.

During The First Weeks Of The Rehearsal Period

�      ____   ____ Organize a lighting crew.  Make a list of their names and phone numbers.
�      ____   ____ Arrange a lighting workshop for your crew.  Have them view any segments of the video tape you found useful.  Share notes from shapers of books you read on stage lighting.
�      ____   ____ Teach your crew how to use the light board in the booth.
�      ____   ____ Together with your crew, check and clean all instruments.  Report any needed lamps or parts to the stage manager and tech director (it is the TD's responsibility to order lamps).
�      ____   ____ Inventory all instruments.
�      ____   ____ Inventory your gel supply.  Write the number on the gel with a grease pencil.  File them in a gel cabinet or in manila folders.
�      ____   ____ Watch a full rehearsal of the show.  On a set drawing note all acting areas.

During The Mid-Rehearsal Period

�      ____   ____ Finalize your light plot.
�      ____   ____ Complete your lighting schedule.
�      ____   ____ Make copies of the light plot for your crew.  Be sure they know how to use and follow the light plot.
�      ____   ____ Determine the color of gels.  Get the approval of the director.
�      ____   ____ Prepare a budget for the gels and gobos.  Get a purchase order and submit it to the tech director or to the bookkeeper.
�      ____   ____ Buy the gels.  Label the gel color with the proper code number with a grease pencil.
�      ____   ____ Supervise your crew as they hang, focus and aim the lights on stage areas according to the plot.
�      ____   ____ Write your preliminary light cues.
�      ____   ____ Do a dry run of all light cues with the director (on the painted and decorated set).  Make note of changes.
�      ____   ____ Just before tech week, check the light plot with the actors doing a cue to cue.  (Q2Q)  Set and record levels of each dimmer and the sequence of lighting changes.
�      ____   ____ Make note of any changes or adjustments needed as a result of the Q2Q.  Supervise making the adjustments.
�      ____   ____ Gel the instruments.
�      ____   ____ Prepare light cue sheets and photocopy them.
�      ____   ____ Give a light cue sheet to the stage manager and review all cues which the stage manager will call during tech week and during the run of the show.
�      ____   ____ Compliment and thank your crew.

During Tech Week

�      ____   ____ Meet with the stage manager and review all light cues.
�      ____   ____ Review all job responsibilities with your crew.
�      ____   ____ Run the show according to light cues called by the stage manager.
�      ____   ____ After rehearsals, make any needed changes.
�      ____   ____ Label and store all unused gels.
�      ____   ____ Compliment and thank your crew.

During the Run Of The Show

�      ____   ____ Arrive at least 1/2 hour before the first cast/crew call.  Run a check of all your light cues.  Report to the stage manager when you are finished.
�      ____   ____ Run a check of all light cues as they are called by the stage manager.
�      ____   ____ Run the show according to call from the stage manager.
�      ____   ____ DO NOT ALLOW ABY FOOD OR DRINK NEAR THE LIGHT BOARD AT ANY TIME.
�      ____   ____ Before closing night write a letter to the person who will have your position for the next show.  Give that person advice based on your experience.  File the letter in your 3-ring binder behind your job description.
�      ____   ____ Compliment and thank your crew.
�      ____   ____ Before leaving each night, turn off the light board.

During Strike

�      ____   ____ Disconnect all instruments which were hung specially for this show.  Return all specially hung instruments to their storage space.
�      ____   ____ Label and store all gels (if they are sill useable).
�      ____   ____ Compliment and thank your crew.
�      ____   ____ Turn off the light board.
�      ____   ____ Check with the stage manager.

 

screen resolution stats

Sign up for the News Update.


  • privacy policy
  • more info

Back To Top