Profession light board operator

Light board operators control the lighting of a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Their work is influenced by and influences the results of other operators. Therefore, the operators work closely together with the designers, operators and performers. Light board operators prepare and supervise the setup, steer the technical crew, program the equipment and operate the lighting system. They may be responsible for conventional or automated lighting fixtures and, in some instances, controlling video as well. Their work is based on plans, instructions and other documentation.  

Personality Type

• Conventional / Realistic

Skills

• Plot lighting states with automated lights

  Technically manipulate light boards for automated lights. Set up and try out lighting states with automated lights.

• Support a designer in the developing process

  Support designers in the course of the developing process.

• Interact with actions on stage

  Take cues from actions on the stage and interact with them. Decide on the exact timing and procedure in a live environment, in order to produce a fluid and consistent performance.

• Use technical documentation

  Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.

• Safeguard artistic quality of performance

  Observe the show, anticipate and react to possible technical problems, ensuring optimal artistic quality.

• Work with respect for own safety

  Apply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.

• Interpret artistic intentions

  Interpret the artistic intentions of the author.

• Set up equipment in a timely manner

  Make sure to set up equipment according to deadlines and time schedules.

• Use communication equipment

  Set up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.

• Communicate during show

  Efficient communication during live performance, anticipate any possible malfunctioning.

• Organise resources for artistic production

  Coordinate human, material and capital resources within artistic productions, based on the given documentation e.g. scripts.

• Prepare personal work environment

  Correct settings or positions for your working instruments and adjust them before starting operations.

• Adapt to artists' creative demands

  Work with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.

• Adapt artistic plan to location

  Adjust plans to other locations with regards to the artistic concept.

• Work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervision

  Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution for performance and art facility purposes under supervision.

• Set up light board

  Install, connect and try out light board in a live performance environment.

• Work ergonomically

  Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.

• Manage personal professional development

  Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders.

• Translate artistic concepts to technical designs

  Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.

• Draw up lighting plan

  Create technical drawings and documentation within the lighting department.

• Consult with stakeholders on implementation of a production

  Consult with different people and groups who hold a stake in the production. Be on the same page on the practical side of the production, and keep them up to date.

• Understand artistic concepts

  Interpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.

• Draw up artistic production

  File and document a production in all its phases right after the performance period so that it can be reproduced and all relevant information remains accessible.

• Plot lighting states

  Set up and try out lighting states.

• Keep up with trends

  Monitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.

• Perform quality control of design during a run

  Control and ensure the quality of design results during a run.

• Operate a lighting console

  Operate a light board during rehearsal or live situations, based on visual cues or documentation.

• Light a show

  Light a show based on concrete production needs.

• Use personal protection equipment

  Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB