Profession lighting designer

Lighting designers develop a lighting design concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. During rehearsals and performance they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Lighting designers develop lighting plots, cue lists and other documentation to support the operators and production crew. Lighting designers sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating light art outside a performance context.

Personality Type

• Conventional / Realistic

Skills

• Use communication equipment

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

• Safeguard artistic quality of performance

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

• Analyse the scenography

  Analyse the selection and distribution of material elements on a stage.

• Propose improvements to artistic production

  Assess past artistic activities with a view to improving future projects.

• Understand artistic concepts

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

• Supervise plotting of stage lights

  Make sure cues for stage lights are adequately entered into the lightboard. Put in levels, positions, changeovers, etc.

• Verify feasibility

  Interpret an artistic plan and verify whether the described design can be executed.

• Coach staff for running the performance

  Give instructions to all team members about how they should run the performance.

• Work ergonomically

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

• Follow safety procedures when working at heights

  Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures and avoid falls from ladders, mobile scaffolding, fixed working bridges, single person lifts etc. since they may cause fatalities or major injuries.

• Meet deadlines

  Ensure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time.

• Adapt existing designs to changed circumstances

  Adapt an existing design to changed circumstances and ensure that the artistic quality of the original design is reflected in the final result.

• Update design results during rehearsals

  Updating the design results based on observation of the stage image during the rehearsals, especially where the different designs and the action are integrated.

• Monitor sociological trends

  Identify and investigate sociological trends and movements in society.

• Monitor developments in technology used for design

  Identify and explore recent developments in technology and materials used in the live performance industry, in order to create an up-to-date technical background for one’s personal design work.

• 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.

• Develop design concept

  Research information to develop new ideas and concepts for the design of a specific production. Read scripts and consult directors and other production staff members, in order to develop design concepts and plan productions.

• Take measurements of performance space

  Measure the performance space in order to calculate the amount of lighting equipment needed and where to place them.

• Draw up lighting plan

  Create technical drawings and documentation within the lighting department.

• Perform quality control of design during a run

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

• Analyse the artistic concept based on stage actions

  Analyse the artistic concept, form and structure of a live performance based on observation during rehearsals or improvisation. Create a structured base for the design process of a specific production.

• Present detailed design proposals

  Prepare and present detailed design suggestions for a specific production to a mixed group of people, including technical, artistic and management staff.

• 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.

• Develop design ideas cooperatively

  Share and develop design ideas with the artistic team. Conceptualise new ideas independently and with others. Present your idea, gain feedback and take it into account. Make sure the design fits with the work of other designers.

• Assess power needs

  Prepare and manage the provision of electrical power for different areas.

• Analyse a script

  Break down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.

• Focus stage lights

  Focus, direct, adjust and tune stage lights, either alone or leading a group. Coordinate with the team to determine the optimal lighting.

• Communicate during show

  Efficient communication during live performance, anticipate any possible malfunctioning.

• Analyse score

  Analysing the score, form, themes and structure of a piece of music.

• Research new ideas

  Thorough research for information to develop new ideas and concepts for the design of a specific production based.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB