Description
The Assistant Lighting Designer is responsible for producing and updating any necessary paperwork for the lighting designer. The assistant lighting designer may also, at the discretion of the lighting designer, assist with focus, organization of work, and in some cases the creation of a light plot. (Based on the description in J. Michael Gillette’s Theatrical Design and Production, 6th ed.)
Expectations
- Familiarize yourself with the script.
- Consult the departmental production calendar and note all due dates. It is important that you meet these dates because it affects the work of so many other people.
- Attend all design and production meetings with the lighting designer. Make sure the stage manager has all of your current contact information.
- Learn and use Lightwright to keep track of all paperwork created/needed as part of the lighting design.
- Learn and use Vectorworks to develop a copy of the light plot.
- Learn high board programming skills such as patching, blind cue updates, programming of moving lights, etc.
- Assist the lighting designer in establishing priorities for the master electrician and electricians in consultation with the technical director.
- Assist in the discussion and writing of the concept statement and cue synopsis.
- Keep track of expendable inventories such as gels, lamps, etc. Note that you are not authorized to purchase anything. In the case that expendables need to be purchased, this should be done through the technical director in consultation with the lighting designer.
- Assist in managing the lighting crew during work calls.
- Inspect electric areas and double-check the hang, cable, and focus for work safety.
- Assist in leading the electricians at focus.
- Assist in evaluating show notes and estimating/coordinating work time needed in the theater.
- Keep yourself familiar with the design concept and cue intent.
- Attend all tech and dress rehearsals and assist in observing and taking notes with the lighting designer.
- Assist the lighting designer in programming cues.
- Assist in teaching the board operator how to run the light board during tech rehearsals.
- Attend “Paper Tech” and assist the lighting designer in communicating all light cues.
- During tech and dress rehearsal, sit on headset at the lighting board to program for the lighting designer and/or take notes as necessary.
- Troubleshoot light board or cue problems during tech and dress rehearsals as necessary.
- Facilitate making sure all lighting work areas including catwalks, storage rooms, backstage, and public areas are cleared, clean, and safe before rehearsals and performances.
- Perform dimmer check prior to each performance as needed.
- Meet with the technical director and lighting designer to discuss strike. The requirements for each strike will vary based on the nature of the show and any production needs following the production being struck. The first order of any strike should be clearing any practicals or other instruments on stage so that the carpenters may complete their strike quickly and efficiently. This includes the strike of the cyc, scrim, and other masking.
Online application for this position.