Head of Lighting and Media

Position Summary:

The Head of Lighting and Media oversees all aspects of theatrical lighting, projection, and related visual technologies for the theater’s productions and events. This role combines creative vision with technical expertise to deliver high-quality lighting and media designs that support the artistic goals of each production. The Head of Lighting and Media manages and mentors the lighting department staff while ensuring safe, efficient, and timely execution of all lighting and media elements. The position collaborates closely with the Artistic, Production, and Technical Directors to maintain the highest production values and operational standards.

 

Duties & Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

  • Lead and supervise the lighting and media team, providing guidance, scheduling, and performance feedback.
  • Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and training for lighting department staff and overhire crew.
  • Maintain a collaborative, safe, and efficient working environment within the department.

Design & Artistic Collaboration

  • Create or oversee the creation of lighting and media designs in alignment with the Artistic Director’s vision and the needs of each production.
  • Review and approve associate and guest designer work to ensure artistic consistency and technical feasibility.
  • Attend design meetings, production meetings, and technical rehearsals to integrate lighting and media seamlessly with other production elements.

Technical Oversight

  • Supervise the preparation, hang, focus, programming, and operation of all lighting and projection equipment.
  • Approve and oversee the implementation of lighting plots, paperwork, cueing, and programming.
  • Ensure proper maintenance, repair, and inventory of lighting and projection equipment, including lamps, dimmers, fixtures, media servers, and control consoles.
  • Develop and implement standard operating procedures and safety protocols in compliance with industry best practices.

Documentation

  • Ensure all lighting and projection designs, whether produced in-house or by guest designers, are thoroughly documented for current and future productions.
  • Maintain updated light plots, channel hookups, magic sheets, projection layouts, media cue lists, and system diagrams in standardized formats.
  • Provide guest designers with venue-specific technical documentation, including inventory lists, circuiting charts, and projection specifications, in advance of their arrival.
  • Archive finalized show files, cue lists, and paperwork for future remounts or reference.
  • Coordinate with guest designers to ensure documentation is complete, clear, and compatible with the theater’s systems and workflows.

Budget & Resource Management

  • Develop and manage the lighting and media department budget in coordination with the Production Manager and Technical Director.
  • Oversee equipment purchases, rentals, and maintenance schedules to maximize efficiency and longevity of resources.

Show Support & Maintenance

  • Provide ongoing technical and artistic support for productions after opening, as needed, to maintain design integrity.
  • Troubleshoot and resolve technical issues quickly to minimize show interruptions.

Other Duties

  • Stay current with advances in lighting and projection technology and make recommendations for upgrades.
  • Support special events, rentals, and community programs, as assigned.

Skills & Qualifications

Education & Experience: 

  • Minimum 5 years of professional theatrical lighting experience, including at least 2 years in a supervisory or lead role.
  • Extensive knowledge of theatrical lighting design, programming, and operation, including both conventional and intelligent fixtures.
  • Proven experience designing, programming, and operating projection and media systems.
  • Proficiency with ETC Eos family consoles, ETC Paradigm, Capture, Vectorworks, QLab, Zactrack, and a range of media server platforms.
  • Skilled in programming and operating ETC Eos family consoles; familiarity with intelligent fixtures, DMX networking, and power distribution.

Skills & Attributes: 

  • Strong artistic eye and experience in theatrical lighting design, with the ability to create visually compelling and cohesive looks that enhance storytelling.
  • Proven ability to manage and mentor a diverse technical team while fostering a collaborative and positive work environment.
  • Understanding of industry-standard safety practices, OSHA regulations, and safe use of lifts, ladders, and rigging for lighting and media equipment.
  • Strong troubleshooting skills under pressure and the ability to adapt quickly to production changes.

Compensation Guidelines:

Position Type: Full-Time, Salaried; Exempt

Hours to Work: 40hrs. per week

Annual Compensation: $65,000-$72,000 (based on experience)

Benefits: Health Insurance, dental plans, 401k, life insurance, long & short-term disability, paid time off, and other company-specific benefits.

Growth Opportunities: Technical Director

Direct Reports: Associate Lighting Designer, Master Electrician, Lighting Technician, Light Board Operator/Programmer

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