Lighting technician
Do amazing lighting effects for live concerts or TV shows and films. Set up lighting systems and operate the lights during the shows and events.
About the job
A day in the life – Lighting technician
What it's like
You would set up the lights for TV shows and films or live events like concerts and plays. You’d operate the lights during the shows and events and create amazing special lighting effects.
Your work could range from basic spotlighting for conferences or presentations to operating strobes, lasers and pyrotechnics at massive live concerts. You would normally specialise in film and TV, including working on location, or focus on theatre and live events, as the techniques and equipment are different.
Depending on where you work, you would:
Interpret a lighting designer's plan
Carry out risk assessments for health and safety purposes
Plan where to run cables and place lights at film locations
Help to rig up the lighting equipment
Set up generators on location
Make sure that lighting equipment and generators are working
Program the consoles and load automated colour change systems before a show
Take cues from the stage manager in theatre or the floor manager in TV productions
Operate manual and computer-controlled lighting systems during a show
Take down the equipment after shows or filming
You may be the only lighting technician on a theatre production, or you could be part of a large crew with a concert tour or feature film.
You would need to have knowledge of electrical systems and electronics. Being physically fit and having a head for heights will also help you to work with heavy equipment high above a stage or studio.
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Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- taking responsibility
- developing a plan
- attention to detail
- problem solving
- resourceful
- innovative
- creative
- working with technology
- verbal communication
- cooperating
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
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Design and Manufacture
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Engineering Science
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Practical Craft Skills
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Practical Electronics
Many courses and employers will require qualifications at SCQF levels 4 to 6.
You would need relevant work-based experience and qualifications such as:
a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Electrical Installation (SVQ level 3) or Certificate in Technical Theatre Support: Sound, Light and Stage (QCF level 2/3).
a National Certificate (SCFQ level 6), Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7), Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) or degree (SCQF level 9/10) in Technical Theatre or Production Technology.
You can enter some Technical Theatre National Certificate or National Qualification courses (SCQF 2-6) with no formal qualifications but most courses ask for National 4/5 qualifications (SCQF level 4/5).
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
Entry to a degree (SCQF level 9/10) usually requires National 5 qualifications and a minimum of three Highers or a relevant HNC/HND.
Qualifications and experience working with lighting or similar technologies within photography, drama or film.
The Association of British Theatre Technicians (ABTT) runs special courses that may be very helpful.
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