Roles
Lighting Designer
The Lighting Designer Is responsible for creating an appropriate lighting plan, both from the viewpoint of functionality (simply being able to see the actors), and from the artistic appearance of the lighting (e.g. are scenes set indoors or outdoors, in the early morning, mid-afternoon or late evening). There are two main aspects to this role:
- Designing a a lighting plan, which details exactly which lights need to be hung where around the stage area in order to achieve all of the effects required by the show. On more complex shows, this can require careful coordination with the Set Designer, Technical Director and/or Stage Manager to ensure that the lighting and other effects work smoothly together.
- Working through the script, designing the look of each individual scene from the available lights (known as plotting), and marking cues in the script at the points when the lighting needs to change, so that the Deputy Stage Manager (on complex shows) or Lighting Operator (on smaller shows, often those in studio spaces) knows when change the lighting states should be changed.
Some directors will have a very strong view about the overall design, whereas others will give their designers a greater input into creating the look of the show.
For best results, the Lighting Designer should work with the other designers to ensure the lighting design is consistent with the overall design ideas. A production will look a lot better if each designer is following a consistent thread and taking into account of the look and atmosphere being created by the other designers.
It is normally left up to the Lighting Designer to decide whether they also want to take on the responsibilities of the Chief Electrician, Lighting Desk Programmer and Lighting Operator. If you do want additional people to take on these roles, you should discuss it at an early production meeting, so as to ensure that everybody in the show knows what is happening, and that suitable time is allowed to find people to take on these roles.
Useful resources[edit]
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Lighting Designer Vacancies
(EXTENDED DEADLINE) CAST 2025: PROD/TECH APPLICATION TOURING PACK
CAST 2025: Macbeth – CAST
19:45, Tue 24th June – Wed 8th October 2025 at TBCEaster May Week to Michaelmas Week 0
CAST is so back! We are so excited to announce that CAST 2025's show is Macbeth directed by Maisie Saggers Johnson🔪🩸 and we are opening for prod/tech roles to come with us to the USA! Roles on offer include: Company Manager TD LD /CLX Assistant Tour Manager/Stage Manager
Contact castcambridge@gmail.com before 13th Feb 2025 23:59 for more details.
Marlowe Showcase
The Marlowe Graduating Actors Showcase 2025 – Marlowe
14:30, Wed 5th March 2025 at ADC Theatre15:00, Thu 13th March 2025 at Union Theatre, London
Lent Week 6 to Week 7
Assistant Director Assistant Producer Technical Manager Technician Lighting Designer
Contact themarlowesociety@gmail.com before 16th Feb 2025 00:00 for more details.