Lighting Assistant

Lighting Assistant (L2 / Production Electrician) Qualifications - 2 Years of College or a Technical or Vocational School - One year of experience - Experience or interest in theatrical lighting, electrics, or live production. - Operate or learn a professional lighting console. - Understanding of lighting systems, DMX, and electrical distribution preferred. - Build and troubleshoot cables and basic electrical components. - Problem-solving, organizational, and communication skills. - Work independently during daytime hours and collaborate during production periods. - Attention to detail and able to work safely with electrical and overhead systems. - Available to work evenings and weekends as required by production schedules. Position Summary The Lighting Assistant (L2 / Production Electrician) supports the Technical Director and Lighting Designer in the installation, maintenance, programming support, and operation of lighting and video systems for Playhouse productions, rentals, and special events. This position is responsible for assisting with day-to-day electrics work and must also be able to operate a lighting console and run a production once it has been designed, programmed, and established by the Lighting Designer. Responsibilities - Assist in the maintenance of lighting and video fixtures, including cleaning, lamping, and general upkeep. - Assist with the hang, focus, and adjustment of lighting fixtures per production requirements. - Run and install additional cabling for set electrics as needed for each show. - Build and maintain custom cables and adapters as required for productions. - Create, maintain, and troubleshoot battery-powered lighting and practical systems as needed. - Assist with stage, sound, and general production setup when required. - Troubleshoot lighting, video, and control system issues during load-in, tech, and performances. - Operate the lighting console for rehearsals and performances once trained and assigned. - Coordinate with Lighting Designers to implement and maintain design intent. - Reset, organize, and maintain previous show electrics, cables, and equipment after strike. - Provide technical assistance and advice for theater-backed events, rentals, and fundraisers as needed. - Support general shop organization and electrics inventory during weekday hours. Production Workflow and Collaboration - The Lighting Assistant will primarily work weekday daytime hours on maintenance, preparation, and show build tasks. - The Lighting Designer will provide power and DMX plots, along with a prioritized task list for each production. - The Lighting Designer will assist with larger-scale projects such as full fixture cleanings, full rehangs, and major system overhauls. - Set electrics work may be supported by additional shop personnel when available. - During tech rehearsals, the Lighting Designer will assist as needed in the afternoons or focus on programming and design refinement. - The Lighting Assistant is not required to attend all rehearsals but must be prepared to operate independently once trained. Show Operation - The Lighting Assistant may be assigned to operate performances depending on production needs and scheduling. - Operation responsibilities may be shared between the Lighting Designer and Lighting Assistant (e.g., alternating weekends or performance blocks). - The Lighting Assistant may be required to attend 1-2 rehearsals or review recorded performances to learn cues and programming prior to operating a show. - For smaller productions or seasonal shows (including holiday productions), the Lighting Assistant may be given increased opportunity to participate in programming and operation with guidance from the Lighting Designer. Compensation: 15.00-20.00hour DOE ##