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Freelance Concert Lighting Designer Jobs in Indiana

Acts as lead console programmer and assistant to guest designers. * Functions as lighting supervisor for all opera, ballet, concert and other performance events at the center. Oversees the execution ...

Stagehand - Old National Centre

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$16.75 - $22.25/hr

With perks ranging from free concert tickets to dog-friendly offices, to progressive benefits like ... Cabling; assist audio & lighting crew as directed * Band Set changes * Ensure that members of the ...

... lighting equipment in the recital venues. * Point of coordination between the individuals and ... Manages, designs, plans, installs, operates, and maintains video production facilities, recording ...

Freelance Concert Lighting Designer information

What does a freelance concert lighting designer do?

A Freelance Concert Lighting Designer is responsible for planning and creating the lighting for live music performances. They work closely with artists, production teams, and sometimes venues to design lighting that enhances the mood and energy of the concert. Their tasks include selecting lighting equipment, programming lighting cues, and operating the lighting console during shows. As freelancers, they often manage multiple projects, negotiate contracts, and handle their own schedules.

What are some common challenges freelance concert lighting designers face when working with new artists or venues?

Freelance concert lighting designers often encounter challenges such as adapting to unfamiliar venues with unique technical constraints and building rapport with new artists who may have distinct creative visions. Each venue may have different lighting equipment and rigging capabilities, requiring quick problem-solving and flexibility. Additionally, designers must effectively communicate and collaborate with artists, production managers, and other crew members to ensure the lighting enhances the performance while staying within budget and time constraints. Overcoming these challenges successfully can lead to repeat work and valuable industry connections.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a freelance concert lighting designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Freelance Concert Lighting Designer, you need a strong grasp of lighting design principles, technical knowledge of lighting fixtures, and experience with live event production, often supported by a degree in theatrical design or a related field. Proficiency with lighting control consoles (such as MA Lighting or ETC), CAD software (like Vectorworks), and industry certifications (e.g., ETCP) is highly valuable. Creativity, problem-solving, adaptability, and effective communication help you collaborate with artists and production teams while responding dynamically to live event challenges. These skills ensure impactful visual experiences, seamless show execution, and a strong professional reputation in a competitive industry.

What is the difference between Freelance Concert Lighting Designer vs Freelance Stage Lighting Technician?

AspectFreelance Concert Lighting DesignerFreelance Stage Lighting Technician
CredentialsDesign certifications, lighting knowledge, industry experienceTechnical training, lighting operation skills, certifications
Work EnvironmentDesigning lighting concepts for concerts and eventsInstalling, operating, and maintaining lighting equipment
Employer & IndustryEvent production companies, concert promoters, freelance projectsProduction companies, touring companies, live event venues

While both roles involve lighting in live events, a Freelance Concert Lighting Designer focuses on creating visual concepts and designing lighting setups for concerts, whereas a Freelance Stage Lighting Technician handles the technical execution, setup, and operation of lighting equipment during performances.

What are the most commonly searched types of Concert Lighting Designer jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Concert Lighting Designer jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Freelance Concert Lighting Designer jobs in Indiana?

For Freelance Concert Lighting Designer jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Freelance Concert Lighting Designer jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Freelance Concert Lighting Designer jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Freelance Concert Lighting Designer jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Freelance Concert Lighting Designer job openings:

Infographic showing various Freelance Concert Lighting Designer job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 88% In-person, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Lighting Specialist

Bloomington, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Department Specific Responsibilities
  • Oversees all lighting requirements for all events for the center. This includes developing, designing, and implementing lighting for events produced and performed by the school.
  • Facilitates, organizes, and oversees the design implementation of guest lighting designers.
  • Serves as an advisor to the executive director of production for future projects regarding lighting technology and vision.
  • Creates drafting, light plots, and all necessary paperwork for the execution and archival of productions.
  • Collaborates with Head Electrician to maintain and manage the departmental annual budget, crew schedules, and inventory.
  • Coordinates with vendors for equipment rental and purchases to meet vision and design requirement
  • Works closely and in conjunction with the Head Stage Electrician concerning logistics, lighting hangs, focus sessions, advising and facilitating software and hardware needs and implementing policies and procedures.
General Responsibilities
  • Develops lighting designs for the center. Facilitates designs of guest artists, while serving as an advisor and liaison to the guest artists during their visit. Prepares logistics, conducts lighting hangs and focus sessions in advance of arrival of guest designers. Acts as lead console programmer and assistant to guest designers.
  • Functions as lighting supervisor for all opera, ballet, concert and other performance events at the center. Oversees the execution of stage lighting for productions presented by the school as well as the stage lighting for scheduled non-operatic/ballet performances.
  • Advises and facilitates lighting and projection equipment needs and implementation of the equipment.
  • Creates drafting, paperwork, and archival information for the implementation and recreation of productions.
  • Supervises hourly and temporary employees. Provides and may implement processes improvement suggestions.
  • Assists in managing the departmental budget under direction of the executive director of production. Maintains inventory and ongoing equipment maintenance records.
Qualifications
Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.
EDUCATION
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in related field
Preferred
  • Master's degree in fine arts
WORK EXPERIENCE
Required
  • 2 years in related field
Preferred
  • Experience in Lighting Design and implementation in the professional and/or academic arenas
SKILLS
Required
  • Proficient communication skills
  • Maintains a high degree of professionalism
  • Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills
  • Demonstrates a high commitment to quality
  • Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment
  • Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty
  • Highly thorough and dependable
  • Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure
Preferred
  • Working knowledge of CAD/Vectorworks, Lightwright, Watchout
  • Familiarity with all lighting instruments, including automated instruments, projectors, and computerized lightboards and systems
  • Familiarity with photographic and computer software used to create media for projection effects
  • Intimate working knowledge of CAD/Vectorworks, Lightwright, Adobe Photoshop, Watchout, QLab, Isadora, Disguise, Microsoft Excel and Word, and standard computer skills
Working Conditions / Demands
This role requires the ability to remain in a stationary position as well as the ability to move about the workplace for long durations. It requires effective communication, the ability to operate machinery, tools, and controls. The role requires the ability to ascend/descend ladders/stairs, and to position one's self in low level positions, detect a variety of chemicals and/or gases. The role requires the ability to ascend to rooftops and move in tight spaces to perform and complete inspections. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.
Work Location
IUB campus
Musical Arts Center
This is an in-person position.
Benefits Overview
For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:
  • Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
  • Health savings account with generous IU contributions
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • Basic group life insurance paid by IU
  • Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
  • Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
  • Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
  • Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
  • 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
  • Generous paid time off plans
  • Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure .
Job Classification
Car eer Level: Career
FLSA: Exempt
Job Function: Educational Resources & Tech
Job Family: Performing Arts
Click here to learn more about Indiana University's Job Framework.
Posting Disclaimer
This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.
If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information .
Campus Safety and Security
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online . You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at iups@iu.edu or by visiting IUPD.
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