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Internship Stage Lighting Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Photography Intern

Colton, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Job Type Part-time, Internship Description Williams Furnace Company is seeking a creative and ... Photograph and stage company products * Edit images using photo software (Photoshop/Lightroom ...

Photography Intern

Colton, CA · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

This part time internship will focus on capturing and editing high-quality product photos for use ... Photograph and stage company products * Edit images using photo software (Photoshop/Lightroom ...

This part time internship will focus on capturing and editing high-quality product photos for use ... Photograph and stage company products * Edit images using photo software (Photoshop/Lightroom ...

Knowledge of stage rigging. * Knowledge of college and department policies and procedures ... Knowledge of lighting equipment and design. * Knowledge of set design principles. * Knowledge of ...

Internship Stage Lighting information

What does an internship in stage lighting involve?

An internship in stage lighting typically involves assisting experienced lighting designers and technicians in setting up, operating, and maintaining lighting equipment for live performances, theater productions, or events. Interns learn about different types of lighting fixtures, control systems, and safety protocols. They may help with programming lighting cues, focusing lights, and troubleshooting technical issues. This hands-on experience provides valuable industry knowledge and helps interns build practical skills for a future career in stage lighting.

What types of projects or events do stage lighting interns typically work on during their internship?

Stage lighting interns often gain hands-on experience by assisting with a wide range of productions, such as theatrical performances, concerts, corporate events, and student showcases. Interns typically help set up and operate lighting equipment, program lighting consoles, and support the design team in creating lighting plots. This variety exposes interns to different lighting techniques and event requirements, helping them build a versatile skill set and a strong portfolio. Collaboration with lighting designers, technical directors, and stage managers is also a key part of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an internship stage lighting professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Internship Stage Lighting professional, you need a foundational understanding of lighting design principles, basic electrical knowledge, and ideally some hands-on experience or relevant coursework. Familiarity with lighting control systems (such as ETC or GrandMA consoles), DMX protocols, and safety certifications (like OSHA) are often required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and clear communication skills help interns work efficiently with lighting designers and production crews. These skills ensure safe, effective lighting setups that contribute to successful live events and productions.

What is the difference between Internship Stage Lighting vs Stage Lighting Technician?

AspectInternship Stage LightingStage Lighting Technician
CredentialsLimited or no formal certifications, on-the-job trainingRelevant certifications (e.g., ETC, ETCL), technical training
Work EnvironmentLearning-focused, entry-level, supervisedProfessional, hands-on, event-based
Employer & IndustryTheatrical productions, concerts, events, training programsLive performances, theater, concerts, touring shows
Search & Comparison IntentEntry-level, training, learning opportunitiesProfessional, experienced role, technical skills

Internship Stage Lighting is an entry-level position focused on learning and gaining experience under supervision, often part of training programs. In contrast, a Stage Lighting Technician is a skilled professional responsible for setting up, operating, and maintaining lighting equipment during live performances. The internship provides foundational knowledge, while the technician role requires technical expertise and certifications.

What are the most commonly searched types of Stage Lighting jobs in California?

The most popular types of Stage Lighting jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Internship Stage Lighting jobs in California?

For Internship Stage Lighting jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Internship Stage Lighting jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Internship Stage Lighting jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Internship Stage Lighting jobs?

Cities in California with the most Internship Stage Lighting job openings:

Infographic showing various Internship Stage Lighting job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 13% Internship, 62% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

$18 - $20/hr

Internship

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

Description

 Position Summary:  

Under the direction of the Technical Production Manager, the Stage Technician Intern will learn and operate every department of all of the technical aspects of theatrical performances, concerts, and other events.  

  • Set up and operation of all types of lighting equipment, including an ETC ION, followspots, Incandescent, LED, practical and intelligent fixtures. 
  • Set up and operation all types of audio equipment, including mixing consoles such as the Midas M32 or Yamaha CL series, microphones such as the Shure ULXD, amplifiers, and speakers. Dante, Shure WWB, and Qlab. 
  • Set up and operation all types of Video equipment, including projectors, screens, playback units and switchers. Qlab. 
  • Operation of a theatrical counterweight system, including soft goods, hard goods, occasional other forms of theatrical rigging such as chain hoist and automation. 
  • Operation of various carpentry tools including table saws, miter saws, band saws, pneumatic tools, drill motors etc. 
  • Learning to set up and take down the equipment required for all events on campus.
  • To work in a technical position and how to operate technical equipment during an event.
  • Learning how to clean and maintain all theatre production equipment and backstage areas
  • Other related duties as may be deemed necessary by the Technical Production Department. 

Employment Standards:

The Stage Technician Intern must have the ability to:

  • Understand and follow directions
  • Learn and follow safety procedures
  • Report to all work calls at the scheduled time 
  • Lift and carry up to sixty pounds
  • Learn to safely use and work on ladders and personnel lifts
  • Work in low- and no-light environments
  • Must be available to work entire show runs: load-in, rehearsals, performances, and strike. 
  • The ability to work multiple long days in a row. 

The Stage Technician Intern must successfully complete a minimum of 1000 hours to complete the program.  This training period may be extended at the discretion of the Technical Production Manager. The Stage Technician Intern position status is non-exempt and casual. The Stage Technician Intern will be required to work evenings, Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, depending upon the performance schedule. These 1000 hours are accredited by IATSE 122, the San Diego Stage Hand Union, and can be used in conjunction with their pre-apprenticeship program. 

Working Environment:

The Center's unique campus includes a 1,500-seat Concert Hall, a 400-seat Center Theater, a contemporary art museum, art and dance studios, and a full-service conference center with meeting and banquet facilities. The Stage Technician Interns primarily work in the Center Theatre, but may be asked to work any event on campus.  

Requirements

Physical demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, sit, use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools and/or controls, reach with hands and arms, climb stairs, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, talk and hear.  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move a minimum of 25 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and an ability to adjust focus. 


Work Environment:

Work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing this job, the employee is exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time.  The noise level in the work environment is moderate to loud. 

Please note:  The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the Stage Technician Intern.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.