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Lighting Design Intern Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ICT Summer Intern

Los Angeles, CA · Hybrid

$24 - $27/hr

... architectural lighting, vertical transportation, and commissioning. We currently have an ... Some responsibilities include: * Assist engineers in preparing design documentation * Prepare ...

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ICT Summer Intern

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$24 - $27/hr

... architectural lighting, vertical transportation, and commissioning. We currently have an ... Some responsibilities include: * Assist engineers in preparing design documentation * Prepare ...

Intern/Volunteer Art Director

Los Angeles, CA

$16.25 - $21.50/hr

Must have solid understanding of studio and location photography, lighting, production, and the printing process * Must consistently exhibit sharp design skills * Must be highly experienced in ...

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Lighting Design Intern information

What does a lighting design intern do?

A Lighting Design Intern assists experienced lighting designers in creating lighting plans for various projects, such as theaters, events, architecture, or film. Typical tasks include researching lighting equipment, helping with technical drawings, attending site visits, setting up lighting equipment, and collaborating with other design team members. The role provides hands-on experience and exposure to industry-standard tools and techniques, making it an excellent entry point for those interested in lighting design careers.

What types of projects and responsibilities can a lighting design intern expect to handle during their internship?

As a Lighting Design Intern, you can expect to assist with tasks such as drafting lighting layouts, conducting site visits, creating presentation materials, and performing calculations for lighting levels. Interns often work closely with senior designers and engineers, gaining exposure to different phases of project development, including conceptual design, technical documentation, and sometimes even on-site installation support. This role is a great opportunity to build practical skills using industry-standard software (like AutoCAD and Revit), collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and learn how design decisions impact overall project outcomes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a lighting design intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Lighting Design Intern, you need a solid understanding of lighting principles, basic design concepts, and often a background in architecture, theatre, or engineering. Familiarity with lighting design software such as AutoCAD, Revit, and visual rendering tools, as well as proficiency in Microsoft Office, is typically required. Strong communication, teamwork, and creative problem-solving skills help interns collaborate effectively and contribute innovative ideas. These capabilities are essential for producing high-quality lighting solutions and supporting project teams in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment.

What is the difference between Lighting Design Intern vs Lighting Designer?

AspectLighting Design InternLighting Designer
CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a relevant degree or certification in lighting design, architecture, or related fieldsProfessional certification or degree in lighting design, architecture, or related fields, with more experience
Work EnvironmentInternship settings, assisting on projects under supervision, often in architectural or entertainment industriesFull-time professional roles, leading projects, client interactions, and design development
Employer & Industry UsageArchitectural firms, entertainment companies, event production, and design studiosDesign firms, architectural companies, entertainment venues, and corporate clients

The main difference between a Lighting Design Intern and a Lighting Designer is experience and responsibility. Interns are in learning roles, assisting with projects, while Lighting Designers are experienced professionals managing entire projects and client relationships.

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Lighting Design Intern jobs in California?

For Lighting Design Intern jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Lighting Design Intern jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Lighting Design Intern jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Lighting Design Intern jobs?

Cities in California with the most Lighting Design Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Lighting Design Intern job openings in California as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution.

Disney Live Entertainment Lighting Design Intern, Spring 2027

Anaheim, CA

The Walt Disney Company
Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation • 10K+ employees

$21.13/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Walt Disney Company rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 148 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Job Posting Title:

Disney Live Entertainment Lighting Design Intern, Spring 2027

Req ID:

10159167

Job Description:

About the Role & Program

Through innovative storytelling and a culture of collaboration, Disney Live Entertainment creates, produces, and delivers remarkable and engaging entertainment experiences. From the intimate to the spectacular, our work can be seen at Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships, and other locations the world over! Our diverse team - representing a wide variety of disciplines and talents from technical directors, writers, and lighting designers to choreographers, cosmetologists, and music producers - brings magical worlds to life through technical expertise, performance excellence, incomparable ingenuity, unparalleled spectacle... and a dash of pixie dust!

The approximate date of this internship is January 2027 to June 2027, located in Anaheim, CA.

What You Will Do

The Lighting Design Team is responsible for the development of inspired designs that help to tell the stories of our live show offerings including parades, stage shows and special events on and off the Disney property. We are looking for an experienced individual with an innovative mindset and a passion for Disney quality and creativity. We are seeking a motivated individual who will ensure that the Disney standards are reflected consistently in all design & technical materials.

  • Supporting the Lighting Designers in the technical and creative production process, including producing documentation, design intent, and light plots
  • Providing technical drawing support via Vectorworks & ConnectCAD
  • Assisting with design and technical research
  • Partnering with cross-functional teams including other designers, safety teams, production teams and facility teams
  • Attending and contributing to Disney Live Entertainment department and project production meetings

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • Excellent oral/written communication and interpersonal skills
  • Creative problem-solving skills
  • Ability to work independently and self-manage time and responsibilities
  • Knowledge of lighting technology and supporting equipment
  • Familiarity with the Entertainment industry and a creative background
  • Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Vectorworks; ability to learn new software applications as appropriate

Education

Junior, senior or graduate student pursuing a degree or in Theater (technical) or related field

Preferred Education

Earning or completing MFA in Theater (technical design-related field)

Eligibility Requirements & Program Information

Candidates for this opportunity MUST meet all the requirements below:

  • Be enrolled in an accredited college/university, taking at least one class at the time of application posting, OR currently participating in a Disney College Program or Disney Internship.
  • Be at least 18 years of age
  • Possess unrestricted work authorization
  • Possess a valid US driver's license and have the ability to operate a company vehicle
  • Have not completed one year of continual employment on a Disney internship or Disney College Program
  • Able to have a consistent, reliable work schedule throughout the internship

Additional Information

  • Be compliant with The Disney Look appearance guidelines
  • Able to provide reliable transportation to/from work
  • Must be fully available for the duration of the internship
  • Recommendation - Print This Role Description:We encourage applicants to print a copy of this role description so they can refer to it if they are selected for an interview. Please note that this role description is not accessible once the posting is closed.
The pay rate for this role in Anaheim, CA is $21.13 per hour. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

Job Posting Segment:

Disney Live Entertainment

Job Posting Primary Business:

Disneyland Resort (DLE)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Creative Intern

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Anaheim, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-09-04

What Walt Disney Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Walt Disney logo

About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

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