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Moving Light Programmer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Building Engineer

Lake Worth, FL ยท On-site

$50K - $60K/yr

The Building Engineer will oversee the daily building and facility operations of our South Florida ... moving light furniture. * Vacant Unit Prep: Help clean, paint, and prepare recently vacated ...

Lighting operation: console programming, moving light operation, fixture setup & strike * Ability to operate client's A/V equipment as required by design and function of the event * Set & Strike ...

... moving light operation, and basic lighting maintenance, basic sound engineering and knowledge of pyrotechnics preferred. * Working knowledge of theatrical rigging, maintenance and inspections ...

... moving light operation, and basic lighting maintenance, basic sound engineering and knowledge of pyrotechnics preferred. * Working knowledge of theatrical rigging, maintenance and inspections ...

Welder

Saint Louis, MO

$19.75 - $25.75/hr

Work from engineering drawings, blueprints, rough sketches and MI's. * Inspect completed work for ... Continuously lifting or moving material of very light weight in difficult work positions;

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Moving Light Programmer information

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$12

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How much do moving light programmer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for moving light programmer in the United States is $39.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $25.72 and $51.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges a Moving Light Programmer faces during live productions, and how can they be managed?

A Moving Light Programmer often works under tight deadlines, adapting quickly to last-minute changes in lighting cues or show design. One of the main challenges is ensuring seamless coordination with lighting designers, directors, and stage crews, especially during technical rehearsals and live performances where timing is critical. To manage these challenges, strong communication skills, thorough preparation, and familiarity with various lighting consoles and fixtures are essential. Additionally, staying calm under pressure and being proactive in troubleshooting can help ensure smooth show execution.

What is the difference between Moving Light Programmer vs Lighting Designer?

AspectMoving Light ProgrammerLighting Designer
CredentialsTechnical training, programming certifications, industry experienceDesign education, artistic portfolio, industry experience
Work EnvironmentOn-site at events, theaters, concerts, live showsPre-production planning, conceptual meetings, on-site during events
Employer & Industry UsageLighting production companies, theaters, touring showsEvent production companies, theaters, architectural projects

While both roles work closely with lighting setups, a Moving Light Programmer focuses on programming and operating moving lights during live events, ensuring precise control and effects. A Lighting Designer creates the overall visual concept and design, working in pre-production and collaborating with the team. The roles are complementary but differ in scope and responsibilities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Moving Light Programmer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Moving Light Programmer, you need a solid understanding of lighting design principles, DMX protocols, and experience with lighting consoles, often supported by a background in technical theater or relevant certifications. Familiarity with industry-standard lighting control systems like MA Lighting grandMA, ETC Eos, or Hog consoles is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are essential soft skills for adapting to changing production needs and collaborating with creative teams. These skills ensure precise execution of lighting cues, smooth show operations, and successful integration of creative vision into live performances.

What is a Moving Light Programmer?

A Moving Light Programmer is a lighting technician who specializes in programming and operating moving lights and automated lighting fixtures for live events, theater productions, concerts, and television. They use lighting control consoles to create dynamic lighting effects, cues, and transitions that enhance the visual experience. This role requires a deep understanding of lighting design, DMX control systems, and the specific capabilities of intelligent lighting fixtures. Moving Light Programmers often work closely with lighting designers and directors to realize their creative vision on stage.
Infographic showing various Moving Light Programmer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 40% Full Time, 40% Part Time, and 20% Nights. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $82,234 per year, or $39.5 per hour.
Lightboard Programmer/Operator

Lightboard Programmer/Operator

CHILDRENS THEATRE COMPANY

Minneapolis, MN โ€ข On-site

$25.75/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

Childrenโ€™s Theatre Company (CTC) is seeking qualified candidates with a background in running lighting consoles, moving light programming and lighting software for the position of Light Board Programmer/Operator.ย  This is a seasonal benefits eligible position that is guaranteed at least 40 weeks of full-time work each season and is part of a collective bargaining agreement with IATSE Local 13, AFL-CIO.ย  This position requires someone who is knowledgeable about lighting console programming, theatrical lighting instruments and dimmers, interpreting lighting plots and who has the ability to positively contribute to an anti-racist/anti-bias organization.ย  Applicants for this role should have creative problem-solving skills, analytical abilities, and strong interpersonal skills.

CTC is committed to equity, diversity, inclusion and justice in our organization and our community, and thus we seek a broad spectrum of employees.ย  We strongly encourage and welcome applicants who are Black, Indigenous or People of Color, as well as those who are from other underrepresented communities.ย 

ORGANIZATION DESCRIPTION

Led by Artistic Director Rick Dildine and Managing Director Ryan French,ย Children's Theatreย Company (CTC) is the nationโ€™s leading theatre for multigenerational audiences and is one of the 25 largest producing theatres in the United States. A winner of the Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre, CTC creates extraordinary theatre experiences that educate, challenge and inspire young people. It has set standards of excellence in the quality of its productions, commitment to new work, and innovative education and community partnerships.

DESCRIPTION OF MINNEAPOLIS AND THE TWIN CITIES METRO AREA

Minneapolis and the Twin Cities area has a thriving and vibrant arts scene.ย  The Twin Cities metro area is one of the largest theatre markets in the country, with over 150 theatres.ย  Minnesota year in and year out ranks near the top nationwide in federal and state arts funding and has a strong history of private arts philanthropy.ย 

The Twin Cities area is the second largest economic center in the Midwest and is annually ranked as a top area in terms of quality of life.ย  It is home to several restaurants and chefs who are James Beard nominees or winners.ย  The Minneapolis parks system has been called the best-designed, best-financed and best-maintained in America.ย 

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION STATEMENT

CTC is dedicated to increasing equity, diversity and inclusion in our audiences, our programs and in all of our hiring for staff, artists, and recruiting of board members.ย  CTC is committed to a future where our theatre is a home for all people, all families, and is truly reflective of our community.ย  We are also committed to providing a work environment that is free from discrimination.ย  CTC prohibits discrimination in employment against any employee or job applicant because of that personโ€™s race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, sex, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, membership in a local human rights commission or any other legally protected status.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Lighting Board Programmer/Operator programs and operates the lighting console for productions on the UnitedHealth Group Stage and Cargill Stage. The person in this position is also responsible for maintaining the lighting equipment and design throughout the run of the show. This position is covered by a CBA with I.A.T.S.E. Local #13.

This position reports to the Lighting and Video Director.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Lighting Programming and Maintenance

  • Responsible for programming the lighting console for UnitedHealth Group Stage and Cargill Stage productions and events; also responsible for running shows as the schedule allows
  • Must be able to work closely with the lighting designer to assist with the realization of the lighting design
  • Responsible for maintaining the lighting equipment used in each production (i.e. daily lamp and focus check)
  • Act as one of the staff electricians during load-ins, focus, changeovers and strikes
  • Occasionally act as supervisor during changeovers and strikes

Collaborate with all staff in the furtherance of CTCโ€™s goal of being an anti-racist/anti-bias theatre that works towards Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

  • Encourage and empower everyone to speak out against racist and/or biased workplace practices and policies
  • Study topics that lead to a deeper understanding of how white supremacy, racial violence, and systemic racism have shaped American society and how that shapes CTCโ€™s workplace and the lives of CTC employees
  • Positively contribute to the ACT One platform, creating a future where our theatre is a home for all people, all families, reflective of our community

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Accurate - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly
  • Analytical Skills - Ability to use thinking and reasoning to solve a problem
  • Creative - Ability to think in such a way as to produce a new concept or idea
  • Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word
  • Detail Oriented - Ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task
  • Diversity Oriented โ€“ Ability to work effectively with people regardless of their age, gender, race,ย ethnicity, religion or physical abilitiesย 
  • Inclusive โ€“ Skill and value of providing equal access of opportunities and resources for people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalizedย 
  • Interpersonal - Ability to get along well with a variety of personalities and individuals
  • Organized - Possessing the trait of being organized or following a systematic method of performing a task
  • Patience - Ability to act calmly under stress and strain, and of not being hasty or impetuous
  • Problem Solving - Ability to find a solution for or to deal proactively with work-related problems
  • Technical Aptitude - Ability to comprehend complex technical topics and specialized information

ย ย ย  Experience

  • Demonstrated ability on ETC EOS family lighting consoles or similar computerized lighting consoles
  • Demonstrated ability in moving light programming
  • Must be able to interpret Lighting Plots and Architectural Drawingsย 
  • Basic knowledge of Vectorworks and Lightwright software preferredย 
  • Intermediate knowledge of Windows and Mac operating systems
  • Must have demonstrated working knowledge of the following: theatrical lighting instruments and dimmers, small power tools, counter-weight fly systems
  • Knowledge of safety best practices, fall protection; OSHA 10 or 30 preferred
  • Good knowledge of NEC codes for the Theater, basic electrical wiring, basic electronics
  • Intermediate knowledge of Ethernet protocols, networking, and data distribution
  • Must be comfortable working in high places

Other Qualitiesย 

  • A commitment to ethical conduct in all respects of the work environmentย 
  • A commitment to creating a just, equitable and inclusive work environmentย 
  • A commitment to the protection of confidential information to which this position has accessย ย ย 
  • Ability to positively contribute to an anti-racist/anti-bias organization and work to dismantle structural racism in theatreย 
COMPENSATION

The minimum starting wage for this position is $25.75 per hour.ย  Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance; short-term and long-term disability and life insurance; vacation and sick leave; nine paid holidays; and a 403(b)-retirement savings plan.