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Theater Lighting Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ALLEY THEATRE

Overhire Lighting Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

$17.50/hr

... design under the guidance of the Electrics Supervisor and Alley Theatre Lighting Team. Overhire Lighting Technicians will service both Alley theatre spaces for load-ins, changeovers, focus calls ...

ALLEY THEATRE

Overhire Lighting Technician

Houston, TX

$17.50/hr

... design under the guidance of the Electrics Supervisor and Alley Theatre Lighting Team. Overhire Lighting Technicians will service both Alley theatre spaces for load-ins, changeovers, focus calls ...

W3Global Inc.

Lighting Designer II

Dallas, TX · On-site

$85K - $105K/yr

Bachelor's Degree in Lighting Design or a related field (Theater Lighting, Interior Design, Architecture, or Architectural Engineering) * Minimum 3+ years of experience in architectural lighting ...

Dance Place

Lighting Technician

Washington, DC · On-site

$25 - $35/hr

... the design support, maintenance, and operation of the theater's lighting systems. Reporting to the Technical Director, the Lighting Technician works collaboratively with the production team ...

Dance Place

Lighting Technician

Washington, DC

$25 - $35/hr

... Theater technical staff and is responsible for the design support, maintenance, and operation of the theater's lighting systems. Reporting to the Technical Director, theLighting Technician works ...

legence

Lighting Designer

El Segundo, CA

The ideal candidate will have recent architectural lighting design training, or lighting adjacent design training (interiors / architecture / landscape architecture / theatrical lighting) and 2 - 3 ...

Dance Place

Lighting Technician

Washington, DC · On-site

... Theater technical staff and is responsible for the design support, maintenance, and operation of the theaters lighting systems. Reporting to the Technical Director, theLighting Technician works ...

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Theater Lighting Design information

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$49K

$72.8K

$94K

How much do theater lighting design jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for theater lighting design in the United States is $72,767.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,000.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges theater lighting designers face during live productions?

Theater lighting designers often encounter challenges such as adapting to last-minute script or staging changes, working within tight technical and budget constraints, and ensuring that lighting cues are perfectly synchronized with performers and other technical departments. Collaboration with directors, stage managers, and set designers is crucial to achieve the desired artistic vision while maintaining safety and functionality. Flexibility and problem-solving skills are key, as designers must frequently troubleshoot equipment or make quick adjustments during rehearsals and live shows.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Theater Lighting Designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Theater Lighting Designer, you need a solid understanding of lighting principles, design concepts, and often a degree in theater production or a related field. Familiarity with lighting control systems, CAD software like Vectorworks, and industry-standard lighting consoles is typically required. Creativity, strong communication, and problem-solving skills help you collaborate effectively with directors and technical teams. These skills are essential to create impactful visual storytelling, ensure technical precision, and support the overall artistic vision of a production.

What is the difference between Theater Lighting Design vs Stage Lighting Technician?

AspectTheater Lighting DesignStage Lighting Technician
CredentialsDesign certifications, lighting design coursesTechnical training, lighting operation certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, theaters, production meetingsOn-site at theaters, live event setups
ResponsibilitiesCreating lighting concepts, designing lighting plotsInstalling, operating, and maintaining lighting equipment
Industry UsageUsed in pre-production, planning phasesActive during performances and setups

While Theater Lighting Design focuses on creating the overall visual concept and designing lighting plans, Stage Lighting Technicians implement and operate the lighting during performances. Both roles are essential in theater productions but differ in scope, responsibilities, and timing within the production process.

What is theater lighting design?

Theater lighting design is the art and science of creating lighting plans and effects for stage productions. A theater lighting designer uses light to enhance the mood, focus the audience's attention, and support the storytelling of a performance. This involves choosing the right types of lights, determining their placement, and programming cues to match the action on stage. Lighting designers work closely with directors, set designers, and other crew members to achieve the desired visual impact. Their work is both creative and technical, requiring knowledge of lighting equipment, color theory, and stagecraft.
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Theater Lighting Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Theater Lighting Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Full Time, 86% Part Time, and 3% Temporary. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,767 per year, or $35 per hour.
Overhire Lighting Technician

Overhire Lighting Technician

ALLEY THEATRE

Houston, TX • On-site

$17.50/hr

Other

Retirement

Posted 18 days ago

Job description

OVERVIEW
Founded in 1947 by Nina Vance, the Alley Theatre is a pioneer of regional theatre, and one of the leading nonprofit theatre companies in the United States. The Alley has been awarded the prestigious Regional Theatre Tony Award® and the Texas Medal of Arts Award. The Alley has transferred productions to Broadway, Off-Broadway, major European Festivals, and to 40 American cities. Unique among regional theatres, the Alley is committed to maintaining a Resident Acting Company and providing them with work year-round. Nationally recognized directors, actors, playwrights, and designers from across the country have regularly joined the Resident Acting Company.
Rob Melrose, Artistic Director at the Alley, took over as artistic leader of the organization in 2019. His vision for the future of the Alley is both thrilling and ambitious. His strategic goals include upholding the Alley's artistic excellence, keeping longtime Alley Theatre devotees eager to return each season, and creating productions and cultivating new audiences.
Rob Melrose and Incoming Managing Director Jennifer Bielstein along with Alley's leadership team are committed to fostering an environment where everyone is encouraged to bring their authentic selves.
JOB STATEMENT
Overhire Lighting Technicians may be hired for Load-in work on an as-needed basis or on a show specific contract to serve as Lightboard Programmer, Lightboard Operator, Followspot Operator, or Deck Electrician. When working on Load-ins, Overhire Lighting Technicians are responsible for the safe installation of lighting equipment and execution of the lighting design under the guidance of the Electrics Supervisor and Alley Theatre Lighting Team. Overhire Lighting Technicians will service both Alley theatre spaces for load-ins, changeovers, focus calls, strikes, notes calls and maintenance calls. Show-specific Overhire Lighting Technicians will be expected to work all assigned technical, dress and brush-up rehearsals, notes sessions and performances. Specific duties could include but would not be limited to Console Programming, Console Operation, Daily Show Maintenance, and/or Followspot Operation.
JOB DUTIES
  • Performing as an electrician for load-ins, changeovers, focus calls, strikes, notes calls and maintenance calls.
  • Participating in the preparation of shows. Includes preparing required equipment, organization of color, templates, and other consumables as well as the wiring of practicals and effects.
  • Participating in the maintenance of lighting department equipment and facilities as assigned: including (but not limited to) theatrical lighting instrumentation, practical electrical properties, backstage running lights, projection equipment, chemical and dry ice foggers, effects devices, cue lights and tech tables.
  • Programming and running of the lighting console for all technical, dress and brush-up rehearsals, note sessions and performances as assigned by the Lighting Director.
  • Involvement as a show electrician (Followspot Operator, Deck Electrician, or Video Technician) as productions require.
  • Attending technical rehearsals and run-throughs as assigned by the Lighting Director.
  • Performing daily dimmer/focus checks to maintain the lighting design during the run of the show- correcting any focus problems, changing lamps or burned gel as needed and referring any other problems to the Lighting Director, Associate Lighting Director, and/or Master Electrician.
  • Maintaining cleanliness and promoting a safe working environment in all Lighting areas in the theatre: Lighting Office, control booths, dimmer rooms, grids, catwalks, work areas, and storage spaces.
  • Understanding of (or a commitment to learning about) historical and institutional racism in the American theatre.
  • Additional related duties as assigned by Lighting Director or other Lighting Staff.

In addition to the duties listed above, the Alley Theatre expects the following of each employee: adheres to theatre's policies and procedures; works in a safe manner; performs duties as workload necessitates; maintains a positive and respectful attitude; communicates regularly with supervisor about department issues; demonstrates efficient time management and prioritizes workload; demonstrates regular and consistent attendance and punctuality; meets department productivity standards; participates in Alley Theatre events as needed or required; and completes other duties as assigned.
REQUIREMENTS (SKILLS and KNOWLEDGE)
  • Familiarity and working knowledge of current lighting instruments and equipment.
  • Ability to read and understand common drawings and paperwork used in theatrical lighting installations.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced, energized and quickly changing environment.
  • Excellent organizational, interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work independently and as a team player.
  • Understanding of historical and institutional racism in the American theatre, or a commitment to learning, and to be a part of Alley Theatre's efforts to be an anti-racist organization.
  • To be considered for "Lightboard Programmer," applicants must have skill programming complex sequences with multi-parameter fixtures on ETC EOS Family Consoles.
  • To be considered for "Lightboard Operator," applicants must have a general understanding of the functions of ETC EOS Family Consoles and be able to independently troubleshoot and correct common theatrical lighting problems in an efficient manner.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORKING CONDITIONS
  • Prolonged periods of standing, ladder work and work on MEWPs (Personnel Lifts).
  • Ability to work at heights of up to 70 feet, in cramped spaces and otherwise limiting job sites.
  • Ability to regularly move and lift 30-50 lbs.
  • Typical hours are during the day, but the position requires the flexibility to be available for weekend, holidays, and evening work hours as needed.

BENEFITS & PERKS
  • 401(k) with matching, FSA, HRA (Alley paid deductible)
  • Free and discounted tickets to Alley Theatre performances

Alley Theatre is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at HRdept@alleytheatre.org.
The Alley Theatre is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable local, state, or federal law. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

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