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Theatre Lighting Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

ALLEY THEATRE

Overhire Lighting Technician

Houston, TX · On-site

$18/hr

  • Retirement

... 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

$18/hr

  • Retirement

... 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 ...

legence

Lighting Designer

El Segundo, CA · On-site

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

HLB Lighting Design

Lighting Designer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$76K - $81K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree or above in Lighting Design or Architectural Engineering or Architecture or Interior Design or Theatrical Lighting or related education and experience * 2 to 4 years' experience

HLB Lighting Design

Lighting Designer

Miami, FL · On-site

$68K - $73K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree or above in Lighting Design or Architectural Engineering or Architecture or Interior Design or Theatrical Lighting or related education and experience * 2 to 4 years' experience

HLB Lighting Design

Lighting Designer

Culver City, CA · On-site

$76K - $81K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree or above in Lighting Design or Architectural Engineering or Architecture or Interior Design or Theatrical Lighting or related education and experience * 2 to 4 years' experience

HLB Lighting Design

Senior Lighting Designer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$85K - $91K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Bachelor's degree or above in Lighting Design or Architectural Engineering or Architecture or Interior Design or Theatrical Lighting or related education and experience * 3 to 5 years' experience

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Theatre Lighting Design information

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$49K

$72.8K

$94K

How much do theatre lighting design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for theatre 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 is theatre lighting design?

Theatre lighting design is the art and practice of creating lighting plans and effects for live stage productions. It involves selecting and arranging lighting equipment, choosing colors, and programming cues to enhance the mood, visibility, and storytelling of a performance. Lighting designers work closely with directors, set designers, and other production staff to support the show's vision and guide the audience's attention. The role requires both technical expertise and creative problem-solving.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a theatre lighting designer?

To thrive as a Theatre Lighting Designer, you need a deep understanding of lighting principles, stagecraft, and design, often supported by a relevant degree or experience in theatrical production. Proficiency with industry-standard lighting consoles (such as ETC or GrandMA), CAD software, and lighting visualization tools is crucial. Creativity, strong communication, and the ability to collaborate closely with directors and production teams are standout soft skills in this field. These skills and qualities ensure effective storytelling, technical precision, and seamless integration of lighting design in live performances.

What are some common challenges faced by theatre lighting designers during a production process?

Theatre lighting designers often navigate challenges such as adapting their creative vision to fit technical limitations, working within tight budgets, and coordinating with other departments like set and costume design to ensure cohesive stage visuals. They must also be adept at troubleshooting unexpected issues during rehearsals and performances, such as equipment malfunctions or last-minute script changes. Collaboration and flexibility are key, as lighting designers frequently adjust their plans to support directors’ evolving concepts and the needs of live performers.

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

AspectTheatre Lighting DesignStage Lighting Technician
CredentialsOften requires a degree in theatre, lighting design, or related fieldTypically has technical training or certification in lighting operation
Work EnvironmentDesigns lighting plans, collaborates with directors and designersExecutes lighting cues, operates lighting equipment during performances
Industry UsageUsed in planning and creating lighting concepts for productionsInvolved in the technical implementation and operation of lighting

While Theatre Lighting Designers create the overall lighting concept and plan for a production, Stage Lighting Technicians focus on executing those designs during performances. Both roles are essential, but they differ in scope and responsibilities within the lighting process.

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What cities are hiring for Theatre Lighting Design jobs?

Cities with the most Theatre Lighting Design job openings:

What states have the most Theatre Lighting Design jobs?

States with the most job openings for Theatre Lighting Design jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Theatre Lighting Design jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Theatre Lighting Design jobs are:

Theatre Lighting Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Theatre Lighting Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $72,767 per year, or $35 per hour.

Overhire Lighting Technician

ALLEY THEATRE

Houston, TX • On-site

$18/hr

Other

Retirement

Re-posted 23 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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