Lighting Technician

Job Description

Job Description

Hale Center Foundation for the Arts and Education (dba The Ruth and Nathan Hale Theater / The Ruth) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing high-quality, family-friendly theater experiences. We are passionate about arts education and its positive impact on our community. Join our team and be part of a mission-driven organization that brings joy and culture to Utah Valley! 

Position Summary:  

 

The Lighting Technician is responsible for assisting with the installation, programming, operation, and strike of lighting systems for assigned productions at The Ruth and Nathan Hale Theater. This role works closely with the Lighting Designer, Stage Management, and the Lighting & Media team to support the artistic vision of each production while ensuring safe, reliable, and consistent execution during rehearsals and performances. When applicable, this role may collaborate with the Lighting & Media team to support cue-based media integration as defined for the production. The Lighting Technician is on standby to run shows as needed. 

Duties and Responsibilities:  

 

Lighting Install & Strike 

• Assist with the hang, circuiting, addressing, focus, and strike of lighting equipment under the direction of the Head Electrician or Head of Lighting & Media, as scheduled. 

• Support the Lighting & Media team in maintaining an organized, safe, and efficient lighting workspace during load-in, rehearsals, and strike. 

• Follow installation plans, paperwork, and task assignments provided for the production to ensure safe and consistent execution. 

• Assist with loading, unloading, and properly storing lighting equipment before and after productions. 

• Adhere to all safety protocols related to electrical systems, ladders, lifts, and theatrical work environments. 

• Participate in lighting focus sessions as scheduled. 

• Assist in troubleshooting console, network, or software issues in collaboration with the Lighting & Media team. 

• Assist in fixing work notes timely and to the Lighting Designer’s satisfaction. 

• Assist in creating, updating, and maintaining lighting paperwork, including channel hookups, patch sheets, magic sheets, focus charts, cue sheets, and other production documentation. 

Programming & Show Run 

• Program, edit, and refine lighting cues during technical rehearsals in collaboration with the Lighting Designer, ensuring the designer's artistic vision is translated accurately into the lighting control system. 

• Attend and actively participate in technical rehearsals and performances to ensure smooth execution of all lighting elements and resolve technical issues as they arise. 

• Operate the lighting console during performances while maintaining consistent cue execution and responding appropriately to unexpected technical or performance issues. 

• Make programming adjustments and cue updates throughout the rehearsal process while maintaining show consistency and documentation. 

• Maintain console show files through regular backups and version control to ensure programming integrity throughout the production process. 

• Coordinate with Sound, Stage Management, Scenic Automation, and other production departments as needed to ensure accurate cue synchronization during technical rehearsals and performances. 

Maintenance & Hardware 

• Assist the Lighting & Media department in performing preventative maintenance and following established maintenance schedules for lighting equipment and systems. 

• Help with troubleshooting, diagnosing, servicing, and maintaining moving lights, LEDs, conventional fixtures, and atmospherics. 

• Help service LED tape, practicals, dimmers, and relays. 

• Help maintain the inventory system implemented by the Lighting & Media team. 

Collaboration & Communication 

• Work collaboratively with the Lighting Designer to implement notes, changes, and refinements. 

• Communicate clearly with Stage Management regarding cue timing, holds, or technical concerns. 

• Coordinate with the Lighting & Media department regarding console setup, maintenance, and strike. 

• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the department. 

Safety & Professional Standards 

• Follow all theater safety protocols related to electrical equipment and console operation. 

• Maintain a clean, organized, and secure programming and operating workspace. 

• Represent the theater with professionalism, reliability, and respect for artists and staff. 

Media Integration (When Applicable) 

• Support basic media or projection programming when assigned, including triggering media cues from the lighting console or associated playback software. 

• Collaborate with the Lighting Designer, Media Designer, and Lighting & Media department to implement approved media cues. 

• Media responsibilities will be communicated in advance and are dependent on the scope and needs of the individual production. 

• Other duties as assigned. 

Skills and Qualifications: 

 

• Demonstrated experience programming and operating theatrical lighting consoles; experience with ETC EOS family consoles strongly preferred. 

• Working knowledge of theatrical lighting systems, including dimming, DMX, networking basics, and cue execution. 

• Ability to read and interpret lighting plots, channel hookups, magic sheets, cue sheets, and designer paperwork. 

• Strong understanding of cue structure, timing, fades, effects, and transitions in a live performance environment. 

• Highly detail-oriented, with the ability to maintain clean, well-organized show files and consistent execution across performances. 

• Comfortable making real-time adjustments during technical rehearsals and performances as directed by the Lighting Designer or Stage Management. 

• Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with designers, stage management, and technical staff. 

• Ability to work calmly and accurately under pressure during long technical rehearsals and live performances. 

• Reliable, punctual, and able to manage time effectively in a production-driven schedule. 

• Ability to sit or stand at a lighting console for extended periods and maintain focus in low-light environments. 

• Ability to respond quickly and decisively to live cue calls and unforeseen technical issues. 

• Must be comfortable working evenings, weekends, and extended technical rehearsal periods. 

• Familiarity with safety best practices related to electrical equipment and theatrical environments. 

Schedule & Time Commitment 

• Attendance required for scheduled lighting focus, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances. 

• Programming and tech schedules vary by production and will be communicated in advance. 

• Evening and weekend availability is required.