Lighting: Head of Department

This document details some of the work generally performed by the Head of Lighting on major shows. It is not a definitive document as the duties of the Head of Lighting will always be influenced by the needs of the production and the assigned crew.

Job description

Responsible for all technical elements of setting up and operating the lighting. Specific duties include:

• Prepping the equipment for rigging, based on the lighting plan.
• Managing the lighting crew.
• Rigging lights.
• Patching, and creating patch sheets.
• Focusing the lights, with the lighting designer.
• Recording cues into the lighting desk, under the direction of the lighting designer.
• Operating the lighting desk for performances.
• Bumping out all lighting equipment after the season.

As soon as you are assigned to a production

• Get a copy of the script and read it.
• Meet with the lighting designer to discuss the general design overview. Determine if any items will need to be hired or purchased. 
• With the lighting designer, stage manager and production manager, set dates for the rig, focus and plot.

For each rehearsal session

• Read the stage manager’s rehearsal report to check for any relevant information, and respond to it.

Two to three weeks prior to first performance

• Attend any full runs of the show in rehearsal.
• Meet with the lighting designer to discuss the preliminary lighting plan. Plans are generally not created until this point (or later).
• Once the lighting designer has drawn the plan, create a colour/gobo call and make sure all required items are in stock.
• Arrange for any extra equipment or consumables to be bought or hired.
• Discuss the need and placement of cue lights or special worklights, such as backstage blues.

One week prior to first performance (production week)

• From the lighting designer’s plan, rig and patch the lights.
• Set up cue lights and special worklights.
• With the lighting designer, focus the lights.
• With the lighting designer, director and stage manager, plot the lights (record cues into the lighting desk).
• Operate the lighting for all technical and dress rehearsals, and make any required changes.

For each performance

• Arrive at the specified call time and carry out all pre-show checks. Use a checklist to ensure everything is checked and set correctly.
• Operate the show as rehearsed.
• After each performance, power down correctly.

After the season (bump out)

• De-rig the lights as required.
• Return any hired equipment and store gel/gobos.
• Production notes archived for future reference
• Evaluations and feedback