Learning types and functions of lighting instruments.
You can get your theater lighting training in a formal college theater program or through hands-on experience doing volunteer work and internships. The best training combines classroom experience and theory with real-world production experience. Lighting design and production work entails a combination of physical, mental, creative, analytical and technical skills.
Classroom Programs
Technical theater training includes training in lighting, sound, scenic design and construction, properties and sometimes hair and makeup as well. Colleges and high schools offer technical theater programs, although their effectiveness varies with the equipment available. High school and undergraduate programs offer lighting-specific classes that teach theories of lighting position, techniques and color use, the technical specifications of individual lighting instruments, operation of lighting consoles, elements of design and script analysis for lighting needs. Specialization, level of detail and amount of hands-on work increase as the student advances. Master's-level lighting training focuses on design elements and business aspects of lighting and results in a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree.
Volunteer Learning
Small nonprofessional theater groups such as community or civic theaters often need volunteer help.
Employment Opportunities
In addition to professional and community theaters, trained lighting designers may use their training to create architectural lighting for commercial applications or museum displays. They may design lighting for non-theater entertainment venues such as amusement parks, or they may apply their skills to trade shows or church events.Internships
Internships offer more formal hands-on training than volunteering and may be paid or unpaid. Because internships are generally conducted by professional theater companies, the quality of training and equipment is higher than in community theaters. Many internships are for college students only, but others may find a professional theater company that is willing to take on an intern for an unpaid position. Internships are one of the most valuable parts of theater lighting training because they expose trainees to the professional theater world, train in a real-world setting and offering the intern professional connections. Theater companies often hire interns who have proven themselves to be excellent workers. Internships are an excellent way to see if the work is right for you.
Certification
No certification or specific degree is required by all theater companies, but to work as a lighting electrician in union-operated theaters, you must become a member of the local chapter of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE). A certain number of production hours and a written skills test are required to join the union; the requirements vary by local chapter.
If you have no formal training, you will generally start at the lowest skill level--carrying lights from one place to another and coiling and uncoiling lighting cable. Training is hands-on unless crew members choose to teach some theory, and focuses on the production aspects of hanging and focusing lights rather than design and programming. The effectiveness of volunteer training is a function of the willingness and ability of the theater company's lighting staff to teach.
Theater lighting electricians are often employed by theater companies, although they may freelance through the local IATSE chapter at a variety of venues. Designers may be freelance workers or may be attached to a company.
