Electrical Lighting technician A.K.A Lighting Tech
Lighting Techs are specialised in rigging, preparing, installing and operation of lights.
They use their skills in such events like theatre, music, live performances, film and television productions and corporate functions.
A lighting technician does not only just set the selected lights in a position from a director but also wires them to a mixing desk going through the regular process being Lantern – Patch bay – Dimmer rack – Lighting Dock.
They are also in some cases responsible for the transport of the lighting equipment to their production locations. They operate lighting desks and undertake maintenance and repairs on broken lights and operating equipment.
A lighting technician works with a variety of lights being from Parcans, profile spots to strobe lights, lasers and pyrotechnics all depending on the event their working on.
All lighting techs need to be able to understand a lighting designers plan and take cues from the stage manager. Their skills required are dependant on their knowledge and past experiences with working within this environment. They need to have strong communication, good problem solving skills, an ability to work to deadlines and in some cases heights, the capability to delegate and work as a team, have an interest in performing arts and have technical and practical skills.
A lighting Tech must have a concept to the safety regulations and use of safety within the workplace. They need to be able to work in a safe manner and abide the rules when working with metal scaffolding, cabling and working at heights. They need to wear the following appropriate PPE being a hard hat, protective clothing, gloves and a harness.
Working Conditions are already hinted above by the requirement of PPE. Lighting Techs are most likely to be working at a variety of heights, depending on where they have been situated to work.