The Creative Industries

Lighting Designer

Lighting Designers specialise in the creation and control of lighting for live events – working to create the appropriate mood, setting, emphasis and style to match the occasion, piece or performance.

Blending creative talent with technical skill, Lighting Designers work closely with Production Managers, Stage Managers, Artistic Directors, Technicians and Sound Engineers to bring together the lighting for the whole event.

In demand across the live entertainment industries, Lighting Designers will have opportunities to work with all kinds of theatre, music, dance and live events. 

The role includes:

  • Discussing and developing ideas with Directors, Art Directors and Set Designers
  • Designing lighting schemes, utilising specialist CAD (Computer Assisted Design) software to create detailed drawings, schedules, plans and specifications
  • Selecting lighting equipment, in line with the performance requirements and budget
  • Writing lighting plots (scripts), detailing exact timings of lighting throughout the live event
  • Working with Master Electricians and Lighting Technicians to co-ordinate the safe installation, programming and testing of lighting, consoles and platforms
  • Attending technical and dress rehearsals - optimising the lighting programme to accommodate changes

Lighting Designers are often freelancers, and many choose to work as technicians to supplement their design work. The work is often split between the office and the stage, with many Lighting Designers touring with their productions. 

Required skills

Lighting design requires a combination of technical skill and creative flair. To be successful, lighting designers need:

  • A high degree of creativity
  • A demonstrable interest and technical understanding of lighting and how to control it
  • Proficient computer skills and experience working with electronic equipment
  • Visualisation and 3D modelling skills
  • Real attention to detail
  • Good organisation and budgeting skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • The ability to work flexibly and as part of a creative team

One of the most important aspects of becoming a successful Lighting Designer is experience. Volunteering on the lighting crew in school and community theatres or working as a Lighting Technician is one of the best ways to develop this experience.

Relevant school subjects include Art, Design, Theatre Studies, Graphic Design, Photography, Video Art, Design and Technology, IT, Computer Science, Physics and Business Studies.

The National College Creative Industries offers a range of pathways for entry into a lighting design career.