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ESCO occupation

light board operator

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Light board operators control the lighting of a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Their work is influenced by and influences the results of other operators. Therefore, the operators work closely together with the designers, operators and performers. Light board operators prepare and supervise the setup, steer the technical crew, program the equipment and operate the lighting system. They may be responsible for conventional or automated lighting fixtures and, in some instances, controlling video as well. Their work is based on plans, instructions and other documentation.  

3435.25.2 ISCO 3435 ESCO source
Competences
69
Groups
2
Essential
35
Optional
34

Competences and skills

69 ESCO relations
Essential skills and competences 35 competences

Occupation specific

0 competences

No competences in this bucket.

Sector-specific

23 competences
adapt artistic plan to location

Adjust plans to other locations with regards to the artistic concept.

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adapt to artists' creative demands

Work with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.

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communicate during show

Communicate efficiently with other professionals during a live performance show, anticipating any possible malfunctioning.

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consult with stakeholders on implementation of a production

Consult with different people and groups who hold a stake in the production. Be on the same page on the practical side of the production, and keep them up to date.

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draw up artistic production

File and document a production in all its phases right after the performance period so that it can be reproduced and all relevant information remains accessible.

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draw up lighting plan

Create technical drawings and documentation within the lighting department.

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interpret artistic intentions

Interpret the artistic intentions of the author.

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intervene with actions on stage

Take your cues from actions on the stagte and interact with them. Take decision on the exact timing and procedure in a live environment, in order to product a fluid and consistent performance.

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manage performance light quality

Perform light checks and adjust for optimal light quality before and during performance.

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operate a lighting console

Operate a light board during rehearsal or live situations, based on visual cues or documentation.

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perform quality control of design during a run

Control and ensure the quality of design results during a run.

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plot lighting states

Set up and try out lighting states.

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plot lighting states with automated lights

Technically manipulate light boards for automated lights. Set up and try out lighting states with automated lights.

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prevent fire in a performance environment

Take steps to prevent fire in a performance environment. Make sure the space complies with fire safety rules, with sprinklers and fire extinguishers installed where necessary. Make sure staff are aware of fire prevention measures.

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read lighting plans

Read the instructions on the light plan to determine the light equipment needed and the right placement.

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safeguard artistic quality of performance

Observe the show, anticipate and react to possible technical problems, ensuring optimal artistic quality.

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set up equipment in a timely manner

Make sure to set up equipment according to deadlines and time schedules.

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set up light board

Install, connect and try out light board in a live performance environment.

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support a designer in the developing process

Support designers in the course of the developing process.

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understand artistic concepts

Interpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.

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use communication equipment

Set up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.

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work safely with chemicals

Take the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.

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work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervision

Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution for performance and art facility purposes under supervision.

Scope note
This competence is limited to mobile, temporary installations with connectors. In some countries, workers are only alowed to perform this kind of actions under supervision of a qualified person.
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Cross-sector

12 competences
assess power needs

Prepare and manage the provision of electrical power for different areas.

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attend rehearsals

Attend rehearsals in order to adapt sets, costumes, make-up, lighting, camera set up, etc.

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follow safety procedures when working at heights

Take necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures and avoid falls from ladders, mobile scaffolding, fixed working bridges, single person lifts etc. since they may cause fatalities or major injuries.

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keep up with trends

Monitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.

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organise resources for artistic production

Coordinate human, material and capital resources within artistic productions, based on the given documentation e.g. scripts.

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prepare personal work environment

Correct settings or positions for your working instruments and adjust them before starting operations.

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translate artistic concepts to technical designs

Cooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.

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use personal protection equipment

Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.

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use technical documentation

Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.

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work ergonomically

Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.

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work safely with machines

Check and safely operate machines and equipment required for your work according to manuals and instructions.

Scope note
Includes more generally used small electrical and mechanical tools like drills, manual sawing machines, washing machines, sewing machines, etc. that are also used in non professional environment.
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work with respect for own safety

Apply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.

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Optional skills and competences 34 competences

Occupation specific

1 competence
instruct on set up of equipment

Instruct others on how to properly and safely set up equipment according to specifications and regulations.

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Sector-specific

24 competences
adapt existing designs to changed circumstances

Adapt an existing design to changed circumstances and ensure that the artistic quality of the original design is reflected in the final result.

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assemble performance equipment

Set up sound, light and video equipment on stage before performance event according to specifications.

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coach staff for running the performance

Give instructions to all team members about how they should run the performance.

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cue a performance

Plan the technical actions and interventions during an artistic performance. Determine when actors go on and off stage. Make sure these cues are followed to ensure a smooth running of the performance.

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distribute control signals

Distribute control signals between light boards, dimmers and other lighting equipment. Control systems can be either DMX or network based.

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document your own practice

Documenting your own work practice for different purposes like assessment, time management, job application etc.

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ensure safety of mobile electrical systems

Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution independently. Measure and power up an installation.

Scope note
This competence is limited to mobile, temporary installations with connectors. In some countries, working independently is related to a specific degree or certificate.
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focus lighting equipment

Focus already installed conventional lighting equipment, based on directions and information from somebody on the floor.

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focus stage lights

Focus, direct, adjust and tune stage lights, either alone or leading a group. Coordinate with the team to determine the optimal lighting.

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maintain automated lighting equipment

Set up, check and repair automated lighting equipment and maintain its software.

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maintain dimmer equipment

Check and operate dimmer equipment. Take the appropriate steps if the equipment is defective, correcting the defect yourself or forwarding it to a specialised repair service.

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maintain lighting equipment

Check, maintain and repair electrical, mechanical and optical lighting elements.

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maintain system layout for a production

Establish a workable layout for the system you manage and maintain it for the duration of a production.

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manage teamwork

Plan the working schedule of a group of people in order to meet all time and quality requirements. Supervise, support and instruct members of a team. Provide feedback to teams and individuals on work carried out.

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manage technical resources stock

Manage and monitor technical resources stock to ensure that production demands and deadlines can be met at all times.

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monitor developments in technology used for design

Identify and explore recent developments in technology and materials used in the live performance industry, in order to create an up-to-date technical background for one’s personal design work.

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operate dimmer equipment

Set up, connect and operate dimmer equipment (with plug and socket) in a live performance environment.

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pack electronic equipment

Safely pack sensitive electronic equipment for storage and transport.

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plan act lighting

Lay out the lighting of your act. Work together with technicians to make sure the lighting of your act conforms with the artistic vision.

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prevent technical problems with lighting equipment

Anticipate possible technical problems with lighting equipment.

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rig automated lights

Rig, connect, try out and de-rig automated lights, set up, try out and replace optical accessories.

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store performance equipment

Dismantle sound, light and video equipment after a performance event and store in a safe place.

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update budget

Make sure that a given budget remains up to date using most recent and most accurate information. Anticipate possible variations and ensure that the set budgetary goals can be reached within the given context.

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update design results during rehearsals

Updating the design results based on observation of the stage image during the rehearsals, especially where the different designs and the action are integrated.

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Cross-sector

9 competences
advise client on technical possibilities

Recommend technical solutions, including systems, to the client within the framework of a project.

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de-rig electronic equipment

Remove and store various types of electronic equipment safely after use.

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develop professional network

Reach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up to date on their activities.

Scope note
This includes the development of social relationships with patients and customers.
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keep personal administration

File and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.

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lead a team

Lead, supervise and motivate a group of people, in order to meet the expected results within a given timeline and with the foreseen resources in mind.

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manage personal professional development

Take responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional development based on reflection about own practice and through contact with peers and stakeholders. Pursue a cycle of self-improvement and develop credible career plans.

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perform first fire intervention

Intervene in the case of a fire in order to extinguish the fire or limit the effects pending the arrival of emergency services according to training and procedures.

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provide technical documentation

Prepare and distribute documentation to ensure all people involved in the production receive relevant and up-to-date information.

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rig lights

Rig, connect, try out and de-rig lighting equipment.

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