supervise plotting of stage lights
Make sure cues for stage lights are adequately entered into the lightboard. Put in levels, positions, changeovers, etc.
Performance lighting designers develop a lighting design concept for a performance and supervise the execution of it. Their work is based on research and artistic vision. Their design is influenced by and influences other designs and must be conform with these designs and the overall artistic vision. Therefore, the designers work closely with artistic directors, operators and the artistic team. During rehearsals and performance, they coach the operators to obtain optimal timing and manipulation. Performance lighting designers develop lighting plots, cue lists and other documentation to support the operators and production crew. They sometimes also work as autonomous artists, creating light art outside a performance context.
Competences and skills
71 ESCO relationsEssential skills and competences 42 competences
Occupation specific
2 competencestake measurements of performance space
Measure the performance space in order to calculate the amount of lighting equipment needed and where to place them.
Sector-specific
28 competencesadapt 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.
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.
analyse a script
Break down a script by analysing the dramaturgy, form, themes and structure of a script. Conduct relevant research if necessary.
analyse music score
Analysing the score, form, themes and structure of a piece of music.
analyse the artistic concept based on stage actions
Analyse the artistic concept, form and structure of a live performance based on observation during rehearsals or improvisation. Create a structured base for the design process of a specific production.
analyse the scenography
Analyse the selection and distribution of material elements on a stage.
coach staff for running the performance
Give instructions to all team members about how they should run the performance.
communicate during show
Communicate efficiently with other professionals during a live performance show, anticipating any possible malfunctioning.
conduct costume research
Ensure that costumes and pieces of clothing in visual artistic productions are historically correct, based on research conducted in primary sources as literature, museums, newspapers, pictures, etc.
contextualise artistic work
Identify influences and situate your work within a specific trend which may be of an artistic, aesthetic, or philosophical natures. Analyse the evolution of artistic trends, consult experts in the field, attend events, etc.
define artistic approach
Define your own artistic approach by analysing your previous work and your expertise, identifying the components of your creative signature, and starting from these explorations to describe your artistic vision.
design an artificial lighting system
Investigate and design an artificial lighting system based on daylight, timer, or occupation of spaces, taking into account any technical specifications and restrictions, such as power quality and energy efficiency and the influence of used materials in light bulbs or LEDs on environment.
green
develop design concept
Research information to develop new ideas and concepts for the design of a specific production. Read scripts and consult directors and other production staff members, in order to develop design concepts and plan productions.
develop design ideas cooperatively
Share and develop design ideas with the artistic team. Conceptualise new ideas independently and with others. Present your idea, gain feedback and take it into account. Make sure the design fits with the work of other designers.
draw up lighting plan
Create technical drawings and documentation within the lighting department.
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.
monitor sociological trends
Identify and investigate sociological trends and movements in society.
perform quality control of design during a run
Control and ensure the quality of design results during a run.
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.
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.
propose improvements to artistic production
Assess past artistic activities with a view to improving future projects.
read lighting plans
Read the instructions on the light plan to determine the light equipment needed and the right placement.
safeguard artistic quality of performance
Observe the show, anticipate and react to possible technical problems, ensuring optimal artistic quality.
understand artistic concepts
Interpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.
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.
use communication equipment
Set up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.
digital
work safely with chemicals
Take the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.
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.
Cross-sector
12 competencesassess power needs
Prepare and manage the provision of electrical power for different areas.
attend rehearsals
Attend rehearsals in order to adapt sets, costumes, make-up, lighting, camera set up, etc.
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.
keep up with trends
Monitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.
meet deadlines
Ensure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time.
present artistic design proposals
Prepare and present detailed design suggestions for a specific production to a mixed group of people, including technical, artistic and management staff.
research new ideas
Thorough research for information to develop new ideas and concepts for the design of a specific production based.
use specialised design software
Developing new designs mastering specialised software.
digital
use technical documentation
Understand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.
verify feasibility
Interpret an artistic plan and verify whether the described design can be executed.
work ergonomically
Apply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.
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.
Optional knowledge 3 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
1 competenceartificial lighting systems
Types of artificial lighting and their power consumption. HF fluorescent lighting, LED lighting, natural daylight and programmed control systems allow an efficient use of energy.
green
Cross-sector
2 competencescopyright legislation
Legislation describing the protection of the rights of original authors over their work, and how others can use it.
labour legislation
Legislation, on a national or international level, that governs labour conditions in various fields between labour parties such as the government, employees, employers, and trade unions.
Optional skills and competences 26 competences
Occupation specific
0 competencesNo competences in this bucket.
Sector-specific
16 competencesadapt artistic plan to location
Adjust plans to other locations with regards to the artistic concept.
analyse the need for technical resources
Define and make a list of the required resources and equipment based on the technical needs of the production.
calculate design costs
Calculate design costs to make sure the project is financially viable.
develop drama production process
Have and develop a thorough understanding of the dramatic production process.
document your own practice
Documenting your own work practice for different purposes like assessment, time management, job application etc.
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.
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.
focus lighting equipment
Focus already installed conventional lighting equipment, based on directions and information from somebody on the floor.
light a show
Light a show based on concrete production needs.
operate a lighting console
Operate a light board during rehearsal or live situations, based on visual cues or documentation.
plot lighting states
Set up and try out lighting states.
plot lighting states with automated lights
Technically manipulate light boards for automated lights. Set up and try out lighting states with automated lights.
prospect new customers
Initiate activities in order to attract new and interesting customers. Ask for recommendations and references, find places where potential customers can be located.
set up equipment in a timely manner
Make sure to set up equipment according to deadlines and time schedules.
set up light board
Install, connect and try out light board in a live performance environment.
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.
Cross-sector
10 competencesdevelop 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.
keep personal administration
File and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.
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.
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.
research
organise resources for artistic production
Coordinate human, material and capital resources within artistic productions, based on the given documentation e.g. scripts.
provide technical documentation
Prepare and distribute documentation to ensure all people involved in the production receive relevant and up-to-date information.
rig lights
Rig, connect, try out and de-rig lighting equipment.
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.
use personal protection equipment
Make use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.
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.