Assistant Lighting Supervisor

Arena Stage; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Arena Stage in Washington, DC, seeks an Associate Lighting Supervisor to support the artistic and technical execution of all productions and events. You’ll assist with planning, installation, operation, maintenance, and administration of the Lighting Department, guiding crews and maintaining safe, efficient production practices.

You’ll collaborate with designers and staff, read lighting plots, manage paperwork, and ensure schedules meet deadlines while maintaining high artistic and operational

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in theatre tech or lighting.
• Experience in theatrical lighting production, maintenance, and crew leadership.
• Ability to read lighting plots, drawings, and documentation.
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills; able to work with teams.
• Proficiency with lighting software and standard office tools.

Responsibilities

• Assist with lighting implementation, installation, focus, maintenance and strike.
• Prepare lighting paperwork, plots, schedules, and production documents.
• Troubleshoot fixtures, dimming systems, consoles, and networking gear.
• Coordinate routine maintenance, inventory, and equipment tracking.
• Plan workloads, timelines and production schedules; supervise staff as needed.
• Lead lighting staff during calls and events; ensure safety and standards.
• Support lighting operations for rentals and special events.
• Operate control systems during rehearsals and performances.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation.

Skills

Team leadership

Strong communication

Problem solving

Attention to detail

Evening/weekend flexibility

Education

Bachelor's degree in Theatre Technology, Lighting Design, Technical Production, or related field

Tools

ETC EOS consoles

DMX distribution

Dimming systems

Networking protocols

Vectorworks

Lightwright

Job description

Description

Description

WHO WE ARE

Arena Stage is the voice of American theater resident in our nation's capital. Focused on American artists, our productions are innovative and representative of stories from across the country. We nurture new plays and reimagine classics. We celebrate our democracy and diversity through a multitude of voices in our productions and community engagement programs to inspire people to action.

WHAT WE VALUE

A work culture that values experimentation and collaboration.

Excellence in all aspects of our endeavor.

Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion throughout the Organization and within our audience and the community.

Community Service through education and public engagement.

Lead effective partnerships and collaboration to serve artists and arts professionals.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

The Associate Lighting Supervisor supports the artistic and technical execution of all Arena Stage productions, events, and facility lighting needs. Working closely with the Lighting Supervisor, this position assists with the planning, installation, operation, maintenance, and administration of the Lighting Department. The Associate Lighting Supervisor provides technical expertise, supervises crews as needed, helps maintain lighting systems and equipment, and contributes to a safe, collaborative, and efficient production environment.

Requirements

As a key member of the Production Department, you will help ensure the successful execution of Arena Stage productions and events by supporting all aspects of lighting operations. This role combines hands‑on production work, technical maintenance, system administration, and team leadership. You will collaborate with designers, production staff, stagehands, and other departments to maintain high artistic and operational standards while helping the Lighting Department meet production deadlines and organizational goals.

Major Responsibilities

• Assist with the implementation, installation, focus, maintenance, operation, and strike of lighting systems for productions, events, and facility needs.
• Prepare, maintain, and interpret lighting paperwork, plots, schedules, and other production documentation.
• Maintain and troubleshoot lighting fixtures, dimming systems, control consoles, networking infrastructure, and related equipment.
• Coordinate and participate in routine maintenance, repairs, inventory management, and equipment tracking.
• Assist with planning departmental workloads, project timelines, and production schedules to ensure deadlines are met.
• Supervise and provide guidance to lighting staff, overhire technicians, and stagehands during work calls and production activities.
• Support lighting operations for rentals, community events, donor functions, and other special events hosted by Arena Stage.
• Operate lighting control systems and provide production support during rehearsals, performances, and special events as assigned.
• Maintain accurate departmental records, inventories, maintenance logs, and technical documentation.
• Ensure compliance with safety procedures and industry best practices while promoting a safe and collaborative work environment.
• Serve as acting department lead in the absence of the Lighting Supervisor when necessary.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Theatre Technology, Lighting Design, Technical Production, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Demonstrated experience in theatrical lighting production, system maintenance, and crew leadership.
• Working knowledge of ETC EOS consoles, ETC dimming systems, DMX distribution, networking protocols, and automated lighting equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret lighting plots, technical drawings, and production documentation.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem‑solving skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and industry‑standard lighting software.
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and irregular hours based on production schedules.
• Ability to safely lift and move equipment up to 50 pounds and work at heights using ladders, personnel lifts, and catwalk systems.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a LORT, regional, or professional performing arts environment.
• ETC Certification or advanced lighting systems training.
• Experience with Vectorworks, Lightwright, and networking management tools.
• Experience supervising crews and coordinating multiple concurrent projects.