Freelance Theatrical Lighting Designer

Inclusive Media Productions; New York (NY); On-site; USD 34,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Inclusive Media Productions (IMPAVL) is seeking Lighting Designers to own lighting systems for educational theatre, schools, and community groups. You will design, plot, program cues, and collaborate with directors to realize artistic visions within tight timelines.

The role includes mentoring student crews and coordinating with PM and other teams to ensure smooth rehearsals and performances across Westchester, Manhattan, and Fairfield County.

Qualifications

• Experience designing lighting for theatre productions.
• Ability to translate artistic vision into lighting design.
• Mentor and guide student crews in lighting practices.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement lighting systems from lighting plot to performance.
• Create basic lighting plots, channel hookups, and supporting paperwork.
• Lead or assist with hang and focus, ensuring fixtures are properly addressed.
• Program lighting cues using ETC Eos-family consoles or comparable platforms.
• Collaborate with directors to translate artistic vision into lighting designs.
• Adapt lighting designs to venues of different sizes and available equipment.
• Maintain organized show files and backup procedures.
• Troubleshoot fixtures, DMX networks, and control systems as needed.
• Work with PM and cross‑team to ensure smooth rehearsals and performances.
• Mentor and guide student crews in lighting design, programming, and setup.

Skills

Lighting design

Lighting programming

ETC Eos programming

Tools

MA3

Job description

Inclusive Media Productions (IMPAVL)

Inclusive Media Productions provides audio, video, and lighting support for educational theatre, including K–12 plays and musical. The company is seeking Lighting Designers who can take ownership of a lighting system and deliver professional-quality productions for schools and community organizations, often within limited timeframes.

Responsibilities

• Work with the Production Manager (PM) to design and implement lighting systems, from lighting plot to performance.
• Create basic lighting plots, channel hookups, and supporting paperwork as needed.
• Lead or assist with hang and focus, ensuring fixtures are properly addressed and positioned.
• Program lighting cues using ETC Eos-family consoles or comparable platforms.
• Collaborate with directors to translate artistic vision into dynamic lighting designs.
• Adapt lighting designs to different venue sizes and available equipment inventories.
• Maintain organized show files and backup procedures.
• Troubleshoot fixtures, DMX networks, and control systems as needed.
• Work collaboratively with the Production Manager, audio, and video teams to ensure smooth technical rehearsals and performances.
• Mentor and guide student technical crews by teaching best practices in lighting design, programming, and system setup while fostering independence and confidence.

Most productions will have a Production Manager on-site to assist with load-in and coordinate overall production logistics.

Additional Opportunities

While this position primarily focuses on theatrical productions, Inclusive Media Productions also supports corporate events, community productions, and live music events throughout Westchester, Manhattan, and Fairfield County.

Designers who demonstrate strong technical and artistic skills may have opportunities to expand into these areas.

Note: Applicants with proficiency in MA3 should mention this in their application.

The company is also currently seeking Lighting Board Operators and Lighting Electricians to join its production teams.