Head of Lighting – Blue Man Group North American Tour

Lever, Inc.; New York (NY); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Man Group is seeking an experienced Head of Lighting to lead the Lighting Department for the 2026 North American tour. This role ensures creative integrity, safety, and precise lighting operations across multiple venues, coordinating with the Video team and department heads.

The position requires senior-level expertise with GrandMA2, strong leadership, and the ability to travel domestically for extended periods during Oct 2026–Dec 2026.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Lighting Design, Technical Theatre, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of professional lighting experience in live entertainment or touring.
• Expertise with GrandMA2 lighting consoles and show-file management.
• Willingness to travel domestically for extended periods (Nov 2026–Dec 2026).

Responsibilities

• Lead the Lighting Department to achieve the creative vision for every performance.
• Oversee all lighting equipment, systems, and crew across the tour.
• Collaborate with Video and other departments to integrate lighting with video elements.
• Supervise and mentor lighting crew and ensure safety and show integrity.
• Plan and manage load‑ins/outs, maintenance, and budget with Production Manager.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Detail‑oriented

Travel readiness

Lighting programming

GrandMA2 proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Lighting Design/Technical Theatre

Tools

GrandMA2

DMX systems

Rigging know‑how

Job description

Head of Lighting – Blue Man Group North American Tour

Stage Lighting
Full-Time Position

Tour Dates: October 2026 - December 2026

About the Role

Blue Man Group, part of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, is seeking an experienced Head of Lighting to lead the Lighting Department for the 2026 A New Holiday Surprise Touring production.

The Head of Lighting is responsible for ensuring the creative integrity, precision, and safety of all lighting operations across the tour. This position oversees all lighting equipment, systems, and personnel to deliver the visual impact envisioned by the Lighting Designer and Director. The role also works in close collaboration with the Head of Video and other department heads to maintain seamless integration of lighting and video elements in every performance.

Key Responsibilities

Lighting Systems & Operations

• Lead the Lighting Department to achieve and sustain the desired creative effect for every performance, as directed by the Director and Lighting Designer.


• Develop a thorough understanding of all lighting systems and equipment assigned to the production to ensure safe, consistent operation.


• Recreate and maintain the lighting design at each venue, adapting to space and rigging variations while preserving artistic integrity.


• Oversee operation of the lighting console (GrandMA2) during performances, rehearsals, and maintenance sessions, ensuring consistent playback and cue execution.


• Supervise and support the Assistant Electrician, ensuring show integrity, readiness, and professionalism at every call.


• Coordinate lighting focus, cue adjustments, and maintenance between venues, ensuring all systems are show-ready.


• Collaborate closely with the Head of Video on load-ins, load-outs, programming alignment, and shared infrastructure.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise and schedule lighting crew members in coordination with the Production Manager, Technical Direction, and other department heads.


• Provide mentorship and training to cross‑trained technical swings to support lighting operations as needed.


• Collaborate with the Production Manager and Technical Direction team to adapt lighting systems to various venues while maintaining creative intent.


• Work closely with Stage Management and other departments to ensure lighting transitions, timing, and effects align with show direction.


• Participate in post‑show notes sessions and implement lighting‑related updates for subsequent performances.

Administration & Budget Management

• Oversee departmental purchasing, inventory, and budget in collaboration with the Production Manager.


• Track expenditures, consumables, and maintenance needs; forecast replacements and upgrades.


• Maintain accurate documentation of system configurations, plots, and maintenance logs for all venues.


• Ensure all lighting equipment and cables are properly packed, transported, and maintained.

Safety

• Champion and enforce all Blue Man Group and CDSEG health and safety policies across all lighting and electrical operations.


• Ensure all rigging, power distribution, and electrical practices comply with safety standards.


• Promote a proactive safety culture that prioritizes the well‑being of performers, crew, and audience members.

Touring & Load‑In/Out

• Plan and manage lighting load‑ins, setups, focuses, and loadouts at each venue in coordination with the Production Manager and other department heads.


• Oversee the safe installation and dismantling of trusses, fixtures, motors, and control systems within tour timelines.


• Assist in adapting system configurations to venue constraints while maintaining the creative and visual goals of the show.

Special Projects & Adaptation

• Support and execute lighting adjustments for special events, press appearances, and promotional performances as needed.


• Participate in venue evaluations and technical advances for upcoming tour stops.


• Perform additional projects and duties as assigned by the Production Manager, Technical Direction, or Producer.

Key Attributes

• Strong leadership and team management skills.


• Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.


• Highly organized, detail‑oriented, and proactive.


• Calm and confident under pressure.


• Demonstrates initiative, accountability, and technical expertise.


• Knowledge of GrandMA2 lighting systems required.


• Experience leading crews and managing projects in a touring environment.


• Collaborative and flexible, with a keen interest in travel and live entertainment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience in Lighting Design, Technical Theatre, or related field.


• Minimum 5 years of professional experience in lighting for live entertainment or touring productions.


• Expertise in lighting consoles, fixtures, and automated lighting systems (GrandMA2 preferred). Strong understanding of rigging, power distribution, DMX networking, and show file management.


• Experience supervising and training technical staff.


• Familiarity with Blue Man Group’s performance style and visual language is a plus.


• Must be able to travel domestically for extended periods (Nov 2026–Dec 2026) and maintain eligibility for U.S. employment and travel.

Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt touring contract offering a competitive salary commensurate with experience, plus benefits during active tour periods.

About Blue Man Group

Blue Man Group is a global entertainment phenomenon known for its award‑winning theatrical productions, iconic characters, and euphoric celebrations of human connection through art, music, and humor. Owned and operated by Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group, Blue Man Group performs in multiple long‑running resident productions and international tours that have reached more than 35 million people worldwide.

Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible and inclusive workplace. Proud ambassador of equality in employment, Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group is committed to eliminating discrimination based on age, skin color, origins, religion, sex, sexual orientation and any other characteristic. Neutral and inclusive writing is now preferred for all new job postings.