Lighting Technician

THEATRE PHILADELPHIA; Pennsylvania; On-site; Part time

Job summary

THEATRE PHILADELPHIA is seeking a Stage Lighting Technician for Fall 2025 to work closely with lighting designers and students on various productions. The role involves supervising lighting instrument setup, programming, and ensuring the lighting design is implemented effectively across theatrical performances. Ideal candidates will possess a degree in Technical Theatre or equivalent experience, alongside strong mentoring skills in a university setting.

Qualifications

• Experience mentoring students across various experience levels.
• Knowledge of modern lighting technology and theatrical principles.
• Ability to program lighting consoles such as ETC Geo, Ion (xe), & Element.

Responsibilities

• Supervise graduate and undergraduate student crews for lighting tasks.
• Plan and execute lighting designs in collaboration with lighting designers.
• Participate in technical rehearsals and oversee lighting focus.

Skills

Practical experience with modern theatrical lighting technology

Mentoring students

Knowledge of lighting principles

Programming ETC lighting consoles

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theatre (BA or BFA) preferred

Tools

Lightwright software

Vectorworks for Lighting Design

Job description

Villanova Theatre at Villanova University

Position Title: Stage Lighting Technician

Position Type: Contractor

Hours/week: on-call for Fall 2025, additional hours in Spring 2026

Work Schedule: Work hours take place during standard shop hours, 10am-5pm, M-F, with a 2-hour minimum per work call. Some evening and weekend work hours may be offered.

Job Description Summary:

Villanova Department of Theatre & Studio Art seeks a Stage Lighting Technician to work with the Technical Director, Lead Stage Lighting Technician, Production Manager, and Lighting Designers to plan and execute the lighting design for Villanova Theatrical Productions. The Stage Lighting Technician will supervise graduate and undergraduate student crews in the hang of the lighting rep plots and the modifications and additions to these rep plots as specified by production lighting designers. The Stage Lighting Technician will attend all lighting focus days and supervise the focus of the light plot with the assistance of the lighting designer. In addition, the Stage Lighting Technician will assist with wiring, cabling, programming, and troubleshooting of all onstage lighting effects & practicals. The Stage Lighting Technician will attend light hangs, light focuses, technical rehearsals, previews, and light strikes for each Villanova Theatre production as needed.

Specific duties may include:

• Supervise and train students in the proper hanging and focusing of lighting instruments.
• Work with the Lighting Designers to achieve the lighting design for each production.
• Work with the Technical Director and Lead Stage Lighting Technician to schedule and plan light hang and light focus work calls.
• Work with the Technical Director to purchase any necessary lighting equipment, templates, or lamps to achieve the lighting design as specified by the Lighting Designers.
• Serve as programmer for Lighting Designers, as requested.
• Train and mentor light board operators in the programming of light cues and assist them during all technical rehearsals.
• Restore the hang/focus of each lighting rep plot after each production.
• Provide additional lighting and electrics support as requested.
• This position will not access Villanova University Infrastructure Electrical Systems nor tie into any electrical panel. Must work with Villanova Facilities Electricians on any further electrical needs.

Titles of Positions Supervised:

Graduate Assistants & Technical Work study crew

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Technical Theatre (BA or BFA) preferred, or equivalent professional experience.
• Required Work Skills:
• Practical experience with and firm understanding of modern theatrical lighting technology
• Demonstrated experience mentoring students with various levels of experience
• Specific Job Knowledge (e.g., knowledge of principles and procedures related to field and area)
• Programming ETC Geo, Ion (xe), & Element lighting consoles
• Equipment Knowledge
• Preferred Work Skills:
• Basics of Theatrical Lighting Design is always a plus
• Equipment Knowledge
• Lightwright software
• Vectorworks for Lighting Design (or other CAD softwares)

Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:

• Some evening and weekend work required.
• Work is often of a physical nature and technicians may be on their feet for most work calls;
• Ability to lift 25pounds
• Personal Protection Equipment (i.e., safety glasses, earplugs, and/or dust masks, etc.) is encouraged, required, and can be provided.

Wage Rate: $20-23/hour

Mission Statement:

Villanova Theatre, the producing arm of the Department of Theatre and Studio Art, is a laboratory for students to deepen their understanding of curriculum through ambitious onstage work. Our artist-scholars leave this program with the power to transform hearts and minds by engaging individuals and fostering communities. In pursuit of this mission, we commit ourselves to academic excellence, to our values and traditions, and to our students, alumni, and the global community.