Play Lighting and Design

St. Francis Area Schools - ISD 15; St. Francis (MN); On-site; Full time

Job summary

St. Francis Area Schools - ISD 15 in Minnesota seeks a Theatrical Lighting Designer & Technician to collaborate with the Director and student crew on school productions.

You will design, plan, and execute lighting concepts for performances, maintaining safety and educational focus. Evenings and weekends are required during tech weeks and performances; compensation is a per-production stipend under the Master Agreement, Schedule C.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in theatrical lighting design and stage electrics within school, community, or professional theatre settings.
• Demonstrated proficiency programming theatrical lighting consoles.
• Working knowledge of conventional instruments.

Responsibilities

• Design & Planning: Analyze production scripts and collaborate with the Director and creative team to establish a cohesive visual concept.
• Paperwork & Documentation: Generate and maintain all technical lighting documentation, including light plots, instrument schedules, channel hookups, magic sheets, and cue sheets.
• Electrics & Execution: Oversee and assist with hanging, circuiting, addressing, lensing, and focusing stage lighting instruments.
• Board Programming: Program lighting control consoles and record cues during tech week; refine cues through opening night.
• Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve technical issues with communication, automated fixtures, dimmer racks, and conventional units.
• Student Supervision: Instruct, mentor, and supervise student crew members in safe stagecraft, electrical safety, and lighting board operation.

Skills

Lighting design

Stage electrics

Program lighting consoles

Collaboration

Safety compliance

Evening/weekend availability

Education

Formal training in Technical Theatre

Tools

Theatrical drafting software

Job description

Job Posting: Theatrical Lighting Designer & Technician

Position Title: Theatrical Lighting Designer & Technician

Supervisor: Joan Johnson, Activities Director

Type of Position: Continuing (x) | Temporary ( )

Duty Days & Hours: Flexible schedule based on production calendar; evenings and weekends required during technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances (arranged with supervisor).

Stipend / Salary: $1,204 – $1,445 per production (based on Master Agreement / Schedule C)

Benefits: This position is not benefit-eligible.

Position Overview

The Theatrical Lighting Designer & Technician is responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and executing the lighting design for school theatrical productions. This role combines artistic vision with hands‑on technical electrics and works collaboratively with the Director, Technical Director, and student stage crew in a safe, educational theater environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Planning: Analyze production scripts and collaborate with the Director and creative team to establish a cohesive visual concept.
• Paperwork & Documentation: Generate and maintain all technical lighting documentation, including light plots, instrument schedules, channel hookups, magic sheets, and cue sheets.
• Electrics & Execution: Oversee and assist with hanging, circuiting, addressing, lensing, and focusing stage lighting instruments.
• Board Programming: Program lighting control consoles and record cues during tech week; refine cues through opening night.
• Maintenance & Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve technical issues with communication, automated fixtures, dimmer racks, and conventional units.
• Student Supervision: Instruct, mentor, and supervise student crew members in safe stagecraft, electrical safety, and lighting board operation.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Proven experience in theatrical lighting design and stage electrics within school, community, or professional theatre settings.
• Demonstrated proficiency programming theatrical lighting consoles
• Working knowledge of conventional instruments
• Solid understanding of basic stage electrics, circuit loads, and theatrical safety standards.
• Comfort working at heights using catwalks, ladders, or personnel lifts, and ability to lift/maneuver equipment up to 50 lbs.
• Strong collaboration, communication, and organizational skills.
• Availability for evening and weekend tech rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances.

Preferred Qualifications

• Formal training or degree coursework in Technical Theatre, Lighting Design, or a related field.
• Experience utilizing theatrical drafting software
• Prior experience mentoring or teaching middle or high school students.
• Familiarity with integrated cueing systems

Pre-Employment Requirements

Successful completion of a standard criminal background check prior to beginning employment.

The policy of the school district is to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. The school district does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sexual orientation, including gender identity or expression, age, family care leave status, or veteran status. The school district also makes reasonable accommodations for disabled employees.