Theatrical Lighting Director & Production Lead

Des Moines Performing Arts; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Des Moines Performing Arts seeks a Head Electrician/Production Manager to guide electrical and lighting operations across DMPA venues. Lead the production team, coordinate needs, supervise crews, and ensure safe, high-quality events.

The role requires advanced theatrical lighting expertise, strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills to support touring productions and clients.

Qualifications

• Five or more years as a theatrical electrician; at least two years as Head Electrician in a major venue.
• Experience advancing productions, interpreting riders, and coordinating electrical and lighting requirements.
• Experience supervising production crews and/or union stagehands in live entertainment.
• Proficiency with wired and programmable lighting control systems (ETC Eos) and CAD drafting.

Responsibilities

• Lead production team and coordinate with guest touring companies and renters.
• Translate client needs into lighting/electrics plans and serve as lighting designer when needed.
• Design, hang, wire, color, and program control consoles for productions.
• Schedule, staff, and oversee load-ins, performances, and load-outs.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Electrical theory

Lighting control

Education

High school diploma

CAD training

Theatre tech certification

Tools

ETC Eos

Vectorworks

CAD software

Job description

Des Moines Performing Arts seeks a Head Electrician/Production Manager to guide electrical and lighting operations across DMPA venues. Lead the production team, coordinate needs, supervise crews, and ensure safe, high-quality events.

The role requires advanced theatrical lighting expertise, strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills to support touring productions and clients.