Principal Lighting Designer (Theatre & Events)

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 1,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development

Training in latest lighting tech

Competitive salary

Job summary

Placements24 in Pretoria seeks a Principal Lighting Designer to conceptualize, design, and implement lighting for theatre, live events, concerts, and festivals at on-site facilities.

You will lead a creative team, collaborating with directors, set designers, and clients to translate artistic visions into captivating experiences. Strong knowledge of lighting tech and budget management is essential.

Qualifications

• A comprehensive portfolio showing theatre and live event lighting work.
• Minimum 10 years of professional lighting design experience with proven projects.
• Expertise in lighting design software and control consoles.

Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design lighting schemes for theatre, live events, concerts, and corporate functions.
• Collaborate with directors, scenic designers, and AV specialists to align production designs.
• Develop detailed lighting plots, cue sheets, and specification documents.
• Select fixtures, equipment, and control systems based on project requirements and budget.
• Oversee installation, programming, and operation of lighting systems.
• Conduct site visits and technical surveys to assess venue capabilities.
• Manage lighting budgets, ensuring cost-efficiency without compromising design quality.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to junior designers and technicians.
• Stay current with advancements in lighting technology (LED, projection mapping, control software).
• Ensure all designs comply with safety regulations and venue specifications.

Skills

Leadership

Portfolio

Color theory

Communication

Budget management

Education

Degree in Lighting Design or related

Tools

Vectorworks

WYSIWYG

Capture

ETC consoles

GrandMA

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a premier event production and theatrical company based in Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA , is seeking a highly skilled and innovative Principal Lighting Designer. This is a full‑time, on‑site position where you will be responsible for conceptualizing, designing, and implementing lighting solutions for a wide array of projects, including theatre productions, corporate events, concerts, and festivals. The ideal candidate possesses a profound artistic sensibility combined with extensive technical knowledge of lighting systems, equipment, and control technologies. You will collaborate closely with directors, set designers, producers, and clients to translate creative visions into captivating visual experiences. This role demands creativity, precision, and the ability to manage complex projects from initial concept through to final execution and strike. Our client is renowned for its commitment to delivering exceptional production values and is looking for a designer who can push the boundaries of lighting design. This role is pivotal in ensuring the visual impact and success of all productions. We are seeking a leader in the field who can bring their expertise and passion to our dynamic team in Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA .

Key Responsibilities

• Conceptualize and design innovative lighting schemes for theatre, live events, concerts, and corporate functions.
• Collaborate with creative teams, including directors, scenic designers, and AV specialists, to achieve cohesive production designs.
• Develop detailed lighting plots, cue sheets, and specification documents.
• Select appropriate lighting fixtures, equipment, and control systems based on project requirements and budget.
• Oversee the installation, programming, and operation of lighting systems.
• Conduct site visits and technical surveys to assess venue capabilities and constraints.
• Manage lighting budgets effectively, ensuring cost‑efficiency without compromising design quality.
• Provide technical direction and mentorship to junior lighting designers and technicians.
• Stay current with advancements in lighting technology, including LED, projection mapping, and control software.
• Ensure all designs comply with safety regulations and venue specifications.

Requirements

• A comprehensive portfolio demonstrating significant experience in theatre and live event lighting design.
• Minimum of 10 years of professional experience in lighting design, with a proven track record of successful projects.
• Expertise in lighting design software (e.g., Vectorworks, WYSIWYG, Capture) and lighting control consoles (e.g., ETC, GrandMA).
• In‑depth knowledge of theatrical and event production processes.
• Strong understanding of color theory, optics, and the psychological impact of light.
• Excellent artistic and technical skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Proven ability to manage projects, budgets, and teams effectively.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, as required by production schedules.
• Degree in Lighting Design, Theatre Technology, or a related field is preferred.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including medical aid and retirement fund contributions.
• This position is based at our facilities in Pretoria, Gauteng, ZA .
• You will have the opportunity to work on high‑profile events and productions, collaborate with industry leaders, and contribute to visually stunning experiences.
• Professional development opportunities and ongoing training in the latest lighting technologies are provided.
• Join a team that is passionate about creating unforgettable visual spectacles.