Arts & EntertainmentISCO 3435
Light board operator
Light board operators control the lighting of a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Their work is influenced by and influences the results of other operators. Therefore, the operators work closely together with the designers, operators and performers. Light board operators prepare and supervise the setup, steer the technical crew, program the equipment and operate the lighting system. They may be responsible for conventional or automated lighting fixtures and, in some instances, controlling video as well. Their work is based on plans, instructions and other documentation.
Check yourself in a minute: light board operator
Rate 5 of the 34 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
draw up artistic production
operate a lighting console
understand artistic concepts
plot lighting states
safeguard artistic quality of performance
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (34)
draw up artistic productiondraw up artistic productionFile and document a production in all its phases right after the performance period so that it can be reproduced and all relevant information remains accessible.operate a lighting consoleoperate a lighting consoleOperate a light board during rehearsal or live situations, based on visual cues or documentation.work ergonomicallywork ergonomicallyApply ergonomy principles in the organisation of the workplace while manually handling equipment and materials.understand artistic conceptsunderstand artistic conceptsInterpret an artist's explanation or demonstration of their artistic concepts, inceptions and processes and strive to share their vision.plot lighting statesplot lighting statesSet up and try out lighting states.safeguard artistic quality of performancesafeguard artistic quality of performanceObserve the show, anticipate and react to possible technical problems, ensuring optimal artistic quality.draw up lighting plandraw up lighting planCreate technical drawings and documentation within the lighting department.assess power needsassess power needsPrepare and manage the provision of electrical power for different areas.perform quality control of design during a runperform quality control of design during a runControl and ensure the quality of design results during a run.communicate during showcommunicate during showCommunicate efficiently with other professionals during a live performance show, anticipating any possible malfunctioning.adapt artistic plan to locationadapt artistic plan to locationAdjust plans to other locations with regards to the artistic concept.attend rehearsalsattend rehearsalsAttend rehearsals in order to adapt sets, costumes, make-up, lighting, camera set up, etc.work safely with machineswork safely with machinesCheck and safely operate machines and equipment required for your work according to manuals and instructions.use personal protection equipmentuse personal protection equipmentMake use of protection equipment according to training, instruction and manuals. Inspect the equipment and use it consistently.adapt to artists' creative demandsadapt to artists' creative demandsWork with artists, striving to understand the creative vision and adapting to it. Make full use of your talents and skills to reach the best possible result.prevent fire in a performance environmentprevent fire in a performance environmentTake steps to prevent fire in a performance environment. Make sure the space complies with fire safety rules, with sprinklers and fire extinguishers installed where necessary. Make sure staff are awar...prepare personal work environmentprepare personal work environmentCorrect settings or positions for your working instruments and adjust them before starting operations.use communication equipmentuse communication equipmentSet up, test and operate different types of communication equipment such as transmission equipment, digital network equipment, or telecommunications equipment.set up light boardset up light boardInstall, connect and try out light board in a live performance environment.translate artistic concepts to technical designstranslate artistic concepts to technical designsCooperate with the artistic team in order to facilitate the transition from the creative vision and its artistic concepts to a technical design.work safely with chemicalswork safely with chemicalsTake the necessary precautions for storing, using and disposing chemical products.support a designer in the developing processsupport a designer in the developing processSupport designers in the course of the developing process.plot lighting states with automated lightsplot lighting states with automated lightsTechnically manipulate light boards for automated lights. Set up and try out lighting states with automated lights.organise resources for artistic productionorganise resources for artistic productionCoordinate human, material and capital resources within artistic productions, based on the given documentation e.g. scripts.manage performance light qualitymanage performance light qualityPerform light checks and adjust for optimal light quality before and during performance.read lighting plansread lighting plansRead the instructions on the light plan to determine the light equipment needed and the right placement.work safely with mobile electrical systems under supervisionwork safely with mobile electrical systems under supervisionTake the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution for performance and art facility purposes under supervision.work with respect for own safetywork with respect for own safetyApply the safety rules according to training and instruction and based on a solid understanding of the prevention measures and risks to your own personal health and safety.interpret artistic intentionsinterpret artistic intentionsInterpret the artistic intentions of the author.consult with stakeholders on implementation of a productionconsult with stakeholders on implementation of a productionConsult with different people and groups who hold a stake in the production. Be on the same page on the practical side of the production, and keep them up to date.use technical documentationuse technical documentationUnderstand and use technical documentation in the overall technical process.keep up with trendskeep up with trendsMonitor and follow new trends and developments in specific sectors.set up equipment in a timely mannerset up equipment in a timely mannerMake sure to set up equipment according to deadlines and time schedules.follow safety procedures when working at heightsfollow safety procedures when working at heightsTake necessary precautions and follow a set of measures that assess, prevent and tackle risks when working at a high distance from the ground. Prevent endangering people working under these structures...
Optional (33) — show
monitor developments in technology used for designmonitor developments in technology used for designIdentify and explore recent developments in technology and materials used in the live performance industry, in order to create an up-to-date technical background for one’s personal design work.manage technical resources stockmanage technical resources stockManage and monitor technical resources stock to ensure that production demands and deadlines can be met at all times.focus stage lightsfocus stage lightsFocus, direct, adjust and tune stage lights, either alone or leading a group. Coordinate with the team to determine the optimal lighting.lead a teamlead a teamLead, supervise and motivate a group of people, in order to meet the expected results within a given timeline and with the foreseen resources in mind.provide technical documentationprovide technical documentationPrepare and distribute documentation to ensure all people involved in the production receive relevant and up-to-date information.ensure safety of mobile electrical systemsensure safety of mobile electrical systemsTake the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution independently. Measure and power up an installation.cue a performancecue a performancePlan the technical actions and interventions during an artistic performance. Determine when actors go on and off stage. Make sure these cues are followed to ensure a smooth running of the performance.distribute control signalsdistribute control signalsDistribute control signals between light boards, dimmers and other lighting equipment. Control systems can be either DMX or network based.update design results during rehearsalsupdate design results during rehearsalsUpdating the design results based on observation of the stage image during the rehearsals, especially where the different designs and the action are integrated.update budgetupdate budgetMake sure that a given budget remains up to date using most recent and most accurate information. Anticipate possible variations and ensure that the set budgetary goals can be reached within the given...prevent technical problems with lighting equipmentprevent technical problems with lighting equipmentAnticipate possible technical problems with lighting equipment.pack electronic equipmentpack electronic equipmentSafely pack sensitive electronic equipment for storage and transport.de-rig electronic equipmentde-rig electronic equipmentRemove and store various types of electronic equipment safely after use.manage teamworkmanage teamworkPlan the working schedule of a group of people in order to meet all time and quality requirements. Supervise, support and instruct members of a team. Provide feedback to teams and individuals on work ...assemble performance equipmentassemble performance equipmentSet up sound, light and video equipment on stage before performance event according to specifications.advise client on technical possibilitiesadvise client on technical possibilitiesRecommend technical solutions, including systems, to the client within the framework of a project.rig automated lightsrig automated lightsRig, connect, try out and de-rig automated lights, set up, try out and replace optical accessories.maintain automated lighting equipmentmaintain automated lighting equipmentSet up, check and repair automated lighting equipment and maintain its software.coach staff for running the performancecoach staff for running the performanceGive instructions to all team members about how they should run the performance.operate dimmer equipmentoperate dimmer equipmentSet up, connect and operate dimmer equipment (with plug and socket) in a live performance environment.rig lightsrig lightsRig, connect, try out and de-rig lighting equipment.keep personal administrationkeep personal administrationFile and organise personal administration documents comprehensively.maintain lighting equipmentmaintain lighting equipmentCheck, maintain and repair electrical, mechanical and optical lighting elements.manage personal professional developmentmanage personal professional developmentTake responsibility for lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Engage in learning to support and update professional competence. Identify priority areas for professional developmen...develop professional networkdevelop professional networkReach out to and meet up with people in a professional context. Find common ground and use your contacts for mutual benefit. Keep track of the people in your personal professional network and stay up ...adapt existing designs to changed circumstancesadapt existing designs to changed circumstancesAdapt an existing design to changed circumstances and ensure that the artistic quality of the original design is reflected in the final result.plan act lightingplan act lightingLay out the lighting of your act. Work together with technicians to make sure the lighting of your act conforms with the artistic vision.maintain dimmer equipmentmaintain dimmer equipmentCheck and operate dimmer equipment. Take the appropriate steps if the equipment is defective, correcting the defect yourself or forwarding it to a specialised repair service.document your own practicedocument your own practiceDocumenting your own work practice for different purposes like assessment, time management, job application etc.maintain system layout for a productionmaintain system layout for a productionEstablish a workable layout for the system you manage and maintain it for the duration of a production.store performance equipmentstore performance equipmentDismantle sound, light and video equipment after a performance event and store in a safe place.instruct on set up of equipmentinstruct on set up of equipmentInstruct others on how to properly and safely set up equipment according to specifications and regulations.focus lighting equipmentfocus lighting equipmentFocus already installed conventional lighting equipment, based on directions and information from somebody on the floor.
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Frequently asked questions
What does a light board operator do?
Light board operators control the lighting of a performance based on the artistic or creative concept, in interaction with the performers. Their work is influenced by and influences the results of other operators. Therefore, the operators work closely together with the designers, operators and performers. Light board operators prepare and supervise the setup, steer the technical crew, program the equipment and operate the lighting system. They may be responsible for conventional or automated lighting fixtures and, in some instances, controlling video as well. Their work is based on plans, instructions and other documentation.
What skills does a light board operator need?
A light board operator needs 34 essential skills, including draw up artistic production, operate a lighting console, work ergonomically, understand artistic concepts, plot lighting states.
Will AI replace light board operator jobs?
The AI disruption score for light board operator is 22/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: update budget, keep personal administration, provide technical documentation. Most resilient: work with respect for own safety, understand artistic concepts, rig lights.
AI Replacement Risk
22/ 100
Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
SectorArts & Entertainment
ISCO GroupLegal, social, cultural and related associate professionals
Essential Skills34
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