How to Become a Lighting Designer

A great way to become a lighting designer is to become involved with theatre production, and this can be at any level.

Church, community and school productions are a great way to start, and most theatres are eager to accept volunteers of any sort. Involvement in local theatre will help you gain experience, an appreciation for the craft and industry contacts.

Getting involved in other local productions is also highly recommended. Offering your services for local concerts and talent competitions is a great way to expand your network, gain experience and develop your portfolio. 

Success Tip: While you are a student, speak with your instructors and your career counselor regarding your interest in obtaining work experience or an internship. They may be able to help you land such a position.

Having a thorough understanding of lighting effects and overall composition of colour is a great way to strengthen your skills as a lighting designer, so ensure you maintain a relevant knowledge base an understanding of these concepts. Having a great knowledge base increases your marketability and will help you land more jobs.

The contacts you have developed through any volunteering, schooling and internship experience will help you find jobs. You will notice a cycle, the more contacts you make, the more jobs you will get, and the more jobs you get, the more contacts you will make!