What does a lighting designer do in theatre?

I've been getting into tech theatre at my high school and really enjoy the lighting aspect. What are the responsibilities of a lighting designer in a professional theatre setting? Is it a career worth pursuing?

In a professional theater, the lighting designer plays a crucial role in shaping the audience's experience. Their main duties include designing the visual concept for the show in liaison with the director, production team, set and costume designers. They sketch or create models, diagrams, or computer-rendered visualizations of the lighting for the entire production.

The lighting designer chooses suitable lighting fixtures and their placement, decides on colors, intensity, and when and where light changes should occur. They direct the setup and programming of lights, ensuring they illuminate the performers and set in a way that matches the tone or mood of each part of the performance.

Once the show is in run, the lighting designer might have to address and rectify any technical issues - unanticipated changes in the lighting can dramatically affect the visual aesthetics of the show.

Is it a career worth pursuing? Well, it depends on your personal interest and passion. If you're fascinated by light and its capacity to tell a story, create mood, and enhance performances, then it can be a gratifying and exciting career. You get the chance to work with performances, create visually impactful lighting designs, and directly contribute to the success of the production.

Remember that a lighting design career path may require working under pressure, keeping up with technological advancements, and often working long, irregular hours, especially during the production setup and opening nights.

This career also tends to be project-based, so there can be periods of intense work followed by periods of little or no work. However, many lighting designers find the challenge and creative opportunities rewarding. You can expand your opportunities by being open to work in different settings, not just theatre, but also dance productions, concerts, corporate events, or even architectural design.

Entering the profession can be competitive, and it often requires a combination of formal education in theater technology or design, as well as practical experience. But given that you're already interested and involved in high school, it could be a great path for you! It's always a good idea to seek out internships, apprenticeships, or mentorships to gain more hands-on experience in the industry.