A lighting operator is responsible for operating lighting during rehearsals and performances. They work closely with the director and sound operator to program lights and ensure the right lighting is used for specific scenes. A lighting operator uses cue sheets and scripts to follow lighting cues at the right times. Their job requires alertness and familiarity with the show to execute cues properly, as mistakes could negatively impact the entire production.

1. GC1: Job Roles in the Production Arts Industry
LIGHTING OPERATOR
The average salary of a lighting operator is the equivalent to $45,000.
A lighting operator’s role on a production is to operate lighting during rehearsals and the
actual show. They work closely with the director and sound operator in order to program
certain lights into the desk and ensure the right combination of lighting is used for specific
scenes, i.e to evoke a certain emotion through colour. They will keep cue sheets and a script
to follow throughout the show to ensure correct lights are used at the right time. It is their
responsibility to be alert at all times and to know the show well enough to know when a cue
is coming up. They should also work with the lighting designer in order to create their vision
when programming lighting. This will also help the lighting operator in terms of knowing
which light with what gel is where.
If a lighting operator doesn’t do their job
correctly, it can affect the whole show.
For example, the whole show would be
affected if the lighting operator were to
press the wrong cue and send the stage
into blackout.
A lighting operator’s day to day job would
be watching the show’s rehearsals and
learning the show’s script in order to
familiarise themselves with the show so
they can predict when a lighting change is
about to occur.