How to Be Dance Company Touring Lighting Designer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 30, 2021 / 6 Minutes Read / By Albert

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A Dance Company Touring Lighting Designer is an important role in the success of a dance company's tour. The lighting designer is responsible for creating a stunning visual experience for the audience, by creating unique lighting designs that bring the choreography to life. They must be able to understand the music and choreography in order to create the best lighting design that will bring out the emotion of the performance.

The lighting designer must also be knowledgeable in advanced technology, such as dimming systems, how to program light cues and how to use modern lighting fixtures. The right lighting designer can make or break a performance; if the lighting is too bright or too dim, it can ruin the performance entirely. Thus, having an experienced and talented lighting designer is essential for a successful tour.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a college degree in lighting design. Most lighting designers have a bachelor's degree in theater arts, technical theater, or a related field.
Take classes in theater lighting design, theatre production and design, and introduction to stage lighting. These classes will provide an understanding of the basics of dance lighting design.
Participate in an internship at a professional theatre or dance company. This will provide the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and learn from experienced designers.
Join professional organizations such as the United States Institute for Theatre Technology and the Professional Lighting Designers Association. Joining these organizations will provide access to educational and networking opportunities.
Build a portfolio of your work. This portfolio should include images of your work and any reviews or awards you have received for your work.
Connect with dance companies and theatres that tour nationally and internationally to build relationships.
Take on freelance and contract positions as a lighting designer with touring companies. This will provide the experience necessary to become a Dance Company Touring Lighting Designer.
Demonstrate your ability to work quickly and efficiently in order to meet production deadlines.
Build a network of contacts within the industry that can provide references or recommend you for jobs.

The ideal and competent Dance Company Touring Lighting Designer must possess a multitude of key skills and knowledge. Firstly, they must have a good understanding of the technical aspects of lighting design, such as the types of lighting equipment available and how to use them effectively and safely. They also need to be creative, able to come up with innovative concepts and ideas that will help enhance the performance.

they must be organized and have excellent problem solving skills in order to manage the challenges that arise on the road. Finally, they must have good communication and interpersonal skills in order to collaborate with other members of the production team and gain their trust. With these key skills, a competent Dance Company Touring Lighting Designer can ensure the success of any performance.

You may want to check Dance Company Tour Booking Coordinator, Dance Company Touring Technician, and Dance Company Touring Video Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Design and program lighting for live Dance Company performances.
Create lighting cues for each dance number.
Work closely with director, choreographer and performers to create an appropriate atmosphere for each piece.
Utilize a variety of lighting fixtures, including LED, intelligent, automated spotlights and traditional follow-spots.
Set up and operate control consoles, such as a GrandMA, ETC Ion and Hog4.
Maintain equipment and troubleshoot any technical issues during performances.
Ensure all aspects of the show run smoothly and as scheduled.
Create creative effects that amplify the mood and emotion of each piece.
Prepare and organize lighting equipment for touring dates.
Remain up to date on industry standards and trends in order to create the best experience for audiences.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of lighting systems, including dimming, control and distribution
Proficiency in creating lighting plots and designs
Ability to interpret and execute creative briefs
Ability to work well with a team, maintaining safety protocols
Comfort and skill in working with automated lighting systems
Capacity to work with a variety of budgets and deadlines
Ability to troubleshoot problems in a timely manner
Knowledge of current theatre lighting technology
Proficiency with industry-standard computer software programs
Strong communication skills to ensure clear direction to crew members

Having a successful career as a Dance Company Touring Lighting Designer requires a wide range of skills. A deep understanding of lighting equipment and its capabilities is essential for creating the desired atmosphere for each performance. Being able to think creatively and come up with innovative solutions to problems on the fly is also important.

strong communication and collaboration skills are needed to effectively interact with the other members of the production team. Lastly, having a passion for the art of lighting design and the confidence to take risks is key to leading the team to success. With these skills, a Dance Company Touring Lighting Designer can make any performance truly memorable.

Dance Rehearsal Director, Dance Troupe Performer, and Dance Team Coach are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have designing lighting for dance companies and performances?
What lighting equipment do you feel most comfortable using?
How would you handle a situation where the dancers on tour require special lighting effects?
What methods do you use to create a unique lighting design that reflects the choreography of a performance?
Describe a time you had to work with limited resources to create a successful lighting design.
How do you collaborate with other members of the technical team to ensure the lighting works with the music, costumes, and choreography?
What challenges have you encountered while touring with a company and how did you successfully overcome them?
How do you stay organized and prepared when working on multiple productions at once?
What safety precautions do you take when setting up and operating lighting equipment?
How do you keep up with advancements in lighting technology?

Common Tools in Industry

Console. A lighting console is a device used to control the operation of lights (eg: GrandMA2).
DMX Cable. A digital multiplex cable used to connect lighting fixtures and the lighting board (eg: XLR-5).
Rigging Equipment. Equipment used to hang and mount lighting fixtures (eg: trusses, clamps).
Moving Lights. Lights that can be moved and aimed manually or with a motor (eg: Martin MAC 101).
Fog Machines. Machines used to create a haze in the air for dramatic effect (eg: Antari F-80).
Follow Spot Lights. Lights used to focus on a performer from a distance (eg: Strong Super Trouper).
Special Effects. Devices used to create special effects such as strobes, lasers and bubbles (eg: American DJ Strobe Light).
Gels & Gobos. Color filters used to manipulate light and metal-cut images used to project patterns onto surfaces (eg: Rosco Color Effects Filter).

Professional Organizations to Know

United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT)
Professional Lighting and Sound Association (PLASA)
International Association of Lighting Designers (IALD)
Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC)
Association of Theatrical Press Agents and Managers (ATPAM)
Entertainment Services and Technology Association (ESTA)
Entertainment Technician Certification Program (ETCP)
League of American Theatres and Producers (LATP)
The Broadway League
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE)

We also have Dance Company Touring Stage Manager, Dance Company Tour Manager, and Dance Studio Floor Manager jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Lighting Design. The art of creating and manipulating lighting to create a desired atmosphere or effect.
Touring. When a dance company travels to different locations to perform their production.
Cueing. The process of setting up and programming the lighting cues for a performance.
Color Theory. The study of how color affects the human eye and how it is perceived by the viewer.
Followspot. A type of light that is manually moved during a performance to focus on specific performers or areas.
Dimmers. Devices used to control the brightness or intensity of a light source.
Special Effects. Techniques used to manipulate light and create special visual effects during a performance.
Fixtures. The physical equipment used to create lighting effects, such as lamps, moving lights, and projectors.
Plotting. The process of designing the layout of lights for a given performance space.
Gels. Transparent colored sheets of plastic used to alter the color of a light source.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What experience does a Dance Company Touring Lighting Designer need? A1: To be successful as a Dance Company Touring Lighting Designer, you should have experience with lighting design, theatrical production, and working with dancers and choreographers. Additionally, knowledge of industry standard lighting equipment and safety protocols is essential. Q2: How many lighting fixtures are typically used in a Dance Company Touring Lighting Design? A2: The number of lighting fixtures used in a Dance Company Touring Lighting Design will vary depending on the size and scope of the production. Generally speaking, it is not uncommon for a Dance Company Touring Lighting Design to require anywhere between 15-20 lighting fixtures. Q3: What type of lighting equipment is commonly used in a Dance Company Touring Lighting Design? A3: Most Dance Company Touring Lighting Designs will utilize traditional theatrical lighting equipment such as spotlights, PAR cans, LED's, strobes, and dimming systems. Additionally, automated lighting fixtures may also be used to create dynamic effects and create a unique atmosphere. Q4: How long does it take to set up and break down a Dance Company Touring Lighting Design? A4: The time required to set up and break down a Dance Company Touring Lighting Design will depend on the complexity of the design, but typically it takes between two to four hours. This includes setting up the lighting fixtures, testing them, and making any necessary adjustments to get the perfect look. Q5: What is the importance of a Dance Company Touring Lighting Designer? A5: A Dance Company Touring Lighting Designer plays an integral role in creating a successful performance. They work together with the dancers and choreographers to create the perfect lighting design that not only enhances the performance but also adds to the overall atmosphere of the show.

Web Resources

Lighting Designer | Berklee www.berklee.edu
Lighting Designer | Department of Theatre and Dance theatreanddance.appstate.edu
Lighting Design | Dance Program danceprogram.duke.edu