Lighting Technician Resume Guide

Lighting technicians are responsible for setting up and operating lighting equipment in a variety of settings, such as on film sets, at concerts or other live events, and in television studios. They must understand the technical aspects of different types of light fixtures to ensure that they are working properly and creating the desired effect. Additionally, they may need to troubleshoot any issues that arise during production.

You know how to create a stunning atmosphere with lighting, but employers may not be aware of your talents. To make them notice you and hire you for their team, you must write an impressive resume that captures their attention.

This guide will walk you through the entire process of creating a top-notch resume. We first show you a complete example and then break down what each resume section should look like.

The guide is divided into sections for your convenience. You can read it from beginning to end or use the table of contents below to jump to a specific part.

Full Resume Example Summary Experience Skills Education Certifications Contact Info Cover Letter Templates

Lighting Technician Resume Sample

Filomena Mertz
Lighting Technician

[email protected]
746-481-3236
linkedin.com/in/filomena-mertz

Summary

Accomplished lighting technician with 8+ years of experience in the entertainment industry. Expertise in setting up and operating stage lighting, as well as troubleshooting technical problems to ensure smooth show performances. At XYZ Productions, designed lighting setups for over 50 live music events and plays within a short time frame while staying on budget. Received an award from ABC Theatre Company for outstanding performance during their summer play season.

Experience

Lighting Technician, Employer A
Columbus, Jan 2018 – Present

Assessed lighting requirements for over 20 theatre, music and dance productions per year; achieved optimal lighting effects by programming light boards to create desired scenes.
Achieved cost savings of up to 15% on lighting equipment purchases through diligent price comparison research and negotiation with vendors.
Diligently monitored the status of all audio-visual systems during performances, troubleshot any issues immediately in order to avoid show delays or cancellations.
Troubleshot malfunctioning lights using various electrical testing tools and replaced faulty components when necessary; improved overall system reliability by 80%.
Improved safety standards at venues by replacing outdated fixtures with energy efficient LEDs while maintaining a consistent level of illumination across stages or performance areas.

Lighting Technician, Employer B
Augusta, Mar 2012 – Dec 2017

Prepared comprehensive lighting designs for over 75 theatre, live concert and music video productions; reduced setup time by 40% through careful pre-planning.
Rigged and operated stage lights in accordance with the technical director’s instructions, including focusing of lamps and establishing dimmer levels to achieve desired effects.
Facilitated emergency repairs on venue electrical systems during a show when necessary; improved safety standards at all events attended by 15%.
Efficiently managed inventory of bulbs, cables & fixtures worth $10K+, ensuring that any damage or shortages were reported immediately and replaced as needed.
Revised existing light plots to accommodate changes in production crews/cast schedules while keeping within allocated budget limits; saved an additional $1K+ per month on average due to efficient planning methods used.

Skills

Lighting
Stage Lighting
Lighting Design
Entertainment
Theatre
Live Events
Stage Management
Stage
Video

Education

Associate Degree in Lighting Technology
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

Certifications

Lighting Technician Certification
USITT (United States Institute for Theatre Technology
May 2017

Related Resume Examples

All Examples

1. Summary / Objective

A resume summary for a lighting technician should highlight your experience in the industry, as well as any certifications or awards you have earned. You can also mention how many years of experience you have and what kind of equipment you are familiar with. Additionally, it’s important to showcase your ability to work quickly and efficiently under pressure while still producing quality results.

Below are some resume summary examples:

Diligent lighting technician with 5+ years of experience in a variety of settings. Seeking to join ABC as a lighting technician and bring expertise in setting up, maintaining, and troubleshooting equipment for theatrical productions. At XYZ Productions achieved an impressive record of 85% on-time setup completion rate while managing budgets efficiently. Also showcased creativity by developing unique lighting designs that resulted in award winning presentations.

Passionate lighting technician with 5+ years of experience in the live production industry. Skilled at working collaboratively with a team to create spectacular lighting designs that captivate audiences and bring shows to life. At XYZ, managed all aspects of the show’s lighting design and execution for 40 events per year. Seeking an opportunity to use my expertise in creating stunning visuals while contributing new ideas towards successful productions.

Driven lighting technician with 5+ years of experience in the entertainment industry. Experienced in setting up and operating lighting equipment for live performances, special events, television shows, movies, and concerts. Skilled at troubleshooting technical issues related to lighting systems quickly and efficiently. Proven ability to work well under pressure while managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

Skilled lighting technician with 5+ years of experience in the entertainment industry. Capable of troubleshooting and resolving technical issues quickly, while managing lighting equipment efficiently within tight deadlines. At XYZ Studios, designed custom lighting systems for 10 feature films and TV shows that won numerous awards. Received a “Starlight Award” from ABC Productions for excellence in my work.

Professional lighting technician with 10+ years of experience designing, operating and maintaining lighting systems in both studio and live settings. Eager to join ABC Productions as a Lighting Technician and use creative problem-solving skills to ensure the highest quality end products are achieved. Recognized for reducing production costs by up to 25% while ensuring on-time delivery of projects.

Enthusiastic lighting technician with 5+ years of experience creating and managing lighting setups for theatrical and live events. Proven track record in developing visually stunning designs that bring out the beauty of a production while remaining within budget constraints. Seeking to apply creative mindset at ABC Lighting, where I can continue to develop new approaches to light design.

Amicable lighting technician with 7+ years of experience handling complex lighting systems and equipment for various events. Seeking to join ABC Productions where I can utilize my knowledge in stage and studio lighting to help bring the production team’s vision to life. In past roles, implemented a new system that reduced setup time by 20% while increasing safety on set by 50%.

Energetic lighting technician with 7+ years of experience in the live entertainment industry. Experienced in setting up and operating a range of lighting equipment for large-scale events such as concerts, festivals, and corporate shows. Seeking to join ABC Events’ team to create stunning visual experiences that will captivate audiences around the world.

2. Experience / Employment

Next comes the work history section. This should be written in reverse chronological order, with your most recent job listed first.

When writing about what you did on the job, stick to bullet points. Doing so allows the reader to quickly understand and digest what you have to say. You want to take some time when crafting each point; provide detail as well as quantifiable results if possible.

For example, instead of saying “Set up lighting,” you could say, “Installed a variety of lights for events including concerts and plays using spotlights, LED strips, and dimmers.”

To write effective bullet points, begin with a strong verb or adverb. Industry specific verbs to use are:

Installed
Programmed
Adjusted
Operated
Troubleshot
Rigged
Assembled
Connected
Tested
Inspected
Replaced
Configured
Calibrated
Monitored
Repaired

Other general verbs you can use are:

Achieved
Advised
Assessed
Compiled
Coordinated
Demonstrated
Developed
Expedited
Facilitated
Formulated
Improved
Introduced
Mentored
Optimized
Participated
Prepared
Presented
Reduced
Reorganized
Represented
Revised
Spearheaded
Streamlined
Structured
Utilized

Below are some example bullet points:

Operated lighting equipment on 10+ live events each month, including theatre shows and corporate conferences; adjusted lighting rig components to create desired effects and reduced setup time by 25%.
Structured light plots for over 40 performances throughout the year, ensuring that all stage directions were illuminated as per requirements; completed tasks ahead of schedule in 4 out of 5 occasions.
Thoroughly inspected electrical wiring systems prior to every show, resolving any loose connections or frayed cords before use; decreased tech problems during production by 67%.
Adjusted lighting intensities according to cue sheets provided by directors & producers in order to set moods and atmosphere for each scene during tapings/performances.
Utilized a variety of instruments like follow spots, ellipsoidals & fresnels when creating looks for television programs broadcasted nationally; increased ratings 15% within 3 months due to improved visuals quality.

Introduced lighting equipment and techniques to achieve desired effects for live events, recordings, videos and other projects; completed over 40 jobs in the last year with a perfect track record.
Coordinated lighting operations between various departments such as sound engineering, video production and stage management for successful shows on schedule; reduced setup time by 30% compared to previous years.
Successfully operated light consoles during rehearsals & performances while monitoring levels of brightness & color temperature from different angles; improved overall show quality by 25%.
Expedited troubleshooting processes when technical issues arose during productions through effective problem-solving skills leading to fewer delays or cancellations at all times.
Compiled daily reports documenting progress made throughout each project along with any recommendations for future reference; saved over $500 in costs associated with repeat setups this quarter alone due to accurate records kept priorly.

Connected lighting systems and operated lighting control boards for over 50 live events, including concerts, corporate functions and theater productions.
Independently managed all aspects of the show’s light design, from specifying equipment to programming automated lights to setting up dimmer racks; increased efficiency by 10%.
Spearheaded installation of a new stage lighting system in 45 days with a budget of $20K and successfully implemented it during an important client presentation without any issues or delays.
Tested safety protocols regularly on theatrical luminaires while following electrical codes & standards; reduced malfunction incidents by 40% year-over-year (YOY).
Reduced pre-show setup time by 30 minutes through effective use of technical resources such as DMX controllers, multi-channel consoles, moving head fixtures and LED displays for various shows/events each week.

Represented the lighting team for over 300 live performances, successfully managing the setup and operation of stage lights to create a variety of effects.
Replaced existing bulbs with energy-efficient LED light fixtures in 20+ theaters, reducing monthly electricity costs by $4,000.
Reorganized the storage facility for theater equipment; increased productivity by 30% through improved organization and inventory tracking systems implementation.
Presented a training seminar on Lighting Design Basics to 40 coworkers; provided guidance on proper use of spotlights & dimmers while also emphasizing safety protocols during installation/breakdown processes.
Accurately configured color switches & programmed software consoles for 50+ shows within deadlines; saved 8 hours per week compared to industry standards due to efficiency improvements.

Actively and successfully operated, maintained and set up lighting systems for live performances; consistently ensured that equipment was functioning optimally during over 300 events.
Formulated color schemes to achieve the desired moods or effects by using lighting consoles in combination with gels, dimmers and other tools; saved production time by 20%.
Calibrated various light fixtures including LED’s PAR cans and moving lights according to industry standards within budget parameters; improved theater performance quality by 30%.
Advised clients on proper use of theatrical lighting equipment while ensuring safety protocols were followed at all times; reduced liabilities caused due to accidents & mishaps by 25%.
Installed audio/video cables, transformers & other electrical accessories as part of a team effort resulting in successful completion of 10+ stage setup projects ahead of schedule.

Streamlined the setup and installation of lighting systems for over 50 events, reducing labor expenses by 15%.
Participated in the design and programming of light effects equipment to ensure technical accuracy; saved 700 hours on production time.
Meticulously operated dimmer consoles during live performances, ensuring seamless transitions between scenes while avoiding any technical issues or malfunctions on stage.
Monitored spotlights at a 1:10 ratio for optimal illumination during major concerts; successfully illuminated 3 arenas with up to 20,000 spectators each with minimal effort and expense.
Optimized power consumption across all stages through effective usage of LED lamps which reduced energy costs by $1,800 annually.

Repaired and replaced faulty lighting systems, electrical wiring and components in theatrical productions and live events; reduced downtime for repairs by 40%.
Programmed light cues using DMX consoles and Grand MA software to create stunning visual effects that complimented the overall look of each production.
Resourcefully troubleshot various technical issues encountered during rehearsals and performances, resolving them swiftly without compromising on quality or sound design integrity.
Inspected all existing equipment prior to installation as well as after use in order to ensure safety standards were met at all times; cut maintenance costs by 20%.
Configured audio-visual equipment such as dimmers, fog machines & lasers according to customer specifications while adhering strictly to industry regulations; improved customer satisfaction ratings by 10%.

Assembled and installed up to 500 lighting fixtures for live events, ensuring all wiring and connections were secure and that the equipment was safely operating at optimal levels.
Demonstrated expertise in troubleshooting electrical systems, identified and fixed technical issues with a 99% accuracy rate within an average of 10 minutes per incident.
Developed cost-effective solutions for lighting needs; reduced overhead costs by 15%, saving $5,000 on materials over a 4 month period.
Mentored junior technicians in safety protocols related to working with electric components; trained 3 employees who have since become proficient Lighting Technicians themselves.
Reliably maintained inventory of supplies & equipment while keeping records up-to-date; created an online system which enabled easy access to stock details across multiple venues/locations simultaneously.

3. Skills

Even though two organizations are hiring for the same role, the skillset they want an ideal candidate to possess could differ significantly. For instance, one may be on the lookout for an individual who is experienced with LED lighting and another may be looking for someone who has knowledge of traditional theater lighting.

It is essential to tailor the skills section in your resume according to each job posting you are applying for, as many employers utilize applicant tracking systems that scan resumes for certain keywords before passing them on to a human.

In addition, it would be beneficial to discuss some of the more important qualifications in other areas such as the summary or experience sections; this will help further demonstrate your expertise in those particular areas.

Below is a list of common skills & terms:

AV
Audio Engineering
Commercials
Concerts
Corporate Events
Editing
Entertainment
Event Management
Feature Films
Festivals
Film
Film Production
Final Cut Pro
Lighting
Lighting Control
Lighting Design
Live Events
Live Sound
Music
Musical Theatre
Performing Arts
Photography
Production Management
Rigging
Short Films
Sound
Stage
Stage Lighting
Stage Management
Teamwork
Television
Theatre
Theatrical Production
Vectorworks
Video
Video Editing
Video Production

4. Education

Including an education section on your resume will depend on how far along you are in your career. If you just graduated and have no prior experience, mention your education below your resume objective. However, if you have been working as a lighting technician for years with plenty of different responsibilities to showcase, omitting the education section is perfectly fine.

If an education section is included, try to mention courses and subjects related to the lighting technician role that you are applying for.

Associate Degree in Lighting Technology
Educational Institution XYZ
Nov 2011

5. Certifications

Certifications demonstrate to potential employers that you have the knowledge and expertise necessary for a given job. It is important to include any certifications related to the position you are applying for in your resume, as it will help show hiring managers that you are qualified and competent in your field.

Having a certification can also give an employer confidence that they are getting someone who has been tested by an external body and is up-to-date with industry standards. This could be just what sets you apart from other applicants!

Lighting Technician Certification
USITT (United States Institute for Theatre Technology
May 2017

6. Contact Info

Your name should be the first thing a reader sees when viewing your resume, so ensure its positioning is prominent. Your phone number should be written in the most commonly used format in your country/city/state, and your email address should be professional.

You can also choose to include a link to your LinkedIn profile, personal website, or other online platforms relevant to your industry.

Finally, name your resume file appropriately to help hiring managers; for Filomena Mertz, this would be Filomena-Mertz-resume.pdf or Filomena-Mertz-resume.docx.

7. Cover Letter

Submitting a cover letter is one of the best ways to make a great first impression on potential employers. A cover letter is usually comprised of 2 to 4 paragraphs and should be tailored specifically for each job you apply for. It’s an opportunity to highlight your skills, experience and qualifications that are relevant to the role in question.

Writing a good cover letter can give recruiters greater insights into who you are as a professional and why you’re worthy of consideration over other candidates – making it well worth the effort!

Below is an example cover letter:

Dear Cleta,

I am writing to apply for the lighting technician position at your theater. With more than 10 years of experience in the industry and a strong background in electrical engineering, I am confident I will be an asset to your organization.

In my previous role as a lighting technician at [theater name], I was responsible for operating and maintaining all stage lighting equipment. My experience with different types of lighting fixtures and control systems has given me a deep understanding of how to create different effects for productions. In addition, my excellent problem-solving skills have helped me troubleshoot issues quickly and efficiently.

I am also well-versed in rigging and trussing, which would come in handy for your upcoming production of ‘Peter Pan’. As you can see from my attached resume, I have extensive experience working on large-scale productions with complex set designs. I am confident I can handle any challenges that may arise during the course of the show.

If given the opportunity, I will use my knowledge and expertise to contribute to the success of your theater. Thank you for your time and consideration; I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Filomena