HEAD ELECTRICIAN

The HEAD ELECTRICIAN is responsible for all lighting effects, whether they are programmed into the lighting board or manually run. This includes show stage lighting, house lighting, work lighting, or special lighting effects. They are also responsible for supplying power and extension cords on stage to all departments for show-run purposes.

The HEAD ELECTRICIAN often focuses the show and operates the lighting board.

The responsibilities of the HEAD ELECTRICIAN, in addition to those of a HEAD OF DEPARTMENT, may include, but not be limited to:

• Meets with the TECHNICAL DIRECTOR and LIGHTING DESIGNER to determine lighting needs and other electrical requirements of the production
• Performs any research which may be required, including the suitability of equipment
• Makes inventories of instruments, cable and equipment on hand, and determines their working condition
• Maintains a neat and accurate inventory of gel; ensures all gel is returned and filed before, during and after the production
• Develops a thorough knowledge of the operation of lighting control and dimmer systems in the venue, including the locations of circuit breakers, fuse panels and non-dims; becomes familiar with the bulbing of all fixtures and documents the ANSI code of each bulb; becomes familiar with all the DMX requirements needed to activate the plot
• Evaluates the lighting design for inventory, cable stock, gel, special equipment, and gobos; arranges to obtain any items not in inventory
• Creates the hanging cards for the hang of equipment
• Plans, supervises and participates in the hang and focus of the plot, ensuring that all plans are executed and all deadlines met
• Ensures there is adequate and appropriate work lighting, including running lights for actors and crew, and desk lighting for the DIRECTOR‘S table in the house
• Tracks and accurately maintains all paperwork during set-up and run period, including instrument schedules, patch plots, dimmer tracking sheets, etc.
• Ensures accurate patch and gel changes, if necessary
• Operates all elements of the lighting system, except as delegated to other members of the production staff
• Performs a thorough lamp check before each use of the lighting system, to ensure correct operation of the control, dimmer and fixture, and checks for shifts in focus
• Records all dimmer levels in writing and copies this to the STAGE MANAGER
• Assigns crew members specific duties
• Creates back-up copies of show cues for the Staff, Show TD, and others as required

ADMINISTRATION AND SCHEDULING

• Makes a detailed budget for the purchase, rental or borrowing of lighting equipment needed for the production
• Contributes to the creation of a detailed WEEKLY and DAILY SCHEDULE, produced by the PRODUCTION MANAGER
• attends all production meetings and organizes department meetings as required

This information is intended as a guideline only. It is not intended to replace the required reading or research in your area, or information gained in the classroom.

To be used in conjunction with the HEAD OF DEPARTMENT job description.

The demands of this position, and the hours worked, will vary with each production.

THE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THIS POSITION MAY BE ALTERED WITHOUT NOTICE BY THE RESIDENT STAFF AND FACULTY