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Lighting Technician CV Example

Showcase your expertise in designing, rigging, and operating lighting systems for live events, theatre, or film productions.

Recommended template: FreshPro

Key Skills to Include

Lighting DesignRigging & FocusingDMX ProgrammingConsole OperationElectrical SafetyLive EventsTheatre LightingEquipment Maintenance

Quick Tips

  • List the lighting consoles and systems you are experienced with such as ETC, MA, or Avolites.
  • Mention notable productions, venues, or events you have worked on.
  • Highlight your understanding of electrical safety and PAT testing.
  • Include any relevant qualifications like IOSH or electrical competence certificates.

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How to Write Your Lighting Technician CV

A lighting technician CV should demonstrate your technical proficiency, console skills, and experience across different production environments. Employers want evidence that you can rig, programme, and operate lighting systems safely and creatively. Your CV should showcase the consoles you use, the types of productions you have worked on, and your commitment to electrical safety and professional development.

CV Structure

Use a reverse-chronological format with a technical profile, work experience, equipment skills, and qualifications. List the consoles and fixture types you are experienced with in a dedicated technical section. Describe each role with the venue type and production scale. Include notable shows or events. Keep to two pages.

CV Format

Choose a clean, well-organised template. Include a dedicated equipment and consoles section for easy reference. Use consistent formatting and clear headings. Freelance technicians should present their career in a way that highlights the breadth and variety of their production experience.

CV Profile Examples

Experienced Lighting Technician

Skilled lighting technician with six years of experience in live events, theatre, and corporate production. Proficient in ETC, GrandMA, and Avolites consoles with extensive experience in rig design, focusing, and DMX programming. Known for technical reliability, creative problem solving, and the ability to work calmly under pressure in fast-paced production environments.

Theatre Lighting Specialist

Dedicated theatre lighting technician with five years of experience at producing and receiving venues across the West End and regional touring circuit. Experienced in reading and interpreting lighting plans, operating complex rigs of up to 300 fixtures, and programming sequences for dramatic and musical productions. Holds an ABTT Bronze Award in Technical Theatre.

Junior Lighting Technician

Enthusiastic technical theatre graduate with two years of experience as a freelance lighting technician working across fringe theatre, music festivals, and corporate events. Competent in rigging, focusing, and basic DMX programming on ETC and Zero 88 consoles. Eager to develop further in a venue-based or touring production environment.

State your experience level, the consoles you operate, and the types of productions you work on. Mention notable venues or events and one key strength such as creative programming or reliable show operation.

Key Skills for Your Lighting Technician CV

Lighting Design

Creating lighting plans and designs that enhance performances, events, and presentations through creative use of colour, angle, and intensity.

Rigging & Focusing

Safely rigging lighting fixtures on trusses and bars, and focusing them to achieve precise coverage and effects.

DMX Programming

Programming lighting consoles to create cues, sequences, and effects using DMX protocols and fixture profiles.

Console Operation

Operating lighting consoles including ETC, GrandMA, Avolites, and Zero 88 during live performances and events.

Electrical Safety

Ensuring all lighting installations meet electrical safety standards, including PAT testing and cable management.

Live Events

Delivering lighting for live music, corporate events, and festivals in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.

Theatre Lighting

Supporting theatrical productions through rig interpretation, technical rehearsals, and consistent show operation.

Equipment Maintenance

Maintaining, cleaning, and repairing lighting fixtures, consoles, and accessories to ensure reliable performance.

Health & Safety

Following working-at-height regulations, electrical safety standards, and venue health and safety procedures.

Work Experience Examples

Describe each role or freelance engagement with the venue type, rig scale, and production volume. List responsibilities covering rigging, programming, operation, and maintenance. Include achievements like successful large-scale events, training delivered, or recognition received.

Lighting Technician

Silverstone Events & Production

Provided lighting design and operation for corporate events, product launches, and live music productions across the UK.

Responsibilities

  • Designed and rigged lighting systems for events ranging from 200-person conferences to 5,000-capacity outdoor festivals.
  • Programmed and operated GrandMA2 and Avolites Titan consoles for live shows, including busking and pre-programmed sequences.
  • Managed load-in, fit-up, and strike schedules, coordinating with audio, video, and staging teams.
  • Carried out electrical safety checks, PAT testing, and cable management to ensure safe working conditions on site.
  • Maintained lighting stock including moving heads, LED fixtures, and conventional lanterns, identifying and reporting faults.

Achievements

  • Designed and operated the lighting for a product launch event attended by 1,500 guests, receiving a client commendation for creative impact.
  • Managed a 200-fixture rig for a three-day music festival, running all lighting cues without a single technical failure.
  • Trained three junior technicians on safe rigging practices and basic console programming.

Theatre Technician (Lighting)

Westfield Civic Theatre

Operated and maintained the lighting systems for a 450-seat receiving theatre hosting 120 productions per year.

Responsibilities

  • Rigged, focused, and gelled lighting fixtures according to visiting company lighting plans and designer specifications.
  • Programmed and operated ETC Ion and Element consoles during technical rehearsals and live performances.
  • Maintained the theatre's lighting stock, carrying out regular PAT testing and fixture maintenance.
  • Assisted visiting lighting designers with adapting their designs to the venue's rig and power capacity.

Achievements

  • Successfully supported the technical delivery of 120 productions in a single season without a cancelled performance due to technical issues.
  • Completed ABTT Bronze Award, gaining formal recognition for practical theatre technical skills.

Education & Qualifications

List technical theatre qualifications such as ABTT awards, degrees in technical production, or lighting design courses. Include electrical safety certificates, working-at-height training, and IOSH qualifications. Manufacturer console training adds specialist value.

ABTT Bronze Award in Technical Theatre

Industry-recognised qualification covering safe working practices, rigging, and technical production skills.

ETC Console Training

Manufacturer training on ETC lighting consoles including Ion, Element, and Gio programming and operation.

IOSH Working Safely

Health and safety qualification covering risk awareness and safe working practices in production environments.

PAT Testing Certificate

Qualification in portable appliance testing, ensuring lighting equipment meets electrical safety standards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a lighting technician CV include?
A lighting technician CV should include the consoles you operate, the types of productions you have worked on, and your rigging and programming experience. List notable venues, events, or productions. Include health and safety qualifications and any manufacturer console training. Demonstrate your versatility across different production environments.
How do I present freelance lighting work on my CV?
Group freelance work under a single heading with the date range, then describe the types of productions, venues, and events you have worked on. Highlight notable engagements and the scale of rigs you have managed. Include the variety of consoles and fixture types used. Freelance breadth demonstrates adaptability and employability.
Which consoles should I list on my CV?
List all consoles you are competent to operate, starting with those you use most frequently. ETC, GrandMA, and Avolites are the most common in the UK. Specify your level of proficiency and any manufacturer training completed. Console skills are often the first thing employers check, so present them clearly.
How important is health and safety for lighting technicians?
Health and safety is critical for lighting technicians who work at height, handle electrical equipment, and operate in dynamic production environments. Include working-at-height training, PAT testing certificates, and IOSH or ABTT qualifications. Employers need confidence that you can work safely, and these qualifications are often mandatory requirements.

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