Comments on: Freelance Stage Lighting Technician – The Inside Story

By: Arnis

Arnis — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 12:11:36 +0000

Hi!
Is problem for employers give job for me, if I haven`t go to any courses what is relevant with lights. I worked for 4 years with professional lights (I mean intelligent) and worked with avolite pearl(2000professional) as well. I have good skills working with sound and stage contractions. I think this is good bonus for employer.
Regards
Arnii

By: jake

jake — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 04:18:18 +0000

What is the going day rate for a Lighting Designer im 16 and doin tafe but want a job in lighting i have had experinse in linghting in school and i did do some riging and sound and some prodution

By: Sam

Sam — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 12:44:21 +0000

I’m at Wimbledon College of Art its part of University of the Arts London and the course is an FdA Lighting Design and Practice course. I would definitely recommend looking into it partly because it is in London and there is loads of work about in London and also because its a good course. But be prepared to work its long hours on the course and if you want to get the most out of it be prepared to be doing work placement at all different theatre’s around London in the evenings and weekends.

By: George Chatburn

George Chatburn — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:45:29 +0000

Hi Sam,

I will shortly be finishing my A-Levels and have been looking around for uni courses. I would find it very useful if you could answer a few questions for me…

What university are you at?
Whats the name of the course?

Thanks in advance.

By: Perry Macro

Perry Macro — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 19:23:03 +0000

hello i’m perry,
i’m leaving school this time and wanting to become a lighting technician i have been working on some shows at the local youth theater and in school i want to know the best way to become professional and what course will be best to take and which are the most relevant i live in Burnley and would like to go to a college round here if possible PLEASE help me

By: Sam

Sam — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 19:30:09 +0000

Hi i’m doing a Foundation degree in Lighting Design in London. Its 5 days a week every day and part of that is an Electrical Installation course. I moved to London in September 2009 an I have never had so much before. My course is 90% practical and 10% theory all based around theatre lighting. I’m currently working as a Lighting Techy as well which is more than funding my course. As part of the course I do 5 weeks work placement which can be paid or unpaid this is just in the first year. I’m currently on the Casuals list in 3 London theatre’s which have paid me upto £40/hour on ‘get outs’.
I would definitely agree to do a course in Lighting if you have little or no experience you only realise how little you know until you have someone ask you questions. I’m now earning enough to pay my fees and allow me to live in London comfortably but be prepared to work some stupid hours. But my main point is that there is some good courses out there but you only get out of them what you put in make sure the course is over 90% practical you learn nothing sitting behind a desk an make sure your prepared to make friends in the industry.

By: Luke Cook

Luke Cook — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 14:19:28 +0000

hi i am a fully qualified electrician all my work has been domestic commercial and industrial installation i am very interested in stage lighting, television lighting etc,i have read about being a lighting technician but all say need experience i have no experience in this area what so ever. I am very keen to learn any ideas where i can start my new career

thanks luke

By: Rob Sayer

Rob Sayer — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:35:40 +0000

Hi Danni, as I said above “… £500 per day..down to profit share or just expenses. Take your pick from anywhere in between.”. You get paid what the industry thinks you are worth.

By: Danni

Danni — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:50:16 +0000

i am doing homework and i need to know how much they get paid but atm i cant find anywhere they tells you could you give me a hand ta =D

By: Rob Sayer

Rob Sayer — Tue, 19 May 2009 13:10:03 +0000

Hi Jonathan,

Insurance – As you are still under 18, I have a feeling that you will struggle to get PLI insurance. If you plan to have employees, you will also need employers liability and should get equipment insured too.

Even working as a sole trader, the business side of things can get pretty complex if you are doing much more than providing your skill in return for a fee. Without some kind of proper legal entity and backup, doing your stuff for paying clients will come back and bite you if things go wrong. At your age, I would steer clear of the minefield and continue to work at what you love while employed by another business such as a theatre or lighting company.