Overview 

This standard is about operating lighting so that it meets the requirements of productions. It covers your ability to carry out pre-performance checks, operate the lighting desk and to carry out post performance checks. 

This standard is for anyone who operates lighting for live productions.


Performance Criteria

You must be able to:

  1. check that lighting rig and all equipment is in place and in safe working order
  2. check that focusing and plots meet performance requirements
  3. check that lighting console channels and settings are set up and balanced in line with requirements
  4. confirm the readiness of equipment with relevant people
  5. power up equipment in the specified order and in good time for performances
  6. provide lighting states in a consistent way for all performances in accordance to cue and plot
  7. operate consoles within maximum channel numbers, and in line with Health and Safety regulations
  8. deal with problems during performance without causing disruption using backup procedures when possible
  9. report problems to and make suggestions as to how these could be avoided in future performances
  10. power all equipment down in the specified order
  11. make all equipment and consumables safe and secure in line with manufacturers’ instructions
  12. follow approved procedures and schedule for labelling, replacement and repair of equipment and consumables
  13. record details of problems


Knowledge and Understanding

You must know and understand:

  1. the importance of pre-performance checks
  2. how to check lighting equipment to ensure it is in safe working order
  3. how to carry out repairs and replace consumables safely and according to approved procedures including colours and lamps
  4. how to check that focusing and plots are correct for a performance
  5. the importance of powering up in the correct order and how to do so
  6. the relevant Health and Safety regulations relating to all aspects of working with electricity and electrical equipment
  7. the operation of different types of console to produce different types of effect
  8. how to interpret ways in which lighting balance may unobtrusively change in harmony with artiste movement
  9. the effects and safe use of strobe lighting
  10. how to annotate and follow a script or score including cue lines and visual cues.
  11. the meaning of common terms used by others giving cues including ‘Standing By’ and ‘Go’ cues
  12. terminology relating to stage positions including upstage, downstage, stage left and stage right
  13. the difference between operating equipment during rehearsal and operating equipment during performance
  14. the importance of operating equipment to support the artistic performance and how to do so
  15. the Health and Safety requirements, and how they affect the programming, operation, and working practices of different types of console
  16. the importance of consistency and how to achieve it
  17. likely problems that may occur during performance and how to deal with these whilst minimising disruption
  18. the importance of noting problems that have occurred and of finding ways of avoiding these in future performances
  19. emergency procedures, including those for power cuts and fires
  20. the correct powering down procedures, taking account of the needs of touring companies
  21. the importance of making all equipment and consumables safe and secure and how to do so
  22. fault identification and the correct procedures to follow
  23. how to identify consumables in need of replacement and the correct procedures to follow