Instrument Schedule
An Instrument Schedule is a detailed planning document used in theatrical and event lighting. Think of it as a master list or inventory that shows where every light should be placed, what it does, and how it's used during a show. It's similar to a blueprint or recipe that lighting professionals use to set up all the lights for a performance. This document helps everyone from technicians to designers know exactly what equipment is needed and where it goes. You might also hear it called a "Light Plot Schedule," "Lighting Instrument List," or "Lighting Equipment List."
Examples in Resumes
Created and managed Instrument Schedule for 50+ theatrical productions
Developed comprehensive Instrument Schedule and Light Plot documentation for national touring shows
Maintained accurate Instrument Schedule and inventory tracking for 200+ lighting fixtures
Typical job title: "Lighting Technicians"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Lighting Technicians
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How do you manage an instrument schedule for a large-scale touring production?
Expected Answer: A senior professional should discuss coordination between venues, adaptability of the schedule for different spaces, equipment tracking systems, and how to train crew members to interpret and implement the schedule.
Q: How do you handle last-minute changes to an instrument schedule during tech week?
Expected Answer: Should explain the process of updating documentation, communicating changes to the team, ensuring proper inventory is available, and maintaining show quality while implementing changes.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What information do you include in a basic instrument schedule?
Expected Answer: Should list key components like fixture type, position, channel number, purpose, color, and any special notes, while explaining why each piece of information is important.
Q: How do you coordinate between the instrument schedule and other production documents?
Expected Answer: Should discuss how the schedule relates to light plots, channel hookups, and other paperwork, and how to maintain consistency across all documents.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What software do you use to create and maintain instrument schedules?
Expected Answer: Should be familiar with common industry software like Lightwright, Excel, or similar tools used for creating and updating instrument schedules.
Q: How do you verify that an instrument schedule matches the actual setup?
Expected Answer: Should explain basic process of checking fixtures against the schedule, confirming positions, and noting any discrepancies.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic understanding of lighting equipment
- Ability to read and follow instrument schedules
- Knowledge of common lighting positions
- Basic documentation skills
Mid (2-5 years)
- Creating and updating instrument schedules
- Coordinating with design teams
- Managing small to medium productions
- Troubleshooting documentation issues
Senior (5+ years)
- Managing large-scale production documentation
- Training and supervising crew members
- Creating efficient documentation systems
- Coordinating multiple productions simultaneously
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to read basic light plots
- No experience with industry-standard documentation software
- Lack of attention to detail in paperwork
- Poor communication skills with crew members
- No understanding of standard theater terminology
Related Terms
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