Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Focus Chart • Wash Light • Cyclorama Lighting

Light Board

Term from Theatrical Lighting industry explained for recruiters

A Light Board, also known as a lighting console or lighting control board, is the main control system used to manage stage lighting in theaters, concerts, and events. It's like a specialized computer that lets operators control when lights turn on and off, how bright they are, and what colors they display. Think of it as the command center for all the lighting effects you see in a show. Some popular brands include ETC, MA Lighting, and Hog. People who work with light boards need to understand both creative aspects (how lighting affects a performance) and technical skills (programming and operating the equipment).

Examples in Resumes

Programmed complex light cues for Broadway-style productions using Light Board and Lighting Console

Operated Light Board for over 200 live performances at regional theater

Trained junior technicians on Lighting Console and Light Board operation

Typical job title: "Light Board Operators"

Also try searching for:

Lighting Console Operator Lighting Board Programmer Lighting Technician Master Electrician Lighting Designer Production Electrician

Where to Find Light Board Operators

Professional Organizations

Online Communities

Job Resources

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you plan and program lighting for a complex musical production?

Expected Answer: Should discuss show organization, creating cue lists, working with designers, managing multiple playbacks, and training other operators. Should mention backup strategies and troubleshooting during live shows.

Q: How do you approach training new operators on the light board?

Expected Answer: Should explain teaching methodology, starting with basics, safety procedures, common troubleshooting, and how to gradually build up to more complex operations while maintaining show quality.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What steps do you take to prepare a light board for a show?

Expected Answer: Should explain patch setup, creating groups and palettes, basic programming, and running basic checks before a performance.

Q: How do you handle a light board malfunction during a live show?

Expected Answer: Should discuss backup procedures, quick troubleshooting steps, manual override options, and communication with the stage manager and crew.

Junior Level Questions

Q: Can you explain the basic functions of a light board?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe fundamental operations like turning lights on/off, controlling intensity, recording cues, and basic playback functions.

Q: What is a lighting cue and how do you record one?

Expected Answer: Should explain that a cue is a preset lighting state, and describe the basic process of setting up lights and saving the setup as a cue for later playback.