Spot Light
A Spot Light (also known as a spotlight or follow spot) is a powerful, focused beam of light used in theaters, concerts, and events to highlight specific performers or areas on stage. It's one of the most important tools in stage lighting, allowing operators to manually follow performers as they move across the stage. Think of it like a flashlight, but much more powerful and precise. This term appears in resumes of lighting technicians, spot operators, and other stage lighting professionals who need to know how to operate, maintain, and position these specialized pieces of equipment.
Examples in Resumes
Operated Spot Light for Broadway-style productions at regional theater
Trained junior technicians in Follow Spot operation and maintenance
Managed placement and programming of Spotlight systems for major concert tours
Typical job title: "Spot Light Operators"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Spot Light Operators
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you handle training a team of spotlight operators for a complex musical production?
Expected Answer: Should discuss creating training schedules, safety protocols, coordination methods, and how to teach proper cueing and timing. Should mention experience with different types of equipment and troubleshooting common issues.
Q: What's your approach to creating a spotlight plan for a touring show?
Expected Answer: Should explain how to assess different venues, adapt to varying stage sizes, coordinate with the lighting designer, and maintain consistent quality across different locations.
Mid Level Questions
Q: How do you coordinate with other lighting technicians during a live show?
Expected Answer: Should discuss communication systems, following cue sheets, backup plans if equipment fails, and working with the stage manager and other crew members.
Q: What's your process for maintaining spotlight equipment?
Expected Answer: Should describe regular cleaning procedures, bulb replacement, checking electrical connections, and identifying potential problems before they affect performance.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What are the basic parts of a spotlight and their functions?
Expected Answer: Should be able to identify main components like the lamp, iris, color changer, and controls, and explain their basic functions in simple terms.
Q: How do you safely position and secure a spotlight?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate knowledge of basic safety procedures, proper mounting techniques, and understanding of power requirements and cable management.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic spotlight operation
- Following cue sheets
- Basic equipment maintenance
- Safety procedures
Mid (2-5 years)
- Complex follow-spot techniques
- Equipment troubleshooting
- Color and intensity control
- Show coordination
Senior (5+ years)
- Team leadership
- Advanced equipment knowledge
- Production planning
- Training and supervision
Red Flags to Watch For
- No knowledge of basic theater safety protocols
- Inability to read cue sheets
- No experience with live performances
- Poor communication skills
- Lack of physical stamina for long shows
Need more hiring wisdom? Check these out...
Micro-Internships: The Game-Changer in Project-Based Learning
Tiny Neighborhoods, Huge Impact: The Surprising Power of Hyper-Local SEO in Your Hiring Game
Career Site SEO: Unlock Ridiculous Visibility and Attract Rockstar Candidates
