Introduction to the Live Event Industry & Lighting Roles

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I’ve been in the live event industry for 10 years.
I started as a helper, carrying cables and lights, and now I work as a Lighting Technical Manager for large shows and festivals.

I made this free lesson to help you decide:

1. Is a career in lighting right for you?
   
2. What does it take to succeed in this industry?
   
3. How rewarding can this career be if you stay committed?

Lighting is physical work.

You will climb, lift heavy objects, and sometimes spend 12 hours on your feet.

But here’s the good part:

• If you enjoy challenges and hands-on work, buckle up and let’s learn together.
  
• If heavy lifting isn’t for you, don’t worry — technical and creative skills can also take you far in lighting.
  

No two days are ever the same. Every show brings something new. 

Every event has a life cycle:

1. Production Phase – The event is designed on paper or in software
   
2. Preparation Phase – Gear is checked, packed, and loaded into trucks
   
3. Setup (Load-In) – Stage, rigging, sound, and lights are installed
   
4. Rehearsal – Lighting and sound are tested, and programmers finalize the show
   
5. Show – Operators run the live performance
   
6. Teardown (Load-Out) – Gear is packed and sent to the next event

Some shows are done in a single day, others take weeks or months to tour worldwide.
Think of any concert — every visual moment is created by people like you could become. 

Lighting is for creative problem-solvers and team players.

You will:

• Build visual experiences for audiences
• Work in a team to make big shows come alive
• Grow with each new skill and project

It can be hard and physical, with long hours, but it gives you:

• A clear career path from beginner to expert
• Skills that are valued worldwide
• Opportunities to work on bigger and bigger productions

If this excites you, welcome to the lighting family — you are a fellow lampie now.