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Assistant Lighting Designer
Position Description
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL) produces four operas in rotating repertory. The Assistant Lighting Designer (ALD) assists the Lighting Designer in the planning, installation, and execution of lighting designs across the season. This role works closely with the Lighting Designer, Master Electrician, Lighting Supervisor, and Video Designer during prep, technical rehearsals, performances, and changeovers to ensure the artistic integrity and smooth operation of all productions.
Schedule & Work Environment
This position is required to attend technical rehearsals, including evening rehearsals and periodic weekend work, and to be present for focus sessions and performances as assigned.
Key Responsibilities (Essential Functions)
SEASON PREPARATION & PAPERWORK
- Assist the Lighting Designer (LD) with season preparation and the creation, organization, and maintenance of all required lighting paperwork.
- Update and manage seasonal paperwork, including production inventories and co-production documentation.
- Generate drawings, plots, and related materials as assigned by the LD.
INSTALLATION, FOCUS & TECHNICAL REHEARSALS
- Help install the festival lighting plot and support changeovers between productions in repertory.
- Participate in and help lead lighting focus sessions before all performances.
- Work directly with the LD during technical rehearsals to build cues, track changes, maintain cue notes, and create spotlight operator cue sheets.
- Serve as an on-communications liaison between the LD and the Master Electrician during tech as needed.
Maintain a quiet, efficient tech table environment.
PERFORMANCE SUPPORT
- Run focus checks before performances and assist with maintaining the artistic integrity of each design after opening.
- Support ongoing adjustments and troubleshooting during the run of the season.
COORDINATION & TRAINING
- Coordinate lighting rentals and purchases with the Lighting Supervisor.
- Assist with the training and mentorship of electrics crew and other assistants as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Knowledge of theatrical lighting principles and practices.
- Ability to read and draft lighting plots and related paperwork.
- Experience with theatrical lighting equipment and programming on ETC consoles.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work collaboratively with designers, electricians, and production staff.
- Effective communication and people-management skills.
- Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required.
REPORTS TO
Lighting Designer / Technical Director / Lighting Supervisor
TO APPLY:
To complete an application and submit your resume
At Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, we value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are committed to being an equal employment/engagement opportunity workplace, and will not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information or characteristics, protected veteran status, or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law.
Please let us know if you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process.
About Opera Theatre of Saint Louis
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis (OTSL) is a nationally recognized nonprofit organization known for innovative productions featuring outstanding young artists. The company offers a festival opera season each spring which attracts ticket buyers from zip codes throughout the metropolitan area, as well as visitors from nearly 50 states and multiple countries. As of 2025, OTSL has presented 45 world premieres, which may be the highest percentage of new work in the repertory of any American company. In addition to the spring Festival Season, OTSL operates year-round education and community programs serving nearly 17,000 local children and adults.
Opera Theatre of Saint Louis has a year-round artistic and administrative staff of approximately 45, which grows to nearly 500 during the Festival Season. Several hundred volunteer members of the Opera Theatre Guild provide support for all aspects of Opera Theatre’s work and advocate for the company throughout the greater St. Louis community. The company’s annual budget size is approximately $12 million; contributed revenue represents more than 50% of budget. At Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, we value equity, diversity, and mutual respect. We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, people with disabilities, and others who have been historically excluded to apply. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our community. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
At Opera Theatre of Saint Louis, we value equity, diversity, and mutual respect. We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, women, people with disabilities, and others who have been historically excluded to apply. Our goal is to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our community. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
OTSL will not discriminate against employees or applicants on the basis of race, color, religion or belief; national, social, or ethnic origin; age; sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression; physical, mental, or sensory disability; family or parental status; genetic information or characteristics; protected veteran status; or any other protected class under federal, state, or local law. OTSL will not tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics.
If you need assistance or accommodation in completing an application, interviewing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please contact (314) 963-4233 or tbennett@opera-stl.org.