Set up lighting, control systems and accessories for theatre and live productions

URN: SKSTTL12
Business Sectors (Suites): Theatre and Live Productions – Technical
Developed by: ScreenSkills
Approved on: 2025

Overview

This standard is about setting up, focusing lighting and checking control systems and accessories. You will be required to work with others to safely set up or rig all necessary items and equipment in the correct position. 
This includes setting up the lighting desk prior to programming and wiring and placing practicals.
You will need to focus the lighting according to plans and instructions, check everything works correctly and identify any problems that need to be addressed.
You also need to get the equipment in and prepare to get the equipment out of the performance area.

This standard is for Lighting technicians and those involved in setting up lighting, control systems and accessories for theatre and live productions.


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

  1. prepare and check that the tools, consumables, accessories, access equipment and other equipment required for lighting as specified on lighting plans are in safe working order before use
  2. prepare performance areas for equipment to be moved into them
  3. set out equipment, and accessories to assist rigging and focusing
  4. handle equipment, tools and consumables in ways that maintain their condition and the health and safety of self and others
  5. set up lighting, control systems and accessories within agreed schedules
  6. maintain the security of equipment
  7. connect lighting equipment to safe electrical sources in line with the requirements of lighting plans
  8. route, fix and tidy all cables in ways that minimise risk of damage
  9. test lighting equipment following approved procedures for dealing with identified faults
  10. rig lighting equipment and accessories in line with focussing and health and safety requirements
  11. label lighting equipment and accessories according to lighting plans
  12. check practical fittings and fixings are at the correct design ratings and placed in locations in accordance with plans
  13. adjust lighting equipment and accessories to achieve the desired effect and lock off adjustments once desired focus is achieved
  14. stow lines and unused equipment in correct locations and leave work area free of debris
  15. identify and deal with damage in line with organisational procedures, reporting any that you cannot deal with to appropriate people
  16. store equipment and consumables in appropriate containers to minimise risk of damage

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

  1. how to interpret the lighting plot information correctly
  2. health and safety legislation, organisational requirements and codes of practice concerning the setting up and installation of lighting equipment and accessories
  3. the importance of understanding and achieving the lighting designer’s intentions
  4. instructions that need to be given to other staff
  5. how to make and check an inventory of equipment and consumables
  6. the basic principles behind fault diagnosis, faults that are likely to occur once the equipment is connected to control circuits
  7. how to test equipment and deal with faults and the importance of testing equipment prior to fit up and rigging
  8. how to replace lamps and the importance of making sure equipment being worked on is isolated
  9. the theories of lighting control protocols and including keeping runs efficient and the limitations of these protocols
  10. how to test temporary electrical supplies and assess their suitability
  11. the importance of safe connection and the basic principles of earthing, earth bonds and supplementary bonds
  12. how performer tracking systems interact with lighting, sound, video, effects and automation
  13. the principles behind of data driven devices and control protocols
  14. the need for correct cable type, connector and line termination
  15. the importance of avoiding light leaks
  16. safe practice for the connection of lighting equipment including the use of correct size cables and plugs for the load
  17. how to connect lighting equipment according to the requirements of the lighting plan, the use of ‘hard patches’ and ‘soft patches and how to achieve the maximum efficiency of each lighting unit
  18. the possibility of voltage drops and possible effect on discharge light sources
  19. the importance of focussing including the safe position of self in relation to the equipment being focused
  20. the importance of rigs being properly deaded before focusing
  21. the impact rigging can have on focusing
  22. how to call a focus if someone else is focusing for you
  23. the importance of securing final adjustments and leaving the work area safe and tidy

Scope/range


Scope Performance


Scope Knowledge


Values


Behaviours


Skills


Glossary


Links To Other NOS


External Links


Version Number

3

Indicative Review Date

2028

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

ScreenSkills

Original URN

CCSTTL29

Relevant Occupations

Technician, Assistant Technician , Technical Supervisor , Technical Manager, Head Technician, Theatre Technician, Stage Technician, Production Technician, Technician Crew , Lighting Technician, AV Technician

SOC Code


Keywords

set up; lighting; lighting systems; control systems; theatre and live productions;