WHPATP - Lighting Design Apprentice

ABOUT US

Seattle Rep is committed to producing the highest quality programming, and we believe that our ability to contribute to excellence in the arts depends on building a community whose members come from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and life experiences.

We are part of a growing movement in theater to ensure inclusion of those who have been excluded historically; focusing particularly on racial and ethnic groups, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, and women, ensuring they are at the decision-making table and reflected in our community.

Mission

Seattle Rep collaborates with extraordinary artists to create productions and programs that reflect and elevate the diverse cultures, perspectives, and life experiences of our region.

Vision

Theater at the heart of public life

Values

Artistic Vitality, Sustainability, Generous and Inclusive Practices

ABOUT THE POSITION

Seattle Rep is seeking a Lighting Design Apprentice for the 2025-2026 season. This apprenticeship provides hands-on experience working with lighting designers, production staff, and technicians to create and implement lighting designs for theatrical productions. The apprentice will gain practical skills in drafting, cue building, and design implementation, as well as insight into how lighting contributes to storytelling and overall aesthetics. This position offers opportunities to assist on Mainstage shows, new play workshops, and interdepartmental events, providing a well-rounded foundation for a career in theatrical lighting design.

Typical Duties Include:

Lighting Design & Production Tasks (50%):

• Focus and Technical Support (25%)
  • Assisting the Lighting Designer in setting focus for all lighting instruments
  • Leading focus calls and coordinating with the stage crew
  • Updating plot and paperwork throughout the tech process
  • Creating and maintaining cue sheets

• Communication and Coordination (15%)
  • Taking and organizing notes from the Lighting Designer
  • Communicating design intent and changes to the stage crew
  • Collaborating with the Head Electrician to ensure a smooth transition to the opening

• Industry Networking (10%)
  • Building relationships with experienced lighting designers
  • Learning industry best practices and standards

Administrative & Event Support (40%):

• Technical Processing (20%)
  • Using Vectorworks and Lightwright to process incoming design paperwork
  • Checking for errors and making necessary edits
  • Communicating with designers and the stage crew to clarify questions
  • Drafting additional paperwork, such as hang paperwork, ground plans, and magic sheets

• Research and Problem-Solving (10%)
  • Researching creative solutions for design challenges
  • Identifying potential issues and proposing solutions

• Coordination and Logistics (10%)
  • Assisting with coordinating purchases and rentals for the Lighting Department
  • Attending production meetings and mandatory staff meetings

Apprentice Development (10%):

• Training and Development (5%)
  • Attending apprentice training, workshops, and check-ins
  • Participating in industry outings and networking events

• Design Projects (5%)
  • Researching design concepts and creating storyboards
  • Developing light plots and paperwork for assigned projects
  • Serving as the Lighting Designer for the Next Narrative Monologue Competition

Minimum Requirements:

• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion: A desire to foster a welcoming environment for all identities and backgrounds.

• Attention to detail: Ability to track and implement design changes accurately.

• Organizational skills: Ability to manage time and tasks efficiently in a fast-paced environment.

• Collaborative mindset: Willingness to work closely with designers, electricians, and other production staff.

• Problem-solving abilities: Ability to adapt quickly to challenges during rehearsals and performances.

• Communication skills: Strong written and verbal communication to coordinate with team members.

• Technical proficiency: Experience with drafting software (e.g., Vectorworks, AutoCAD) and lighting consoles is preferred but not required.

• Initiative and ownership: Comfortable taking responsibility for tasks independently and seeing them through to completion.

• Physical stamina: Ability to work at heights (e.g., ladders and catwalks) and assist with lifting equipment.

This apprenticeship offers a unique opportunity to develop practical skills in lighting design while collaborating on professional productions. Participants will gain the experience needed to pursue future roles as lighting designers, assistant designers, or electricians in the theatre industry.

ACCEPTABLE WORK SAMPLES:

• One hand or computer-drafted lighting plot with associated paperwork

• Either four photographs of your design work or a link to a digital portfolio or website that includes photographs of your design work

TO BE CONSIDERED

• Review the minimum requirements for the opportunity.

• Complete all areas of the online application.

• Attach a resume and letter of interest (cover letter).

• Submit two letters of recommendation with your application. (Reference letters will not be accepted separately from the application.)

• Submit a Work Sample using the above guidelines.

Applications will be reviewed once the position has closed.

Seattle Rep has a mandatory COVID vaccination policy for all employees, with accommodations for medical and religiou s exemptions only.

Salary : $21