Lighting Technician Case Study : alison gainford

A case study provided by alison gainford, a Lighting Technician listed on Stage Jobs Pro.

To learn more about alison gainford you can view their full CV here.

Question 1: What is the most rewarding aspect of working as a Lighting Technician?

being creative and being proud to be part of a production

Question 2: What are the key skills required to be an effective Lighting Technician?

patience, creativity, being organised, tolerant yet firm, punctual.

Question 3: Do you see your role as a natural step on a career ladder, and if so what is the next rung?

production manager/ lighting designer.

Question 4: How did you work your way into your current role?

from the bottom up. I started as a follow spot operator and just got hooked.

Question 5: How much do you think networking helps towards landing a job in the industry?

It always makes it easier if someone tells you about a job thats coming up rather than just applying cold.

Question 6: Do you think you will be working in the industry in the next five years, and if so in what capacity?

hopefully as a lighting designer

Question 7: Please describe what a typical day working as a Lighting Technician might contain?

there are two types of days. one involves rigging, focussing, plotting and then putting the show on. the other involves maintenance, and making sure you and all the equipment are prepared for the next show.

Question 8: Have you done any additional training courses to further your career?

I've been lucky in that I have learnt through experience and haven't had to go back to college. I did start out with a degree in dance though!

Question 9: How important is working for free at the beginning of your career?

Only for a very short time and once you have actually left college you should endeavour to get paid as otherwise no one will ever pay you and then you still never get any experience. the only work that i didn't get paid for was with the national youth music theatre as an ASM, but this gave me enough experience to get my first paid job.

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