Moving Light Programmer

Job Description
Join La Jolla Playhouse’s Production Department as the Moving Light Programmer for

PARTICLE FEVER , an ambitious new musical that blends science, spectacle and human discovery. Working under the direction of the Production Electrician, this role is a key creative and technical partner in bringing the lighting design to life during tech and preview weeks.

DEPARTMENT:

Production – Electrics

CLASSIFICATION:

Seasonal per show; **** IATSE local 122; Non-Exempt (Hourly)

PAY:

$35.14 per hour, negotiable (current Department Head Rate 1, IATSE Local 122)

LOCATION:

Onsite in **** La Jolla, CA on the beautiful UC San Diego campus

SCHEDULE:

Weekdays with occasional overtime, weeknight, weekend and/or holiday work

REPORTS TO:

Production Electrician

WORKS WITH:

LJP Staff, Visiting Artists & Designers, IATSE Labor, UCSD Residents & Students

PRODUCTION:

PARTICLE FEVER

Based on the documentary film by Mark Levinson and David Kaplan

Book by David Henry Hwang

Music and Lyrics by Bear McCreary and Zoe Sarnak

Story by David Henry Hwang, Bear McCreary and Zoe Sarnak

Directed by Leigh Silverman

EMPLOYMENT DATES:

January 25 – February 28, 2027

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS:

Cover letter, resume, and references

RESPONSIBILITIES
Pre-Production, Prep and Console Setup

Report directly to the Production Electrician and collaborate with the Lighting Designer, Assistant Lighting Designer, Board Operator and electrics team.

Program rigs containing upward of 40 automated LED and moving light fixtures on an EOS Apex console.

In consultation with the Production Electrician and Board Operator, establish and maintain console layout, channel check procedures and show file organization.

Participate in prep and pre-programming calls as determined by the Production Electrician, Production Manager and Lighting Designer.

Prepare programming tools and show elements, which may include groups, presets, macros, beam and color palettes, cues, pre-visualization, advanced pixel mapping, magic sheets, MIDI/SMPTE setup, robotic followspot setup and VOR or similar systems.

Tech, Previews and Artistic Programming

Work directly with the Lighting Designer to write, revise and maintain cues throughout the tech and preview process.

Execute technical programming required to support the Lighting Designer’s artistic vision, including effects, chases, macros, marking and other complex programming needs.

Anticipate programming needs, troubleshoot issues quickly and help maintain forward momentum during fast‑paced technical rehearsals.

Communicate clearly with the Production Electrician, Board Operator and design team about cue changes, system needs, notes and priorities.

Documentation, Turnover and Production Support

Assist the Assistant Lighting Designer with moving light documentation using MLA software.

Train the Board Operator to take over the show file and complete the run of show confidently.

Support the show crew with theatre turnover between tech and previews, including daily tech table strike and reset.

As needed and in coordination with the Production Electrician, assist with physical tech notes such as hanging lights, circuiting, moving ladders or lifts, swapping color, troubleshooting fixtures and addressing moving light issues.

QUALIFICATIONS & SKILLS
Required Qualifications

Advanced experience programming ETC EOS-family consoles (preferably EOS Apex) in live theatre, opera, dance, concert, event, or comparable production environments.

Demonstrated experience programming automated, LED, and conventional lighting systems in complex cueing environments.

Strong knowledge of EOS programming workflows, including cueing, tracking, timing, palettes/presets, effects, macros, marking, magic sheets, show file organization, and troubleshooting.

Ability to collaborate effectively with Lighting Designers, Assistant Lighting Designers, stage management, production teams, and artists to translate artistic direction into accurate, repeatable cues.

Experience working in fast‑paced technical rehearsals and live production environments, managing competing priorities, frequent changes, and tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.

Working knowledge of lighting control systems, signal flow, and networking, including DMX, MIDI, SMPTE, sACN, and Art‑Net.

Familiarity with automated lighting fixtures and controllers, including fixture profiles, modes, addressing, calibration, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

Ability to read and interpret lighting plots, channel hookups, instrument schedules, Lightwright paperwork, and related production documentation.

Proficiency with industry‑standard software and tools, including Lightwright, Vectorworks, Excel, ETC applications, and MLA or comparable moving‑light documentation software.

Strong critical thinking, problem‑solving, organizational, and time‑management skills, with the ability to work independently, anticipate needs, and adapt to evolving production requirements.

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship‑building skills; ability to work effectively and respectfully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Commitment to maintaining safe working practices and following all union and production safety protocols.

Commitment to continuous learning and professional development as lighting technology and production practices evolve.

Ability to reliably commute to the worksite and work evenings, weekends, holidays, overtime, and extended technical rehearsal schedules as required.

Commitment to the mission, values, and culture of La Jolla Playhouse.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience programming new musical or large‑scale theatrical productions.

Experience with advanced pixel mapping, media servers, robotic followspot systems, VOR, or similar technologies.

Experience training, mentoring, or supporting board operators during turnover from technical rehearsals to performances.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This role is primarily performed at a lighting console and computer workstation and requires extended periods of sitting, standing, close visual work and repetitive keyboard/console use.

As needed, may assist with physical electrics notes, including lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, bending, climbing and moving equipment.

Occasionally works on ladders, lifts, catwalks, grids and other elevated work areas.

Frequently lifts or moves equipment up to 50 pounds with assistance.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work takes place in a live theatrical production environment, including backstage areas, onstage, the lighting console area, catwalks, tension wire grid and other technical production spaces.

The environment may include low light, bright stage lighting, loud sound levels, haze/fog effects, moving equipment, confined backstage areas and periods of high activity during technical rehearsals and performances.

Work may require entering elevated work areas, including ladders, lifts, catwalks and the tension wire grid, in accordance with safety procedures and training.

The position requires flexibility, focus and calm communication in a fast‑paced, collaborative environment with frequent changes and time‑sensitive production needs.

We are committed to diversity in all areas of our work, on and off stage. We lead with our values and encourage individuals with unique perspectives to apply. EOE

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