Lighting Intern - Orlando Shakespeare Theater
Seasonal | Full-Time | July 27, 2026 through May 9, 2027 | $15.00/hr | Open Until Filled
Orlando Shakespeare Theater is seeking a Lighting Intern to join our production team for the upcoming season at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center. This is a full-time, 10-month position designed for an early-career artist ready to gain hands-on professional experience in theatrical lighting in a year-round regional theater environment.
About Orlando Shakespeare Theater
Now in our 38th season, Orlando Shakespeare Theater (Orlando Shakes) is one of the Southeast's leading professional theaters, located in the heart of Orlando at the Lowndes Shakespeare Center. With an annual operating budget of $6,000,000, Orlando Shakes produces a 10-show season spanning classic Shakespeare, contemporary plays, new American works, and our beloved annual production of A Christmas Carol. We employ professionals from across the country, including members of Actors' Equity Association, United Scenic Artists, and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society.
Our four performance spaces - the Margeson Theater (324 seats), Goldman Theater (118 seats), Santos-Dantin Theater (65 seats), and Mandell Theater (100 seats) - host a full year-round season alongside robust educational programming that serves Central Florida schools and the broader community. Orlando Shakes operates in partnership with the University of Central Florida (UCF).
About the Intern Training Program
Orlando Shakes is excited to relaunch its Intern Training Program, offering early-career theater artists the opportunity to earn professional credits and hands-on training to help bridge the gap between university theater and the professional world. Our program is designed for emerging artists - typically those who have recently completed an undergraduate degree - who are ready to take the next step toward a professional career in theater.
Program participants work alongside our resident production staff, guest designers, and directors, gaining real-world experience, industry contacts, career mentorship, and a deeper respect for all aspects of professional theater production. If you want to work and train at one of the nation's best Shakespeare theaters, this is the internship for you.
Position Description
The Lighting Intern is a show-running focused position, with approximately 90% of time spent operating productions as a board operator or follow spot operator and 10% supporting the electrics department with installation, maintenance, and departmental work. This position also provides cross-departmental support to the Sound department as needed.
Responsibilities Include:
- Assist with the installation, hang, circuit, focus, and maintenance of lighting equipment for all productions
- Assist with the programming and operation of lighting consoles for productions as assigned
- Work as a Light Board Operator or follow spot operator for any production you are assigned
- Assist with the installation, maintenance, and strike of sound equipment and provide support to the Sound department as needed
- Assist with maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair of lighting and electrical equipment throughout the season
- Participate in all technical rehearsals, paper tech, and note sessions as required
- Help maintain an organized, safe, and properly stocked electrics shop and storage areas
- Assist with cable management, equipment inventory, and gear prep for each production
- Attend all production meetings, department calls, and meetings as required
- Assist in all load-ins and strikes across the season
- Perform additional duties as assigned by the Master Electrician or other management designee
Requirements:
- Recent undergraduate degree in Theater, Technical Theater, Lighting Design, or related field, or equivalent training/experience
- Working knowledge of theatrical lighting fundamentals, including hanging, circuiting, and focusing
- Familiarity with theatrical lighting consoles (ETC EOS family preferred)
- Basic understanding of electrical safety and safe rigging practices
- Ability to work comfortably at heights using ladders, man lifts, and catwalks
- Ability to safely lift 50 pounds
- Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and collaborative attitude
- Night and weekend availability required; must be available for the entire season
- Must have reliable personal transportation; housing is not provided
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience as a light board operator in a production setting
- Familiarity with moving lights, LED fixtures, and modern theatrical lighting technology
- Basic knowledge of sound systems and audio signal flow
- Experience with theatrical networking protocols (sACN, DMX, Dante)
- Vectorworks or lighting design drafting experience
Program Details
- Full-time, 10-month seasonal positions (July 27, 2026 through May 9, 2027)
- $15.00 per hour
- Night and weekend availability is required
- Housing is NOT provided; you must have your own transportation to and from work
- You must be available for the entire season in order to be considered
- Summer positions are not currently offered
Our Commitment to Diversity
Orlando Shakespeare Theater is committed to diverse and inclusive hiring. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, ethnicities, gender identities, abilities, ages, and perspectives. We particularly welcome Orlando and Florida-based candidates as part of our commitment to supporting our local artistic community.
How to Apply
Send a current resume, cover letter, and references (with email contact) as a single PDF to jobs@orlandoshakes.org. Please include "Your Name" and "Lighting Intern" in the subject line.
No Phone Calls Please.
Orlando Shakespeare Theater is an equal opportunity employer.
