About the Position:
Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University seeks skilled and dependable Lighting Programmers to support theatrical and operatic productions on an as-needed basis. This role is an on-campus, in-person, temporary overhire position supporting productions within the Theatre, Dance, and Opera programs of the Meadows School of the Arts.

The Overhire Light Board Programmer works closely with guest, student, and faculty lighting designers, the Stage Lighting Supervisor, and production staff to prepare, program, and support lighting control systems for individual productions. This position is hired on a per-production basis and typically supports focus sessions, pre-programming, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and the handoff of completed show files to the production light board operator.

This position focuses on building and maintaining the show's programming in collaboration with the lighting designer and does not typically serve as the run-of-show light board operator during performances.

Programming assignments may utilize a variety of lighting control platforms, including ETC Eos, High End Systems Hog, Strand NEO, and grandMA systems. The ideal candidate is comfortable adapting to different lighting control platforms and enjoys learning new consoles and programming workflows.
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Essential Functions:
- Program theatrical lighting consoles under the direction of the lighting designer.
- Attend focus sessions to assist with fixture setup, addressing, channel checks, palette creation, and programming.
- Collaborate with the lighting designer during pre-production and dark time to build show structure, groups, palettes, presets, effects, cue sequences, and other programming elements prior to technical rehearsals.
- Program, modify, and troubleshoot cues throughout technical and dress rehearsals.
- Organize and maintain clear, well-documented show files, backups, and programming notes.
- Assist with console setup, patching, networking, and basic lighting control system troubleshooting.
- Collaborate with the Stage Lighting Supervisor, electricians, designers, stage management, and production staff to support the artistic and technical goals of each production.
- Prepare completed show files and documentation for handoff to the assigned light board operator prior to performances.
- Perform other production-related duties as assigned.
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Qualifications:
Education and Experience
- High school diploma or equivalent preferred.
- Previous experience programming theatrical lighting consoles in educational, community, regional, or professional productions is preferred.
- Demonstrated proficiency programming at least one professional theatrical lighting console is required.
- Experience with multiple console platforms is preferred but not required.
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Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
The successful candidate should have:
- Proficiency programming at least one professional theatrical lighting console, with the ability and willingness to learn additional console platforms.
- Experience collaborating with lighting designers to translate artistic concepts into executable lighting cues.
- A working understanding of theatrical lighting terminology, cueing workflows, palettes, presets, effects, fixture control, and show organization.
- Basic knowledge of DMX and network-based lighting control systems.
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
- The ability to troubleshoot programming issues efficiently during rehearsals.
- The ability to remain calm, flexible, and productive in fast-paced technical rehearsal environments.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with production staff, designers, and students.
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Preferred Technical Experience:
Experience with one or more of the following is desirable:
Lighting Control Platforms
- ETC Eos Family (Gio, Ion, Element, Apex, Nomad)
- High End Systems Hog Family (Road Hog, HedgeHog, Hog 4)
- Strand NEO
- GrandMA2 or GrandMA3
- Equivalent experience with other professional theatrical lighting control systems will also be considered.
Entertainment Networking + Control
- Knowledge of lighting network topology and Ethernet-based lighting protocols, including sACN and Art-Net.
- Experience integrating lighting consoles with other production systems using protocols such as MIDI, MIDI Show Control (MSC), Open Sound Control (OSC), and SMPTE/LTC/MTC timecode.
- Familiarity with show control workflows involving lighting, audio, video, automation, or projection systems.
- Experience integrating or programming remote followspot systems, automated performer tracking systems, or similar advanced lighting technologies.
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Physical and Environmental Demands:
The successful candidate must be able to:
- Sit or stand for extended periods during programming sessions and rehearsals.
- Occasionally lift and move equipment weighing up to 30 pounds.
- Work evenings and weekends as production schedules require.
- Occasionally work from ladders, catwalks, or personnel lifts while assisting with focus sessions or troubleshooting lighting systems.

SMU is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming community and encourages applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

To apply, please submit a resume and brief summary of relevant production experience. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and retained for future production staffing needs.