Lighting Designer - Electrician

The application window for this position has an anticipated end date of 05//272026.

Company Overview

The Denver Center for the Performing Arts (DCPA) is one of the largest non-profit theatre organizations in the nation, presenting Broadway tours and producing theatre, cabaret, musicals, and innovative, immersive experiences. Through these experiences and alongside our robust Education program, we engage hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

The DCPA’s workforce includes more than 300 employed team members in non-union and union positions (in partnership with seven unions). In addition, we employ hundreds of artists and contractors annually. We have a strong volunteer program which includes more than 300 volunteers.

Our Mission: “We engage and inspire through the transformative power of live theatre.”

Culture Statement

For more than 40 years, creativity and community have been the foundation of the Denver Center for the Performing Arts’ success. As a leading cultural organization in the Rocky Mountain West, we are actively participating in a cultural evolution of belonging and anti-racism. Our commitment to reflect the diversity and priorities of our community — in our workplace, audience and programming — has never been more present.

We believe that the theater can transform us — and be transformed by us. We invite you to be part of our Team.

Job Summary

The Lighting Designer – Electrician (LD‑E) is responsible for the design, programming, installation, and operation of lighting systems and associated electrical infrastructure for events supported by the Event Services department. This is a hands-on, production-focused role operating in a fast-paced, high-volume live‑events environment.

While lighting design is the primary responsibility, this role is part of a fully integrated technical events team. The LD‑E is expected to actively support other disciplines including rigging, audio, video, décor, and show operations as needed to ensure successful event execution. This position may include calling cues for shows, coordinating technical elements in real time, and supporting overall show flow and execution.

The LD‑E works independently, alongside a co-designer, or as part of a larger technical crew depending on event scope. Collaboration, flexibility, and a team-first mindset are essential.

Primary venues include the Seawell Ballroom and Director’s Room, with occasional responsibilities in additional event spaces. The technical events team supports 100+ events annually, requiring a flexible schedule that includes nights, weekends, and extended hours.

Duties and Responsibilities

Event Lighting Design, Power, & Show Execution

• Design, program, install, and operate lighting consoles and fixtures for live events, sometimes including temporary power distribution.
• Serve as a cue caller or assist in calling lighting and show cues for events, coordinating with audio, video, rigging, and show operations teams.
• Front-facing collaboration with clients to help realize their vision for lighting at their event. Must have good client management skills and a professional presence.
• Demonstrate extensive knowledge of theatrical, corporate, and live music lighting, including both cue-based programming and busking.
• Maintain strong working knowledge of electrical theory and application, from high‑amperage 3‑phase 208V systems to low-voltage control.
• Apply advanced understanding of color theory, including additive and subtractive color mixing, to define and execute event color palettes.
• Possess technical fluency in DMX512, Art‑Net, sACN, OSC, and timecode workflows.
• Patch, configure, program, and operate events from preproduction through strike on ACT grandMA3 and occasionally ETC consoles.
• Support events with heavy video, broadcast, and streaming components, ensuring lighting is camera‑ and screen‑friendly.
• Occasionally participate in client and Event Manager and client meetings to interpret creative intent and translate it into technical execution.

Safety & Compliance

• Always maintain a safety‑first approach. Be aware of your surroundings while on the job, demonstrate how to perform tasks in a safe way. Adherent safety guidelines.
• Demonstrate working knowledge of:
  • Electrical safety and lockout/tagout procedures
  • Working at height and fall protection systems
  • Basic rigging practices, safety cables, and knots
• In emergency situations (fire alarms, evacuations, incidents), follow all established procedures and training protocols.

Operations & Logistics

• Read and interpret Event Timelines, Banquet Event Orders (BEOs), and event drawings/floorplans.
• Adhere to DCPA operational practices to protect facilities, assets, and equipment.
• Manage time effectively in situations with compressed load‑in, show, and strike schedules.
• Anticipate issues proactively, request support when needed, and forecast challenges to prevent show-impacting problems.
• Working knowledge of Vectorworks and Microsoft Teams is preferred.
• Demonstrate solid computer literacy and basic networking knowledge.
• Safely operate forklifts, scissor lifts, powered pallet jacks, and other production equipment (training provided).
• Use common production tools confidently (drills, wrenches, rope, rigging hardware).
• Required knot proficiency includes bowline, clove hitch, and sheet bend.
• As part of a cross‑trained technical team, assist with rigging, audio, video, décor, load‑in, strike, and resets as required.
• Approach troubleshooting with strong point‑to‑point problem-solving skills.
• Maintain fluency in production and audiovisual terminology across lighting, audio, video, staging, décor, and rigging.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate maintenance logs for lighting and electrical equipment.
• Manage and update light plots, system documentation, and manuals.
• Collaborate with the Technical Director, Technical Manager, and other technicians on capital expenditure planning and system improvements.
• Support the Technical Director and Technical Manager in ensuring equipment inventory is current and operational.
• Perform equipment repairs as needed, including annual fixture cleaning and dimmer maintenance.
• Train Occasional crew members and new hires on lighting consoles, systems, room operations, and cue‑calling procedures.

Qualifications

• Minimum three (3) years of professional experience in event, live, or theatrical lighting design/electrical work.
• Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Excellent customer service orientation.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including nights and weekends.
• Highly organized, self-motivated, and capable of managing multiple priorities in a live production environment.

Preferred Skills

• Experience calling cues for live events or serving as part of the show control / cue‑calling team.
• Experience with or certification in CO₂ atmospheric effects.
• Knowledge of laser effects, laser tracing, and beam‑path analysis.
• Proficiency with Beyond® laser software and Pangolin FB4 hardware.
• Laser Safety Officer (LSO) training or certification.
• ETCP and/or CTS certifications are highly desirable.

Supervisor responsibilities

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

Working conditions

This position operates in professional control booths, catwalks, and ballroom/event spaces. Work hours include standard business hours plus nights, weekends, and extended shifts driven by event schedules and production demands.

Physical requirements

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms.

The physical demands described below are representative of those required to perform essential job functions:

• Frequent verbal, written, and radio communication.
• Extended periods of standing, walking, and physical activity.
• Regular use of hands for handling equipment and fine motor tasks.
• Ability to reach overhead and work at heights up to 30 feet.
• Ability to work in confined or tight spaces, occasionally requiring flexibility and spatial awareness.
• Ability to lift, push, or drag up to 50 lbs.

Compensation

$29.00 - $31.00 hourly

Benefits

Full time positions include the following benefits:

Medical, Dental, Vision, Disability, Flexible Spending Accounts, Life Insurance and Pet Insurance

401k Plan with employer contributions

Time off benefits including personal days, sick days, vacation days and 10 paid holidays.

The DCPA is located in Denver, CO and all roles are based at our on-site location: 1101 13th Street, Denver, CO 80204. Some roles at the DCPA may be eligible for hybrid work options. More information is available through the interview process.

The DCPA does not require applicants to disclose age, date of birth or dates of attendance and/or graduation from an educational institution in their application for employment. Applicants may redact these and other applicable dates from their resume, transcript, and any other material that they submit as part of their application for employment.

In order to provide high quality, culturally competent care to our patrons, students, guests and team members, it is of highest importance that our hiring practices reflect our values by offering an environment that celebrates diversity and embraces inclusion. All of our team members – regardless of race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, language, abilities/disabilities, socioeconomic status, geographic region, or other defining characteristics – should feel welcome and valued.