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Designer, Theatre Designer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Lighting designers consult with directors and other designers to define a stylistic approach to lighting for each production. They create light scenarios (called plots) and sequence lighting cues. They must consider the size, shape and technical capacity of the theatre or performance space. They must account for the visibility of performers and the mood of each scene. They must also complement special effects, set design, makeup and costumes.
Duties and responsibilities vary from one type of production to another but, in general, lighting designers:
In some theatres, a single designer may be responsible for lighting, set design and costume design. In smaller theatres, the lighting designer also may program and run the lighting board for a production. For more information, see the Lighting Technician occupational profile.
Some lighting designers may lead a team of lighting department personnel. These designers are responsible for assigning tasks and responsibilities. In such positions, they may work with the director of photography and be responsible for lighting equipment purchases or rentals to meet the needs of production. They also may support other production departments by providing electrical power as needed.
Lighting designers are also used in virtual gaming and digital rendering. They work with digital sets and develop virtual lighting plots much the same as real-world lighting, in order to create the proper visual environment for the virtual set. Often, these virtual sets must carefully match lighting used in real sets, in order to achieve a seamless blend of digital and real objects when combined.
Lighting designers usually work from home offices and in theatres, conference centres and other event venues. Lighting designers who work on films are present on stage sets and locations. Digital lighting designers often work in studios. Lighting designers use a variety of materials, tools and equipment including electrical technology that is unique to the profession. They must observe safety precautions when climbing ladders, going up lifts, working above others, handling hot lamps and working with electricity.
They may need to work long hours to meet production deadlines.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
To find out how well this occupation fits your work personality types, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Click or tap a personality type for its description.
Find other alis occupations that match this occupation’s work personalities.
To identify or change your work personalities, complete the Work Personalities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2023 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Theatre designers
2023 OaSIS: 53123.01
The graph below shows how well your scores match the overall abilities for this occupation.
The closer your ability scores are to the center, the more they match this occupation’s. The further away they are, the less they match this occupation’s.
The lower your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the more challenging the occupation will likely be for you. The higher your ability scores are compared to the occupation’s, the less challenging the occupation will likely be for you.
To find out how well this occupation fits your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
The 49 abilities are grouped into 5 abilities sets: Critical Thinking, Numbers and Patterns, Physical Activity, Mind-Body Coordination, and Senses.
Some abilities are more relevant to an occupation than other abilities. Individual abilities that are not relevant to an occupation are greyed out.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Quiz in Find Your Fit.
Critical Thinking includes 9 abilities related to identifying and solving problems, thinking of ideas, and communication, such as speaking and writing.
This is how well your scores match the set of Critical Thinking abilities for this occupation:
Numbers and Patterns includes 10 abilities related to math, memorizing, and multitasking. It also includes how we perceive patterns, shapes, and distances.
This is how well your scores match the set of Numbers and Patterns abilities for this occupation:
Physical Activity includes 9 abilities related to strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and endurance.
This is how well your scores match the set of Physical Activity abilities for this occupation:
Mind-Body Coordination includes 9 abilities related to movement control and how we react to signals. It also includes fine motor skills, such finger and hand dexterity and hand-eye coordination.
This is how well your scores match the set of Mind-Body Coordination abilities for this occupation:
Senses includes 12 abilities related to seeing, hearing, and speaking.
This is how well your scores match the set of Senses abilities for this occupation:
Lighting designers need:
They should enjoy:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 63 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Feb 02, 2022 and Oct 04, 2025.
Review these skills to learn:
| Attention to detail | 28 |
|---|---|
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 24 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 23 |
| Tasks: Theatre designers design and create settings, scenic environments, properties, costumes and lighting for theatre, film and video productions, operas and ballets | 23 |
| Tasks: Exhibit designers plan and develop permanent and temporary or moveable exhibits and displays for museum exhibitions, trade shows, conventions, retail spaces and other exhibitions | 22 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 21 |
| Construction Specialization: Client focus | 18 |
| Tasks: Supervise and co-ordinate activities of workers | 18 |
| Tasks: Prepare reports on sales volumes, merchandising and personnel matters | 18 |
| Tasks: Organize and maintain inventory | 18 |
Because this field is so specialized, lighting designers need related post-secondary education. A bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in fine art with a specialization in theatre design is recommended.
The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 212 in Calgary offers courses for motion picture and theatre lighting crews. Some courses are designed for ongoing updating of skills. Other courses must be completed in order to be hired to work on certain productions.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating this occupation in Alberta.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Lighting designers work for:
Some theatre companies and film studios employ resident designers, but most lighting designers freelance and negotiate contracts for specific projects. Therefore, aspiring lighting designers must develop a portfolio to market their work. Some worksites may require union membership to participate.
Volunteering to work for community amateur theatre companies or cable television stations provides valuable practice for lighting designers who are trying to gain experience in the field.
Graduates of design programs usually start as lighting designers for smaller theatres or as assistant designers in larger theatres. Advancement generally takes the form of more demanding assignments. Some lighting designers teach in universities or college programs.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers
2016 NOC: 5243
81.9% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the Alberta job market condition, or short-term demand forecast, for this occupation over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Most lighting designers are hired on contract for particular productions. Fees vary considerably depending on the production and the designer’s reputation.
Associated Designers of Canada (ADC) website: www.designers.ca
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 212 in Calgary website: www.iatse212.com
International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 210 in Edmonton website: www.iatse210.com
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
