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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 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in synthesizing information to create settings, scenic environments, properties, costumes and lighting for theatre, film, video productions, operas and ballets; and in preparing working drawings, creating special stage lighting patterns and selecting colours, decor and accessories
Interest in precision working with tools to construct miniature sets in cardboard, plaster and other materials; and in sketching and painting plans and submitting them to directors and producers for approval
Interest in speaking with workers when overseeing construction of sets
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
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 34 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Feb 02, 2022 and Apr 10, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
| Tasks: Fashion designers design and create clothing and accessories for men, women and children | 16 |
|---|---|
| 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 | 13 |
| Attention to detail | 10 |
| Construction Specialization: Reliability | 10 |
| Construction Specialization: Team player | 10 |
| Women's clothing | 10 |
| Construction Specialization: Organized | 9 |
| Construction Specialization: Initiative | 9 |
| Tasks: Theatre designers design and create settings, scenic environments, properties, costumes and lighting for theatre, film and video productions, operas and ballets | 9 |
| Construction Specialization: Dependability | 8 |
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 search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
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: 2019-2023 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.
In the 5243: Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers occupational group, 81.9% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 5243: Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 0 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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.
