Lighting Director

Company: Dallas Opera

Company Location: Dallas, TX

Job Location: On Site/In Person

Job Type: Full Time

Date Posted: August 11, 2026

Network(s): None

DESCRIPTION

The Dallas Opera is a world-class performing arts organization producing outstanding mainstage and chamber opera repertoire, attracting national and international notice, committed to extensive community outreach and education, and managed to the highest standards of artistic excellence, accountability, and financial sustainability.

This position is full-time, annual, exempt and reports to the Operations Production Administrator and works closely with the Technical Director, Assistant Technical Director, and IASTE Crew, Production department, and Artistic department.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Specific duties include managing of lighting-related functions within the Production department, including but not limited to:

• Serve as the primary liaison between the Company and all guest Lighting Designers throughout the design, production, rehearsal, and performance process

• Collaborate with the Winspear Opera House Head of Lighting regarding front-of-house repertory lighting, venue systems, and equipment modifications or requests

• Partner with the Technical Director to provide technical information, venue documentation, and production resources that enable designers to develop lighting designs that support the artistic vision while remaining within budget, schedule, and venue capabilities

• Lead the successful implementation of each lighting design while balancing artistic objectives with operational priorities, including safety, scheduling, budget, and Company policies

• Attend production meetings, design presentations, technical rehearsals, focus sessions, cueing sessions, staging rehearsals, dress rehearsals, performances, and other meetings as assigned

• Foster collaborative working relationships with artistic, production, technical, and administrative personnel to ensure the successful realization of each production

• Provide artistic and technical leadership for the lighting for concerts, community engagement programs, special events, and The Dallas Opera Education productions, either by serving as Lighting Designer or by supervising the work of assigned designers, ensuring consistency with The Dallas Opera's artistic standards and production practices

Departmental Leadership & Administration

• Provide leadership and direction to the Lighting Department, including the Assistant Lighting Director, Head Electrician, IASTE Crew, and overhire personnel

• Oversee departmental planning, scheduling, and workflow to ensure efficient implementation of all production activities

• Assist in monitoring departmental and production-specific expenditures, including purchase requests, purchase orders, rental expenses, and expense reporting, in coordination with the Assistant Lighting Director

• Forecast departmental needs and ensure the timely procurement of lighting equipment, expendables, electrical supplies, and related materials

Technical Planning & Documentation

• Oversee the preparation and maintenance of all lighting documentation, including but not limited to light plots, channel hookups, instrument schedules, focus charts, cue sheets, followspot paperwork, deck sheets, inventory records, and archival documentation

• Direct the preparation of production paperwork in collaboration with the Head Electrician, including shop orders, hang documentation, color counts, inventory tracking, and installation paperwork

• Ensure all production documentation is complete, accurate, and archived to support efficient remounts and future revivals

• Guide the Assistant Lighting Director in organizing, coordinating, calling, and maintaining followspot operations, including communicating designer intent, preparing cue documentation, distributing revisions, and supporting operator training

Equipment & Venue Stewardship

• Oversee the coordination, tracking, and return of all rented lighting equipment in collaboration with the Head Electrician, ensuring accurate inventory and timely returns

• Coordinate with venue personnel and the Head Electrician to ensure the theatre's lighting systems and facilities are restored to their required operational condition following each production

• Support the ongoing maintenance, organization, and long-term stewardship of departmental equipment, inventory, and infrastructure

Other Responsibilities

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Production Department and organizational objectives.

Candidate Qualities

Traits and Characteristics

• Strong focus, organizational and communication skills; capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously

• Team player with a positive attitude

• Maintain a calm, relaxed, and professional demeanor at all times

• Work well under pressure while maintaining accuracy and efficiency

• Keen sense of awareness

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive data

• Interest in current and new developments in theatrical technology and standards

• Appreciation of opera and classical music

• Ability to read music a plus

Skills, Knowledge, and Certification

• MFA in Lighting Design and 5 Years of professional experiences as a Lighting Supervisor or Director

• Training and understanding of safe practices in live performance settings

• Ability to work within a rigorous time schedule with a large variety of personalities

• Experience with running Union crews in a live performance setting

• Basic understanding of union rules and regulations as it pertains to technicians, singers, dancers, and musicians

• Proficient in Vectorworks CAD Software (2026+), Lightwright (v26.2) (lighting design spreadsheet/database software), Excel, and Word

• Intermediate to advanced knowledge of ETC Family Consoles (ION/EOS), ETC dimmers, and ETCNet 3 protocols

• Intermediate knowledge of electrical theory and practice

• Ability to sit or stand in low-light conditions for long periods of time on a wide variety of surfaces

Desired Start Date: September 1, 2026

BENEFITS

Pay Range: $60,000 - $65,000 Annual

HOW TO APPLY