Associate Resident Lighting DIrector
DESCRIPTION
The Associate Resident Lighting Director plays a vital role in ensuring a seamless workflow for all lighting and staging staff during productions. This position will assist with both administrative and production responsibilities as requested by the Resident Lighting Director.
This position is offered as a full-time seasonal, temporary contract (January 5, 2026 – March 11, 2026). This position reports to the Resident Lighting Director while working closely with the Operations department.
Responsibilities
Lighting:
• Continuously maintains and updates all focus charts in Lightwright and assists in the creation and dissemination of crew and designer materials, as requested.
• Serves as a point of contact for visiting Lighting Designers and assists, as needed
Spotlights & Stage Management:
• Leads the utilization of spots, tracks and records spot pickups and changes
• Refers to page numbers where the spot cue happens; in addition, references the lighting cue. When referencing the lighting cues, please note if the spot is called with, before, or after the cue.
• Updates spot sheets daily with the changes marked in the style each Stage Manager has requested. Communicates with the necessary parties when these are needed and completed, as well as provides copies in the requested medium, and location.
• Maintains quality of spots during production
Administrative Support:
• Places supply orders for the Lighting Department and manages invoices in a timely manner and updates the relevant budget and trackers. May be required to retrieve supplies from local vendors if they are unable to deliver.
• Maintains up-to-date equipment, full sheet, and inventories
• Maintains the uniform appearance of all paperwork with accurate header (opera title, Lighting Designer) and footer (disable auto date and time stamp, updating the date when changes are made, prepared by line, and page numbers)
During load-in:
• Sets up the administrative work areas/office.
• Helps count in rental package.
• Other duties as requested
Skills, Knowledge, and Certification
• Proficient in the use of Vectorworks and Lightwright software
• Experience working with labor unions and associated regulations under Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA)
• Passion for opera and/or a performing arts environment preferred
• Ability to read music a plus
• Ability to navigate catwalks and stairs to access lighting
• Proficiency in the English language, with multilingualism a plus
Other Considerations
Compensation $1,300-$1,500 per week, depending on experience.
Location Dallas, TX
Desired Start Date: January 5, 2026
BENEFITS
Pay Range: $1,300 - $1,500 Weekly
This position is not benefits eligible
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please send a cover letter and résumé to Aaron Johanssen, Resident Lighting Director (aaron.johanssen@dallasopera.org), using the subject line “Associate Resident Lighting Director.” Please send Word or PDF file only. No phone calls, please.
Application Deadline: December 29, 2025
Application Email/Link: dallasopera.org/about/careers/
JOB CONTACT
Laura Bender, HR Assistant