Lighting Director

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.

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

Salary – $60,000 – $65,000
Benefits – Benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance, PTO, paid parental leave, sick leave, 403b savings plan with employer matching, complimentary tickets to performances, and professional development opportunities.

See yourself at the opera! We appreciate the many experiences and perspectives people bring to our work, and we encourage you to apply to be a part of The Dallas Opera. To apply, please send a cover letter and résumé to recruitment@dallasopera.org, using the subject line “Lighting Director – Name”. No phone calls, please.

Deadline: 09/01/26
Location: Dallas, TX
Website: https://dallasopera.org/about/careers/