What does a lighting crew member do on a live event?

A lighting crew member (electrics crew) hangs fixtures on truss, battens, or pipe positions; runs DMX control cable between fixtures and the console; focuses each fixture to hit its mark on the lighting plot; and strikes everything cleanly at the end of the show. On larger productions they may also operate follow spots or assist the LD during the show.

What is DMX and why does it matter for stagehands?

DMX-512 is the standard protocol for sending lighting control data from a console to fixtures. It runs over 5-pin (or 3-pin) XLR cable, carries 512 control channels per universe, and tells each fixture what to do — intensity, color, position, gobo. Stagehands need to know how to run DMX cable, set fixture addresses, and terminate the end of each DMX chain with a 120-ohm terminator.

What is the difference between a PAR can and an ellipsoidal?

A PAR can is a simple wash fixture with a fixed beam angle — it throws a soft oval of light and is great for stage wash and backlight. An ellipsoidal (ERS or Leko) has a lens system and internal shutters that allow precise beam shaping and projection of gobos. Ellipsoidals are used for key light, logo projection, and any application where you need to control exactly where the beam goes.

What are the most important safety rules for lighting crew?

Always de-energize a circuit before connecting or disconnecting a fixture — never plug in hot. Inspect connectors for bent pins, cracked housings, or scorch marks before use. Coil cable using over-under technique to avoid kinks. When working at height, wear a safety harness and use a proper work light to inspect connections. Never stand directly under a rigged fixture during load-in.

Lighting for Live Events: A Beginner's Guide for Crew

Lighting crew on live events hang and focus fixtures, run DMX control cable, execute the LD's cues, and strike cleanly at the end of the show. Understanding the most common fixture types and how DMX addressing works gives you a foundation to be useful in any lighting department from your first call.

The Role of the Lighting Department

On most live events, the lighting department is responsible for hanging and focusing fixtures, running cable, programming or executing cues, and striking everything cleanly at wrap. Depending on the size of the show, you might work under a lighting director (LD), a master electrician (ME), or both.

Common Fixture Types

PAR cans — simple, rugged wash fixtures. Great for stage wash and backlight. Still common on touring and club shows.
Ellipsoidals (ERS / Lekos) — focused spotlights with shutters and a lens system. Used for key light, logo projection, and precise beam control.
Fresnels — soft-edged wash fixtures common in theater and broadcast. Diffuse, flattering light.
Moving lights — motorized fixtures that pan, tilt, and change color/gobo from the console. Heavy, expensive, and require careful handling during load-in and strike.
LED wash/blinders — energy-efficient, low-heat, and increasingly common on corporate and touring shows.

DMX: The Control Language

DMX-512 is the protocol that carries lighting control data from the console to the fixtures. It runs over 5-pin XLR cable (though 3-pin is common on lower-budget shows). A single DMX universe carries 512 channels of data. Each fixture is assigned an address — a starting channel number — and responds to control values sent on its channels.

When running DMX, always terminate the last fixture in a chain with a 120-ohm terminator. Missing terminators cause erratic fixture behavior that can be difficult to diagnose.

How to Focus a Light

Focusing means physically aiming and adjusting a fixture so it hits exactly the right spot on the stage. The LD calls out positions from the house while someone on a ladder or lift adjusts the fixture. Good communication is critical — develop clear verbal shorthand with your team.

Cable Safety

Lighting cable runs at line voltage (120V or 208V for larger fixtures). Always de-energize a circuit before plugging or unplugging a fixture. Never coil energized cable. Check connectors for bent pins, cracked housings, or scorch marks before use — damaged connectors are a fire hazard.

The Strike

Strike starts from the top down — get fixtures down before you break down truss. Coil cable neatly with over-under technique. Fixtures go into cases with the correct foam inserts. Leaving fixtures unprotected in a truck is a good way to end your relationship with that rental company.