During a regional music festival I was tasked with wiring and programming the lighting system for a 2‑hour outdoor concert.

Set up a reliable DMX network, program cues, and ensure seamless communication between the console and all fixtures.

Mapped out the venue layout, ran CAT‑5e cable in daisy‑chain topology, terminated each end with a 120‑ohm resistor, addressed each fixture, programmed basic looks in the console, and performed a full cue run‑through with the director.

The show ran without any lighting glitches, the director praised the smooth transitions, and we completed the event 15 minutes ahead of schedule.

During a theater production a moving head stopped responding mid‑show.

Identify and resolve the fault quickly to avoid show interruption.

First, checked the power supply and ensured the fixture was receiving correct voltage. Then inspected the DMX cable for damage, swapped it with a known good cable, and re‑addressed the fixture. When the issue persisted, opened the fixture following lock‑out/tag‑out procedures, inspected the motor driver and cleaned the lens housing.

The fixture resumed operation within 5 minutes, the audience experienced no noticeable disruption, and I documented the issue to prevent future occurrences.

While setting up a large LED wall for a corporate gala, the rig required mounting trusses 20 feet above the stage.

Ensure the rigging process complied with OSHA standards and protected the crew.

Conducted a pre‑rigging safety meeting, performed a load‑capacity calculation for each truss, used certified fall‑arrest harnesses, installed safety lines, and assigned a spotter for each crew member. Verified all hardware with torque wrenches and documented the rigging plan for the venue’s safety officer.

The installation was completed without incident, passed the venue’s safety inspection, and the event proceeded on schedule.

For a touring concert, each venue had different local electrical code requirements.

Guarantee that all lighting power distribution met or exceeded those codes.

Reviewed the venue’s electrical specifications, used only UL‑listed cables and connectors, installed temporary distribution boxes with proper grounding, performed a continuity test on all circuits, and had a licensed electrician sign off on the final setup.

All venues passed inspection on the first visit, avoiding costly delays and ensuring crew safety throughout the tour.

During a musical theater production, a complex blackout cue needed precise timing with a set change.

Synchronize the lighting cue with the director’s vision and the stage manager’s timing sheet.

Held a pre‑show meeting to review the cue, created a cue sheet with exact timecodes, programmed the blackout in the console, and performed a full run‑through with the stage manager. Adjusted fade times based on the director’s feedback and confirmed the cue with a final rehearsal.

The blackout executed flawlessly, the set change was seamless, and the director praised the tight coordination, contributing to a standing ovation.

Mid‑performance, the director decided to add a spotlight on the lead actor for an emotional solo that wasn’t in the original design.

Implement the spotlight quickly without disrupting the flow of the show.

Communicated the change instantly to the lighting console operator, selected an available fixture, assigned a DMX address, programmed a simple focus and intensity preset, and used the cue stack to insert the new cue at the appropriate point. Informed the stage manager of the added cue to update the timing sheet.

The spotlight was live within two songs, enhancing the performance and receiving positive audience feedback. The crew praised the swift adaptation.