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Incorporating Lighting Training into AV Technician Programs
Source: | Author:佚名 | Published time: 2025-06-09 | 8 Views | Share:

As the AV (audio-visual) industry continues to evolve, lighting technology has moved from being an optional enhancement to a central element in virtually every production environment. Yet, despite this shift, many AV technician training programs still place disproportionate emphasis on audio, video, and networking skills, often treating lighting as secondary or elective. To prepare well-rounded professionals and meet the demands of modern venues, integrating dedicated lighting training into AV curricula is no longer optional—it’s essential.



1. Why Lighting Training Matters in AV

Lighting affects everything from camera quality to viewer perception and emotional impact. In concerts, corporate events, theater productions, and even educational broadcasts, poorly managed lighting can ruin an otherwise flawless show. A skilled technician who understands how to balance intensity, color temperature, angles, and movement can elevate an experience from mediocre to spectacular.

Modern lighting systems also require technical fluency. Features like DMX512 control, remote addressing, pixel mapping, and hybrid moving heads demand a new level of precision and familiarity with both hardware and software environments. With the proliferation of LED fixtures, energy efficiency considerations, and creative lighting rigs, technicians who are comfortable with light programming and troubleshooting are in high demand.



2. The Current Gap in AV Training Curricula

Most AV technician programs are structured around three pillars: audio systems, video display/processing, and IT networking. Lighting, if included at all, is typically condensed into a module within the stagecraft or production segment.

This minimal coverage means that graduates often leave programs without:

  • Practical hands-on experience with lighting control consoles (e.g., MA Lighting, ETC, ChamSys)

  • Understanding of key protocols such as DMX, RDM, sACN, or Art-Net

  • The ability to program intelligent fixtures for timed scenes or live control

  • Knowledge of safety, rigging, power loads, and fixture maintenance

AV employers are then left to train new hires in lighting on the job, which is inefficient and inconsistent.



3. Proposed Lighting Training Modules

To bridge this gap, AV programs should consider embedding comprehensive lighting tracks alongside core audio and video studies. A balanced curriculum might include:

a. Lighting Fundamentals

  • Types of fixtures (PAR cans, Fresnels, profiles, LED bars, beam lights)

  • Beam angle, color temperature, and CRI

  • Photometrics and fixture placement

b. Control Systems and Protocols

  • DMX512 addressing and patching

  • RDM for remote configuration

  • Networked control with Art-Net/sACN

  • Console operation (introductory and advanced)

c. Hands-On Programming

  • Scene creation

  • Cue stacking

  • Live busking

  • Using software-based consoles (e.g., Onyx, LightKey)

d. Safety and Rigging

  • Basic truss systems

  • Load calculation and fixture mounting

  • IP ratings and weatherproofing for outdoor events

e. Design Principles

  • Lighting for stage vs. broadcast

  • Color theory and mood

  • Dynamic lighting for music synchronization

Incorporating fieldwork—such as assisting in real productions—would deepen skill acquisition and simulate real-world constraints.



4. Benefits to Institutions and Students

For educational institutions, integrating lighting training can help attract a broader student base and increase industry partnerships. Equipment manufacturers may be more inclined to sponsor or support programs that give their fixtures hands-on visibility among future technicians.

For students, lighting proficiency adds immediate value to their resumes. Whether entering live events, worship technology, theater, or broadcast environments, they will be more competitive if they’re fluent in both AV and lighting systems.

Employers gain access to job-ready candidates who understand end-to-end production and can adapt more quickly to hybrid roles.



5. Industry Certification Integration

In parallel with classroom instruction, AV technician programs can enhance their credibility and outcomes by aligning with industry certifications such as:

  • ETCP (Entertainment Technician Certification Program) – For rigging and electrical competencies.

  • MA University or ETC LearningStage – Platform-specific training.

  • AVIXA CTS – While general, it can be supplemented with lighting tracks to round out certification.

Partnerships with organizations like PLASA, USITT, or LDI can also enrich educational content and keep programs current.



6. Addressing Resource and Equipment Challenges

One concern many institutions face is the cost of lighting equipment. However, scalable implementation is possible. Entry-level moving heads, LED PARs, and even virtual consoles can provide ample training opportunities. In fact, cloud-based simulators and 3D visualizers (e.g., Capture, WYSIWYG, or Vision) allow students to program shows without a full rig.

Another approach is partnering with local theaters, churches, or rental houses to provide shared access to gear during off-hours, turning resource limitations into community collaboration.



7. Future-Proofing the Workforce

As production environments become more complex and interdisciplinary, technicians must evolve beyond narrowly defined roles. Future AV professionals may be expected to run audio, adjust video, and trigger lighting cues from a single control interface—especially in smaller venues or mobile setups.

By building a foundation in lighting early in their education, AV techs are more adaptable, employable, and prepared for leadership roles in tech crews. This makes lighting training not a luxury—but a necessity.


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