In the performing arts, the Light board Operator is the "techie" in charge of operating all lighting equipment for a performance, with the possible exception of the spotlights(as in follow spots), which are usually handled by one or more designated spotlight operators.

As the title implies, the light board operator (commonly referred to as the "Light Op" or "Board Op") is the person who operates the light board. These come in many forms, from inexpensive to exorbitant, from simple to complex, from purely manual to highly computerized. For more information on light boards and their operation, see the Light Board Page.

In some situations, the light board operator may be a clear-cut job. Sometimes, though not always, the Lightboard Operator will be the same person as the Stage Manager. Also, the responsibilities of Light board Operator and Sound Operator are sometimes combined into one position, usually referred to as the Board Operator or Board Op, referring in this case to the combination of light board and sound board. In some productions, all three of these functions are done by one person. For productions where lighting and sound are operated by a single person, or productions where sound needs to be timed well with lighting changes, it is not unusual to use Midi Show Control (MSC).

The light board operator may in some cases also be the lighting designer for a production.

See also

• Stagecraft
• Theatre
• Lighting design
• Light board

Stage lighting