When working alongside a lighting designer, the relationship between the two of you becomes very important. It’s important to keep in mind some secrets that the LD will not tell you. Here are just a few of the 25 listed in the Dec. 2012 issue of PLSN: #1: Don’t assume your LD selected the fixtures in the plot. Many times they are swapped out by the rental company or provided directly by a manufacturer. #4: If something is not going to work (it is not bright enough, missing an important feature, or is in the wrong place), let your LD know as soon as possible. They don’t want to be faced with these sorts of problems once programming has begun. #15: The LD’s deal is the LD’s deal. Do not ask LDs how much they are making for a gig. #19: Except in rare cases, the LD will not let you know how to dress during programming and rehearsals…I once saw a tech come to FOH at a band rehearsal wearing no shirt and no shoes. The LD promptly fired him.
—From “Feeding the Machines” by Brad Schiller, PLSN, Dec. 2012
