Work Experience Lighting

Glyndebourne

Glyndebourne is one of the most celebrated opera houses in the world delivering performances to some 150000 people across a summer Festival and autumn season and a year-round programme of Learning & Engagement activity.

The Lighting Department

The Lighting Team is responsible for overseeing and implementing all aspects of lighting requirements for all productions and projects at Glyndebourne to the highest standards. This includes rigging focussing and maintaining all lighting smoke and pyrotechnic equipment required for a production as well as programming and operating the lighting console and manual or remote followspots for performances.

The Placement

Work experience placements in the Lighting Department are designed to provide an exciting opportunity for those interested in a career in production lighting. They will provide you with an exciting and enriching opportunity and insight into working in a theatre.

Placements are for 2 weeks and are scheduled throughout the year according to the technical and production schedules allowing placements the chance to see parts of the rehearsal process from the first stage rehearsals to opening night as well as experiencing changeovers and running of other productions in the repertoire.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

You will work alongside other members of the lighting team to gain insight and experience in the following areas:

• preparation rigging focussing and operation of generic lighting equipment
• installation of lighting equipment
• programming a large moving light rig (including shadowing show operation during performances and rehearsals)
• Preparation of show documentation
• Working in a safe and efficient manner in a theatrical environment.

You may be asked to perform other reasonable job-related or ad-hoc duties as assigned by your line manager.

Knowledge Skills and Experience:

• An aspiration for a career within the lighting industry
• An ability and willingness to learn new skills
• A basic understanding of a backstage environment
• Proficient in the use of computer based systems
• Should be an excellent communicator and display initiative and active listening skills
• Enthusiastic and proactive and able to prioritise tasks effectively
• Ability to work calmly under pressure
• A genuine passion for the arts.

Applications are open to all people 18 however are highly encouraged from those currently studying for a degree in technical theatre or undertaking a Creative Venue Technician apprenticeship.

Hours

A maximum of 40 hours per week over 5 days Monday -Sunday.

You will be expected to work across 7 days including unsocial hours.

Rates of Pay

Those joining our work experience programme learn and work on a voluntary unpaid and temporary basis. As such you will not be entitled to participate in Glyndebourne employee benefits or pension plans nor will you receive a bonus or other remuneration in connection with your time on site. We will however reimburse you for your travel to and from Glyndebourne at the start and end of your placement.

You will also receive a daily lunch voucher for the value of 5.00 which can be used at the Courtyard (staff catering area) and a 250 weekly contribution to your living expenses for the duration of your work placement. You will be responsible for any income or other tax that may be due in connection with such payments.

How to Apply

Glyndebourne is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a Registered Charity. We promote equality diversity and inclusion in our workplace and actively encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for vacancies including ethnically diverse and disabled candidates who are currently under-represented in our workforce.

Please apply by clicking Apply Now to submit your application.Candidates must be able to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK.

Glyndebourne commits to protecting your privacy. We will only use information about you in accordance with the Data Protection Act 2018 and other relevant legislation and regulations. Please see more information in our Company Privacy Notice on our website.

The closing date for applications isSunday 15th February 2026

As a Disability Confident Employer we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for our vacancies. If relevant to you please inform us of this in your covering letter. If you have any questions in relation to this or if you would like this advert sent to you in a larger or dyslexia friendly font then please contact a member of the HR team at.

The Glyndebourne Festival (running from May to August) features a programme of six operas in its 1200-seat opera house attracting audiences from around the world. The Autumn Season (October to December) extends Glyndebournes reach offering audiences the opportunity to experience fresh perspectives and new works in a dynamic and exploratory setting. Together the Festival and Autumn Season welcome over 125000 attendees annually with many more engaging through online streaming and other digital platforms.

Remaining financially independent since its inception Glyndebourne is a registered charity that relies on box office income memberships and donations to fund its operations. Committed to artistic excellence audience development and accessibility Glyndebourne continues to expand the reach and appreciation of opera for all.