Living the Lighting Life: A Guide to a Career in Entertainment Lighting

Living the Lighting Life coaches the reader on achieving a successful career in entertainment lighting by providing practical tools and advice from seasoned professionals.

This book covers topics such as lighting roles and procedures, moving through job positions and opportunities, maintaining and developing creativity, self promotion, business tools, personal and professional relationships, travel tips, and more. Included are interviews with key industry professionals at different stages in their careers, providing real-world experience and multiple viewpoints on what makes a successful career. The author, who has over 30 years of experience in the lighting industry himself, expertly guides readers to an understanding of this complex and exciting career choice, exploring multiple genres of entertainment, including concert, theatre, corporate, festival, and house of worship, so readers are fully informed when planning their career path.

With insightful guidance and advice from industry veterans and experts, Living the Lighting Life is a key navigational resource for students of entertainment lighting, those early in their lighting profession, and anyone considering a career in entertainment lighting.

Brad Schiller has over 30 years of experience in the lighting industry. Starting his career in the mid 1980’s he has worked as a technician, programmer, and designer on many different productions. Over the years he has also been employed by High End Systems, Vari*Lite, and Martin where he has assisted with product development, training, and testing for many popular fixtures and consoles. Brad has experience with various types of productions including theatre, television, concerts, film, architectural, dance, and corporate events. Project favorites include: the 1996 Academy Awards, The Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Opening and Closing Ceremonies, The Crystal Method, and Metallica. Brad’s career has allowed him countless opportunities to work around the globe, and across diverse facets of the industry. At the 2005 LDI awards ceremony Brad was presented with the Technician of the Year award and described as "the programmer’s programmer". He is also the author of Living the Lighting Life (Routledge 2021). A self-described "lighting geek," he has a deep-rooted passion for lighting that continues to drive him. Learn more at www.bradschiller.com.