Job Title: Lighting Design Summer Program 2026
Working Hours: Office hours of operation are 9:00 – 5:00pm
Place of Work: London HQ
Other: Fixed-term contract
About RWS Global
RWS Global is the world leader in groundbreaking live moments across entertainment and sports, creating customized guest experiences spanning theatrical productions, live events, immersive destinations, multimedia, consumer products and more.
RWS Global is headquartered in New York, London, Cincinnati, Shanghai, Orlando, Sydney and Riyadh with dedicated RWS Studios in NYC and the UK to serve its vast talent pipeline and client base. With a focus on entertainment and sports experiences, RWS Global serves major brands and corporations, theaters, cruise lines, sports properties, live venues, parks, resorts and more. Offering end-to-end services from ideation to operations, RWS Global’s team of world-class designers, creators, producers and visionary talent provide unrivaled scale, producing over one million live moments every day and employing over 8,000 individuals and performers worldwide.
The RWS Global roster of clients includes Apple, Azamara, The Coca-Cola Company, Commonwealth Games, Crayola, Europa-Park Resort, Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, The FRIENDS™ Experience by Original X Productions, Hard Rock Resorts, Hershey Entertainment & Resorts, Holland America Line, Iberostar Hotels & Resorts, International Cricket Council, Invictus Games, Lionsgate, MSC Cruises, Roompot, Rugby World Cup, Six Flags, Space Center Houston, TUI Group, Vera Wang, Warner Bros., Disney’s The Lion King on Broadway, Chicago the Musical, Christmas Spectacular Starring the Radio City Rockettes and more. For more information, visit.
JOB SUMMARY
The Lighting Designer will contribute to the conceptualization, design, and execution of creative lighting solutions that enhance the mood, visibility, and overall impact of live events, performances, architectural spaces, or media productions. This internship opportunity requires a blend of creative focus, hands-on technical work, artistic vision, and collaborative skills to bring projects to life while ensuring safety, efficiency, and design integrity. This is a paid position.
Duties & Responsibilities
1. Develop lighting concepts and designs based on project goals, scripts, architectural plans, or client needs.
2. Create lighting plots, technical drawings, and documentation using industry-standard software (e.g., Vectorworks, AutoCAD, WYSIWYG, Capture).
3. Collaborate closely with directors, producers, set designers, architects, and other creative professionals to align lighting with the overall artistic vision.
4. May conduct site visits, evaluate venues, and recommend appropriate lighting equipment and layouts.
5. Program, operate, and troubleshoot lighting consoles and control systems during rehearsals, installations, and live events.
6. Participate in the installation, focusing, and striking of lighting equipment, maintaining compliance with safety regulations and industry standards.
Skills & Qualifications
7. Working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Lighting Design, Theatre Production, Technical Theatre, Architecture, or related field.
8. Portfolio should include examples of designs from theatre, concerts, television, film, architecture, or events".
9. Working knowledge of lighting design and drafting software (Vectorworks, AutoCAD, etc.).
10. Strong knowledge of lighting equipment, dimming systems, LED technologies, and DMX networking.
11. Creative problem-solving and strong visual storytelling skills.
12. Excellent communication and collaboration abilities.
13. Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and adapt quickly to changes.
Preferred Competencies
14. Familiarity with rigging, safety protocols, and electrical standards is a plus.
Work Environment
15. Work may be split between office/design studio, rehearsal spaces, venues, and live event sites. This will be coordinated in advance with the line manager.
While this role is a full-time position, employment will not extend beyond the duration of the 12-week summer program. Once the summer program is completed, employment will end.