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United Scenic Artists

The Representative Voice
of Designers and Scenic Artists

Exam Information: Lighting Designer

The United Scenic Artists Lighting Design Exam is a qualifying process for admitting those individuals who earn a living by designing lighting professionally, and possess employable skills as a Lighting Designer, Supervisor, Associate, or Assistant. The professionals we are looking for can be found working on Broadway, Off-Broadway, Regional Theater (LORT), Dance, Opera, Concert and Cabaret, Major Rock and Roll Tours, Industrial Shows and Freelance Television.

If you have questions about the examination process, please contact the Exam Coordinator. For questions specifically about the Lighting Design examination, please contact the appropriate examination committee

Access Online Application Portal

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I contact an examination committee if I have a question?

Applicants should contact the USA 829 Lighting Design examination committee designated to their state of residence. Reference the regions and contact information below to find the appropriate contact email.

Eastern Region (Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and members living abroad): lightingexamcommittee@usa829.org

Central Region (Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and the Provinces of Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec): centralexam@usa829.org

Western Region (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and the Provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan): westexam@usa829.org

What are the steps of the examination process?

Step One: All applicants going through the exam process begin with a standardized application facilitated through the SurveyMonkey Apply platform. Applicants begin the process by submitting the union application form and an application and filing fee ($200). Upon submission of these materials, the candidate’s eligibility for membership is verified by the USA 829 Business Office.

Step Two: The applicant then submits a comprehensive resume detailing work experience, education, and relevant skills and three letters of recommendation from industry professionals (one of which must be from a USA 829 member in good standing). There are also supplemental materials that an applicant must provide depending on the craft.

Lighting Design candidates will be asked to prepare a portfolio for review including documentation such as channel hookups, magic sheets, cue sheets, and drawings (light plots, section drawings, etc). Candidates may also be asked to include shop orders, photos, statements/completed production questionnaires, and other materials in their submission, contingent on an examination committee's specific procedure.

How long can I expect the examination process to take?

The examination process timeline is set according to each examination committee. Please contact your appropriate regional examination committee for more information.

What materials should I prepare for the exam?

Generally speaking, candidates should be prepared to provide a comprehensive resume and three letters of recommendation from industry professionals (including one from a USA 829 member in good standing). Additional supplemental materials, including a portfolio, may be required in addition to these materials. Please contact your appropriate regional examination committee for more information.

What key dates and deadlines should I know about?

Key dates and deadlines for the examination process are determined by each regional examination committee. Please reference the information below.

Eastern Region (Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and members living abroad)

  • Friday, January 9th, 2026: Application deadline | Saturday, January 31st, 2026/Sunday, February 1st, 2026: Interview on Zoom
  • Friday, April 24th, 2026: Application deadline | Saturday, May 16th, 2026/Sunday, May 17th, 2026: Interview on Zoom
  • Friday, October 16th, 2026: Application deadline | Saturday, November 7th, 2026/Sunday, November 8th, 2026: Interview on Zoom

Central Region (Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin and the Provinces of Manitoba, Ontario and Quebec)

All materials* received by: Review complete by:
January 31, 2026 March 31, 2026
April 30, 2026 June 30, 2026
July 31, 2026 September 30, 2026
October 31, 2026 December 31, 2026

Western Region (Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming and the Provinces of Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan)

All application materials should be received by one of the following dates:

  • March 1, 2026
  • July 1, 2026
  • November 1, 2026
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