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 a non-refundable application fee ($75). 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 résumé detailing work experience, education, and relevant skills, letters of recommendation from industry professionals (one of which must be from a USA 829 member in good standing), and the non-refundable exam fee ($125). There are also supplemental portfolio review materials that a candidate must submit according to the USA 829 region in which they reside. Refer to the guide below for more information.
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]
Applicants located in the Eastern Region should download the following materials: Lighting Design Exam Information, Lighting Designer's Production Questionnaire, and the Lighting Designer Portfolio Submission Checklist
Note: The above materials are ONLY for Eastern Region candidates.
Central Region [Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin]
Applicants located in the Central Region 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. Please contact the Central Region examination committee for more information.
Western Region [Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming]
Applicants located in the Western Region are required to submit a portfolio of complete designs for two (2) produced, professional productions. One of these productions must be a multi-set production (or have multiple scripted locations), or use a unit set with at least three (3) phases.
You must include the following for each production:
- Statement of your design process
- Presentation materials: Research, sketches (digital or hand-drawn) Renderings (digital or hand-drawn), photographs, and any other materials you used to communicate your ideas and concept to the director and collaborators
- Drawings (1/2" scale is preferred, but 1/4" is acceptable): Light Plots (CAD or hand drafted), Hanging/Rigging Plots and schedules, Centerline Section, including trims, and Detail Drawings, including set and deck mounts
- Paperwork: Magic Sheets/Cheat Sheets, Channel Hookups, Instrument Schedules, Focus Charts, Moving Light Track Sheets, Light Cue Sheets, Follow Spot Cue Sheets
- Production Photos, including at least one full stage view with a human figure. Include a maximum of ten (10) photos per production
You must also include a link to your website in your submission.
All Western Region portfolio materials must be submitted in PDF or JPG format. Files MUST NOT exceed 10 MB in size. All files must be named clearly to include your name, project title, and file content. Examples: LastName_FirstName_LD_WestSideStory_ProductionPhoto.jpr OR LastName_FirstName_LD_Follies_CheatSheet.pdf.