This page sets out clear, role-specific expectations for designers working with Lighthouse Theatre. It also includes responsibilities for when a production is transferring to our second venue, Roselawn Theatre. “Transferring” describes the load out, transporting, installation, and possible re-staging of a production between Lighthouse Theatre and Roselawn Theatre. These expectations are intended to keep transfers safe, efficient, and artistically consistent across both Lighthouse Theatre and Roselawn Theatre.
Lighthouse Festival is a place of learning and growth, where we welcome artists at the beginning of their professional theatre journey. We are committed to creating a safe, supportive environment that encourages skill-building and collaboration. Through mentorship, clear communication, and a culture of respect, we aim to help these emerging professionals build confidence as they develop their practice.
Shared / General
- Designs must serve the Director’s artistic vision while remaining achievable within the agreed budget, staffing, technical resources, and the realities of transferring between venues
- Maintain ongoing communication with the Director, Production Manager, Technical Director, and Stage Management.
- Prioritize safety, accessibility (AODA principles where applicable), and sustainability. Reuse theatre stock when practical and specify materials safe for removal, transport, re-installation, and multiple runs.
- Attend scheduled production meetings and the mandatory design meeting unless otherwise excused by the PM.
- Approved drawings and scenic elements are subject to modification, with the Designer’s and Director’s agreement, to address staffing, shop capabilities, or other possible technical constraints
Responsibilities & Deliverables
Primary focus: scenic concept, practical scenery design, general props and set dec plans, and transfer readiness.
Deliverables & Deadlines
- Concept materials (mood boards, sketches, renderings): deliver by the design deadline in the contract.
- Maquette: physical maquette must be completed and available for the first day of build. If a physical maquette is not being created, then an accurate digital 3D model may be used.
- Technical drawings: ground plans, sections, elevations, construction/joinery drawings must be delivered to the TD and PM before shop work begins and no later than the date specified in the contract.
- Set transfer materials: must be submitted at the same time as the initial design deliverables (the design deadline). Set transfer materials include Roselawn-adapted ground plans and a labelled inventory of scenic elements (weights, dimensions, fragility notes). Sets need to be designed that when packed can fit in a standard 20’ U-Haul: 19’6″ x 7’8″ x 7’2″. Trim height for all set pieces is 12’. Designers should design their sets to fit the Roselawn stage first (Roselawn is smaller than Lighthouse). Designing to Roselawn dimensions up front minimizes or eliminates the need for major adjustments when transferring from Lighthouse (larger) to Roselawn (smaller).
Technical & Build
- Design scenic elements to be robust, modular, and transport-friendly for safe movement and efficient re-installation at Roselawn. Where full transfer is impractical, clearly indicate which pieces will travel and which will be re-built or replicated at Roselawn.
- Obtain written PM approval before outsourcing/distributing shop work for transfer; provide cost estimates for any external build or transportation.
- Provide clear notes and diagrams for adapting the set during the transfer, including any additional masking, and possible sight line disruptions.
Rehearsal, Load-Out & Transfer
- The Set Designer is not required to be physically present for the transfer between venues. Instead, their primary responsibility is to attend the initial set meeting and production meetings where they will collaborate closely with the PM, TD, ATD’s and stage management to ensure all transfer notes are accurate and practical.
- At these meetings, the Set Designer must provide knowledgeable guidance on, reassembly, and any adjustments needed for Roselawn.
- Clear, thorough documentation is expected so the technical team can complete the transfer safely and effectively without the designer on site.
Primary focus: lighting concept, instrument selection/placement, cueing, and transfer-ready electrics documentation.
Deliverables & Deadlines
- Concept materials: design mock ups and technical specifications for any potential builds and wireless fixtures
- Lighting paperwork (initial): while adhering to the rep plot provided, provide a full light plot, instrument schedule, channel hookup/patch, dimmer/fixture inventory, and preliminary cue list to the TD & Head Technician by the date in the production schedule.
- Lighting transfer materials: including the Roselawn-adapted lighting plot, inventory of fixtures and accessories that will travel with the production, and rigging/power notes for Roselawn, are due approximately one week after opening (exact date indicated in the production schedule and contract). This allows the LD and TD to finalise what travels after the production settles into performance at Lighthouse and to account for any last- minute changes identified during tech and previews.
- Specials & equipment requests: any specialty instruments, projection needs, moving lights, or accessories must be submitted early (preferably at the first production meeting) so the PM and TD can confirm availability and budget.
- Rep plot: The Lighting Designer must attend the rep plot meeting with the rep plot coordinator at the start of the season (date TBC). Any proposed changes to the rep plot should be submitted promptly to the TD.
Technical & Safety
- Coordinate with both venues’ TDs/Head Technicians to confirm power availability, dimmer racks, patching, and load limits. All fixtures and hanging must comply with manufacturer ratings and local code.
- Provide focusing and safety notes for elevated work; ensure any suspended gear is documented for re-hang at Roselawn.
Rehearsal, Focus, & Transfer
- Be present (or send a competent stand in) for focus, and cueing sessions at Roselawn.
- Update and deliver an adapted cue list for Roselawn before the first tech at that venue; clearly mark any differences from Lighthouse paperwork.
Primary focus: costume concept and research, fittings, maintenance/wardrobe operations, quick-change solutions, continuity, and transfer logistics.
Deliverables & Deadlines
- Concept materials (inspiration boards, sketches, fabric swatches): deliver by the design deadline in the production schedule.
- Costume plot & measurement list: provide a complete costume plot, cast measurement spreadsheet, costume breakdown by scene, and quick-change diagrams (if applicable) by the design deadline.
- Fittings schedule: supply a proposed fittings timetable to Stage Management, head of wardrobe and PM before the first rehearsal week.
- Laundry & Maintenance: provide a comprehensive laundry list of all items and any specific maintenance requirements is due for the first on stage tech day, to head of wardrobe and PM. Please refer to the production schedule.
- Costume transfer materials: if the production may transfer to Roselawn, a costume transfer package is due at the Port Dover opening. This package should include: a labelled inventory of all costume pieces (with sizes, special care notes, and spare counts), packing recommendations, laundering/maintenance plans between load-out and load-in, and a list of essential spares and replacement contacts.
Technical & Safety
- Ensure costume construction and chosen materials are safe and appropriate for performance use; clearly note any special handling, storage, or maintenance requirements.
- Consider performer mobility, quick-change access, footwear, and interactions with props, set elements, or rigging
- Indicate whether items may be hand-carried, boxed, or require special handling. Include packing recommendations for fragile or bulky pieces.
Rehearsal, Tech Week & Transfer
- Attend scheduled fittings, dress rehearsals, and all tech/dress runs where costumes are required, unless otherwise excused by the PM. Provide head/set/wardrobe notes and quick-change coaching to Stage Management and head of wardrobe.
- The costume designer is not required to be physically present during transfer between venues but must provide comprehensive transfer documentation.
Transferring
Process & Timeline (Lighthouse ➜ Roselawn)
Definition & intent:
Transferring refers to the load out, transporting, installation, and possible re-staging of a production at Roselawn. While similar to touring, this is a planned internal transfer between Lighthouse Theatre (Port Dover) and Roselawn Theatre (Port Colborne).
Key expectations & timeline:
- Set transfer materials: As above, set transfer materials are due at the design deadline (with Roselawn ground plans included) so the set is designed to Roselawn specifications from the outset.
- Lighting transfer materials: Lighting transfer materials (including Roselawn light plot) are due approximately one week after opening; see production schedule/contract for exact date.
- Load-out / Transport: The PM and TD will coordinate transport logistics; additional labour or specialized vehicles must be approved and budgeted in advance.
Responsibilities & cost allocation:
- The TD will confirm which scenic and lighting items travel with the production and which are left as stock; designers must flag items that cannot safely travel.
- Any additional costs incurred specifically because of transfer (extra freight, additional rental equipment to match Roselawn’s facilities, additional shop time) must be presented to the PM for approval before being committed. Designers should indicate likely additional costs in their transfer materials.
Documentation & versions:
- All paperwork used at Roselawn must be versioned and labelled (e.g., Lighthouse_v3 → Roselawn_v1). The designers are responsible for providing updated paperwork reflecting any deviations required by the receiving venue.
Paperwork & Intellectual Property
- Designers must supply final CAD/PDF files, maquette photos or digital models, and finalized transfer paperwork to the PM before load-out from Lighthouse.
- If using third-party or archival artwork, images, or designs, secure and provide written permission or licensing documentation covering both venues.
Strike, Salvage & Post-Transfer
- After closing at Roselawn, consult with the PM/TD about salvage priorities and recycling of scenic and lighting inventory. Designers should advise on what must be returned to Lighthouse for storage or archival and what may be released.