What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

“Learn. Learn every single piece of gear. Keep learning. Keep current.”

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

“Jumping into positions they’re not ready for, biting off more than they can chew. Instead of benefiting them, it burns them. By all means, keep learning, but don’t jump into a position you’re not ready for. It makes you look incredibly bad.”

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

“Whether or not they’re only going to be doing lights. Working in the industry you kind of have to be a jack-of-all-trades. A lot of new kids don’t think to ask, ‘Do I have to unload the truck? Do I have to do rigging?’ Yes. You need to do all that. Sometimes they’re a bit blindsided when they walk into a big show. Just say, ‘I’m not sure what I’m doing.’ We prefer that.”

What is one thing I should have asked which I didn’t?

About if a Lighting Tech needs to have a creative side. Hoeldke says, “A person with an artistic, creative flair would make a good lighting person. The sound guy has to make it sound beautiful; the lighting guy has to make it look beautiful. A creative person will always do better. Add something that makes it your own.”

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

“Perseverance. The industry is constantly changing.”

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