Short for board operator, the technician at the lighting console in the booth for rehearsals and every performance. The board op runs preshow checks, fires each cue on the stage manager's go, watches for errors and handles fixes such as a missed cue or a dead channel without stopping the show. Crews call the lighting console the board, hence the name.
Board op, we're holding for house, take preset to 50 and stand by for cue 1.
Also heard as
- board operator
- LX op
- console operator
Related terms
Cue
A recorded lighting state and the timed transition into it, triggered during a performance on the stage manager's call.
Channel check
The preshow routine of bringing up each lighting channel in turn to confirm every fixture works and is aimed correctly.
Bump
To flash a channel or group to full instantly, usually with a console button, to identify it or for effect.
DMX
DMX512: the digital control protocol for stage and architectural lighting, carrying 512 channels per universe.