Tech Mentorship Program
tech mentorship program applications now open
Program Dates: Thursday, May 28th - Sunday, May 31st, 2026
Application Deadline: Friday, April 17th, 2026 (11:59pm)
Tiny Lights Festival is proud to announce the fifth installation of our tech mentorship program!
The Tiny Lights Tech Mentorship Program is a hands-on introduction to live event production within a working festival environment. Participants gain practical experience in sound, lighting, and stage management – first through focused training and then as part of the tech team. By the end of the weekend, they build the skills and confidence to work as stagehands and leave with real-world experience and connections within the local production community.
Participants will:
Develop a practical understanding of sound, lighting, and stage management in a live festival setting.
Build confidence working on a tech team and supporting live shows.
Understand the roles and responsibilities of the various positions at a music festival.
Work alongside members of the local production community.
Technical Skills & Production Fundamentals:
Evaluating event needs and understanding how early decisions shape what happens on stage.
Selecting and setting up core equipment with an understanding of workflow and efficiency.
Developing practical troubleshooting instincts in live environments.
Core Areas of Focus:
Building technical literacy in sound, lighting, and stage operations, with a clear understanding of how each area supports a live show.
Learning how production teams coordinate — from signal flow and stage setup to communication between artists, technicians, and crew.
Developing professional habits around safety, efficiency, and respectful collaboration in a fast-paced live environment.
Program Structure & Learning Approach:
The program begins with six hours of focused, hands-on training designed to build a clear understanding of how a live festival operates— from signal flow and stage setup to workflow, communication and safety. Participants learn not only what to do, but why it’s done that way, and the responsibilities of each role.
After this initial training, learning continues in real time. Participants step into active roles on the tech team during the festival, applying what they’ve learned while working alongside experienced crew members and sound technicians. During this phase, participants work as stagehands for the festival, focusing on the practical execution of shows and learning through the rhythm and demands of live production.
By the end of the weekend, participants leave with practical experience working on a functioning production team, a stronger understanding of how live shows are built and supported, and the confidence to take on similar roles at future events.
Participants Will Receive:
- Complimentary Staff Pass to Tiny Lights Festival, including camping
- $200 honorarium
- Admission to the Volunteer After Party on Sunday May 31st @ 7pm
Application Deadline: Friday, April 17th, 2026 (11:59pm)