This involves overseeing the preparation, hanging, connection and focusing of stage lighting fixtures.
This wrench is typically attached to the belt or wrist with a lanyard, which is important because the master electrician tends to work at great height, from ladders, lift tables, catwalks, or lighting trusses, where a falling wrench may hurt people or damage property below.
Those who pass this rigorous test will become ETCP Certified Entertainment Electricians - and will be recognized as the industry's best.
In the future, IATSE, or some of the larger local affiliations may form a more formal method of certification, which may include the title of master electrician.
In the meantime, almost every production, from high school shows to Broadway uses the term to describe their primary electrician, regardless of their skill level or experience.