Hello,
Obtaining an Electrical Engineering degree is great if you want to become an Electrical Engineer, but,: it's over-kill for working in Stage Lighting, it's an Expensive proposition, and it's hard work and time consuming to obtain a BSEE... unless...one were to try and obtain an R&D job at a Stage Lighting Manufacturer, it's definitely not a shortcut to work with Stage lighting.
If one were to go through all of the requirements of obtaining a BSEE, they'd be foolish to not work as an Electrical Engineer....the starting money is at least 2xs better than any gig in Stage Lighting.
If one is serious about Stage Lighting, then I'd suggest one of the many classes offered in Theatre studies at the community college...or, the Broadway short courses.
Before I'd recommend the more formal classes, speak to, beg, volunteer some time with a local Company that provides Stage Lighting services. Working even a few hours a week in a shop will help someone gain a lot of knowledge. After some time...ask if you can play with a console in off hours.
Take some basic Electrical classes that are gear to becoming an electrician. Review all of your basic Math before hand as you'll need Math skills for the electrical formulas. Learn the formulas for AC & DC.
Good Luck,
Hammer
