h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I have never read such an accurate description of amateur theatre lighting. I have had exactly the same experiences in most of the productions I've worked on.
Just one observation to add, when working for a group you know reasonably well. On the dress rehearsal and first night, when the director starts fuming, crew members (not the cast) have to indulge in the practice of 'stroking the director' (emotionally or literally). This is necessary to induce a calming effect and to prevent a systematic and widespread outbreak of panic throughout the theatre.
Of course, if this is a one-off job with a company (and your personal sense of duty doesn't get in the way), you might just want to sit back and watch the tension and drama - it might be better than the show.

Yeah, depends on who the director is. I must admit we used to use the alternative "Stoking the Director" approach, where the objective was to wind them up to nearly breaking point with fictional problems and then "solve" them at the eleventh hour. The director would generally be so grateful, they would probably want to bear your children. Come to think of it, it's probably why we used to get asked back a lot, ah crap..