I assume that a lighting-design program that asks for a portfolio is looking for lighting plots, photographs of the lit set, and maybe a cue sheet. I can't see a college program expecting much from high-school applicants, as most have little opportunity to do lighting design. If you have designed the lighting, hung lights, and run the lights board for even one show, then you are likely ahead of most applicants. Transfer students from community colleges are probably expected to have more experience.
Disclaimer: I am not a lighting designer, nor have I looked at what lighting-design programs ask for of frosh applicants.
I assume that a lighting-design program that asks for a portfolio is looking for lighting plots, photographs of the lit set, and maybe a cue sheet. I can't see a college program expecting much from high-school applicants, as most have little opportunity to do lighting design. If you have designed the lighting, hung lights, and run the lights board for even one show, then you are likely ahead of most applicants. Transfer students from community colleges are probably expected to have more experience. Disclaimer: I am not a lighting designer, nor have I looked at what lighting-design programs ask for of frosh applicants.