Assistant Professor of Scenic and Lighting Design

Job Summary

The Assistant Professor of Scenic and Lighting Design is a full-time faculty position within the Department of Theatre & Dance, responsible for teaching undergraduate courses, supporting departmental productions, and contributing to the academic and artistic mission of the university. This position integrates classroom instruction with hands-on production work, emphasizing student mentorship, collaboration, and safe technical practices.

Essential Job Functions

Teaching and Instruction

• Teaches a range of undergraduate courses in theatre design and production, including but not limited to Stagecraft, Production, Scenic Design, Lighting Design, Introduction to Design, and Theatre Appreciation.
• Develops course syllabi, instructional materials, and assessments; evaluates student performance; maintains office hours; and supports student learning outcomes consistent with departmental and university standards.

Scenic and Lighting Design & Production Support

• Serves as scenic and/or lighting designer for Department of Theatre & Dance productions or supervises guest artists and student designers for the departmental season, which includes four plays, two dance concerts, and additional student-produced works.
• Mentors students through all phases of the design and production process and supports experiential learning in production-based courses.

Technical Coordination, Safety, and Facilities Support

• Coordinates with the Technical Director in managing the scene shop and overseeing the props design area within production classes.
• Ensures proper use, maintenance, and replacement of tools and equipment; enforces safety standards and best practices in all technical and production activities; and promotes a safe learning and working environment for students and staff.

Budgeting and Administrative Support

• Assists in preparing and managing production budgets for departmental shows. Completes required paperwork, including purchase requisitions, time sheets, and related documentation.
• Helps coordinate and supervise production strikes and load-outs.

Service, Collaboration, and Student Engagement

• Demonstrates a willingness and ability to work with a diverse undergraduate student population.
• Participates in departmental activities, meetings, and service as assigned.
• Collaborates effectively with faculty, staff, and students to support the mission and goals of the Department of Theatre & Dance and the university.

Minimum and Desired Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Theatrical Design or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated proficiency in scenic and lighting design.
• Knowledge of current trends, tools, technologies, and safety standards in scenic and lighting design.
• Ability to mentor, supervise, and instruct undergraduate students in classroom and production-based settings.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and guest artists.

Desired Qualifications

• At least three (3) years of teaching experience at the college or university level.
• Professional experience in scenic and/or lighting design.
• Experience working within an academic theatre production environment.