Assistant Professor of Technical Theatre

Job Details

Description

Friends University is seeking applicants for a 10-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Technical Theatre at the Wichita, Kansas campus. This position will teach one to two courses in technical theatre and production per semester, in addition to overseeing operational aspects of fine arts performances and events held on campus. Areas of course instruction and supervision include stage management, set design and construction, lighting and sound design, and supervision of student workers. This position supports a wide variety of events including theatre productions, music concerts, student recitals, campus assemblies, and assisting with external rentals of our performance spaces. Support for music performances will include running sound for a variety of ensembles, including editing and mastering recordings for both archival and professional use. Basic video editing skills are essential. We welcome applicants with diverse professional backgrounds who thrive in dynamic, collaborative environments and are committed to supporting artistic expression through innovative technical production. This position will begin with the start of our Fall semester, on August 1, 2026.

The Wichita region boasts a vibrant arts scene, supporting an abundance of community and professional theatre.

Qualifications

Significant hands-on experience in technical theatre production. Proficiency in lighting and sound systems, including digital consoles, DMX, LED lighting, audio interfaces, and AV recording. Prior experience in higher education, touring, or professional venues is a plus. Ability to manage our Theatre Workshop and Production spaces. Additional experience or skillsets in media arts (film, journalism, etc.) are welcomed.

A terminal degree in technical theatre, stage production, or related field is required. Candidates with an undergraduate degree in theatre and at least five years of relevant professional experience will be considered for appointment at the level of Instructor.

Strong working knowledge of modern stage technology and safety standards. Ability to work with the following equipment: ETC Ion Xe20 Lighting and Allen & Health Avantis consoles. Familiarity with QLab, ETC lighting consoles, Dante audio networking, or similar platforms. Experience supporting rental clients or external production groups. Basic scenic and rigging experience is required.

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to lift and move technical equipment. Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment. Must be available to assist with our summer theatre intensive and other recruitment related duties as assigned by the division chair.

Review of applications will begin March 23, 2026.

Applicants are requested to submit the following to nathanael_may@friends.edu:

• A cover letter addressing qualifications related to essential skills of the position
• A curriculum vitae or extensive résumé
• A list of three references including preferred method(s) of contact
• A digital portfolio of recent work appropriate to the demands of this position; can be a separate document linking to various resources (videos, pictures, website, etc.)

Please visit our employment site at https://www.friends.edu/employment-opportunities/ to apply. Only applications submitted through this Friends University website application process will be accepted. Additional materials such as a portfolio of production-related work and student reviews of teaching may be requested.

Friends University is committed to a work-life balance for its employees by offering 96 hours of sick leave per year, up to 13 1/2 paid holidays, half day Fridays June through July, up to 5% retirement matching, and free undergraduate tuition for you, your spouse, and your dependents.

Friends University aspires to be a model of excellence in higher education. As an expression of our Christian faith, we aim to prepare our students for success in a diverse and interconnected world by providing transformative learning experiences that embrace different viewpoints. As we seek individuals to join our Friends University community, we encourage candidates who share our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion to apply. Join us as we continue on this journey towards a more just and inclusive future for all.

Friends University seeks to hire individuals who will embrace our mission and celebrate our commitment to equipping students to honor God in their personal, professional, and spiritual lives by adhering to the University’s RISE Core Values (Respect, Inclusion, Service and Excellence). The mission of the University is:

Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual, and professional lives.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Friends University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.