"Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts - Scenic Design and Technical Director emphasis"

Position Announcement

The Utah Tech University Theatre Program seeks a dedicated and collaborative Scenic Designer and Technical Director to support its dynamic undergraduate program and production season. This position plays a vital role in overseeing scenic design and technical direction while mentoring students in professional production practices. This full-time, tenure-track position supports a four-show production season and teaches within a comprehensive theatre design and technology program. More information about the department and its associated programs and faculty can be found online at https://theatre.utahtech.edu/.

Responsibilities

• Teach 24-credit per academic year load, encompassing teaching responsibilities, reassigned time for production work, and mentoring student designers. This will be approximately four courses per semester with reassigned time for production work.
• Potential courses include Scenic Design, Stagecraft, Study of Period Styles and Decor, Scene Painting, Intro to Theatre, Script Analysis, and other courses based on expertise.
• Scenic design and technical direction for three productions per year, with an additional student-designed production under faculty supervision. Manage the design, construction, and completion of scenic elements and props. The season includes two fully produced plays, one musical, and a student-led production. Oversee scene shop operations and construction.
• Oversee the scenic design/props process, budget management, technical execution, shop maintenance, and safety training. Active participation in the scene shop is expected, including hands-on involvement in construction and collaboration with students. Supervise the scene shop foreman, student workers, and work-study students while collaborating with other departments using shared facilities. The production team currently includes a part-time scene shop supervisor, four work-study positions, opportunities for workshop credit, and support from a stagecraft class.

Additional Duties:

• Involvement in student recruitment and retention.
• Department service.
• Scholarly/creative activity typical of tenure-track faculty.
• Perform defined campus-wide duties, including holding office hours, attendance at department and division meetings, and adherence to college, division, and university policies and procedures.
• Communicate clearly with students, staff, and colleagues, both orally and in writing.
• Commitment to student recruitment, mentorship, and retention initiatives within the department and university.

Qualifications

• MFA in Scenic Design, Technical Direction, theatre technology or related field preferred.
• Demonstrated scenic design experience.
• Demonstrated technical direction experience.
• Demonstrated experience in scene and prop shop operations, including construction and painting.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the history of decoration, furnishings, and architecture.
• Demonstrated ability to use and teach typical computer programs for theatre design and technology (Vectorworks, AutoCAD, and/or Sketchup).
• Working efficiently within financial constraints.
• Demonstrated dedication to teaching students from a variety of backgrounds with differing levels of experience.
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate successfully as a member of a production team, fostering an inclusive learning environment, and proactively promote student success within an academic theatre program.

Preferred Qualifications:

• 1-3 years of college-level teaching experience with the ability to develop engaging coursework.
• Demonstrated experience with theatrical rigging.
• Preference given to candidates with expertise in design/technical experience for film and dance.
• Preference given to candidates with a strong secondary area of expertise within theatre, such as lighting and/or sound.

Supplemental Information

POSITION DETAILS, COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: Full-time (9-month) tenure-track faculty position. Faculty service begins August 2026, with pay and benefits starting July 1, 2026. Annual salary of $57,000-$59,000 depending on qualifications and experience, with additional compensation available for optional summer/overload teaching. Excellent benefits package included that begins on start date; includes medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, employee assistance and wellness programs, retirement plan contributions, and undergraduate tuition waivers for employees and eligible dependents. See https://humanresources.utahtech.edu/employee-benefits/ under "Benefits Summary" for more details.

ELECTRONIC APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Application review begins November 3, 2025; position open until filled. Candidates must submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae, contact information for three professional references (including email addresses), transcripts, and a Student Success Statement (1-2 pages about the candidate's teaching or other professional experience working with a wide range of student academic preparedness). Please upload all the requested documents when you submit your application. Employment is contingent upon successful completion and certification of required degrees and upon successfully passing a background check. If, because of a disability, you need special services or facilities to apply for this opening, please call the Human Resources Office (435) 652-7520.