Assistant Professor, 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. The role requires close coordination with faculty, staff, and the Technical Director to support scenic, lighting, and props design areas, manage production-related resources, and ensure high-quality educational and performance outcomes. In addition to teaching and production responsibilities, the position includes service and administrative support activities consistent with faculty expectations at a state-supported institution.

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.