F0199 Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Drama & Theatre-Technical Director & Scenic Designer

Job Duties

Norfolk State University’s Department of Visual and Performing Arts’ award-winning Drama & Theatre Program invites applicants for a full-time, tenure-track, Assistant Professor of Drama and Theatre in the disciplines of Technical Direction and Scenic Design; the selected candidate begins August 2026. Review of applications will begin June 1, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

The primary responsibilities of this position include teaching in the discipline of Advanced Technical Theater, Scenic Design, Stagecraft, Intro to Theatre, and/or other areas as qualified, while also serving as Technical Director & Resident Scenic Designer for the NSU Theatre Company. This position will teach one course per semester due to receiving 75% release time to support the NSU Theatre Company.

Integral to this position is maintaining regular office hours; maintaining high levels of professional development, research, creative activity and service; safely training students to work with tools and equipment; occasionally moving and transporting materials and equipment weighing up to 45 pounds; be available as needed during evening and weekend rehearsals and productions; practical initiative; cultivating respectful, courteous and cooperative relationships; implementing affirmative, efficient and ethical working practices.

This position will be responsible for the build & supervision of all aspects of scenery construction for all productions and events; the safe and efficient operation of the scene shop; serving as master carpenter; serving as needed as Scenic Designer, scenic charge and props master for all productions & events presented by NSU Theater Company; adhering to and participating in the development of production timelines; communicating construction progress as requested; leading load-in, set-up, and strike; maintaining an accurate inventory of all scene shop tools and equipment and serving as a technical assistant for all occasional non-NSU Theatre Company activity in Brown Hall Mainstage and Studio Theaters.

Minimum Qualifications

• An MFA in Technical Direction or Technical Theatre.
• Evidence of expertise using construction and welding tools and equipment.
• Excellence in Drafting utilizing Vector works or AutoCAD Auto Desk software.
• Experience running a scene shop as Technical Director.
• Experience as a Scenic Designer.
• Knowledgeable of OSHA and industry safety compliance rules and possess extensive knowledge of safe use of equipment.
• Exceptional planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to supervise construction crew.
• Commitment to mentoring students.

Additional Considerations

• A minimum of three years of successful teaching at the university level.
• Membership in professional organizations such as IATSE, USA, USITT, etc.
• Earned, current OSHA 30-hour Training Program Certificate and DOL Card.
• Experience serving as a Safety and Compliance Specialist for lighting and sound equipment.