"Faculty - Artist in Residence of Theatre Lighting Design"

Position Announcement

The Utah Valley University School of the Arts invites applications for an Artist-in-Residence of Theatrical Lighting Design to join our core undergraduate design and production faculty in the Department of Theatrical Arts for Stage and Screen to begin August 2026. The successful candidate will be a dynamic and skilled pedagogue able to teach and mentor various levels of lighting design, with an additional secondary area of design and technology, such as projection design, sound design, or other areas of design/technology.

The Department of Theatrical Arts for Stage and Screen offers BFA emphases in Acting, Musical Theatre, and Design/Technology, as well as BA and AA degrees in theatre and a BS in Theatre Education. Located in picturesque Orem, UT, at the base of the Wasatch Mountains and just south of cultural and recreational hubs Salt Lake City, Park City, and Sundance, Utah Valley University is a rapidly expanding, dual-mission teaching university and the largest institution of higher education in Utah.

The School of the Arts has over 1700 students enrolled in over 20 programs, making it one of the largest art schools/colleges in the state. In March 2019, the School of the Arts celebrated the ribbon-cutting on the new Noorda Center for the Performing Arts, which houses academic performance seasons and presents a professional performing arts series. The Noorda Center has hosted guests such as Bernadette Peters, Audra McDonald, Jason Alexander, Renee Elise Goldsberry, the Utah Symphony, and others.

UVU provides accessible, welcoming, and unique learning experiences and resources for students of all backgrounds. The Theatre Department consists of over 250 undergraduate students. The Theatre faculty is composed of collaborative artists who work together to provide a variety of experiences and a broad and multi-faceted understanding of theatre, entertainment industries, and the world. The candidate is expected to demonstrate a commitment to UVU's mission, providing excellence in teaching, effectively engaging students from varied backgrounds, and fostering respectful, accessible learning environments.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Designs and/or teaches assigned courses in the field of Theatre Lighting Design. Prepares and follows an approved course of study with measurable objectives. Prepares instructional materials such as course outlines, syllabi, exams, audio/visual aids, and other instructional materials as necessary. Instructs, manages, and supervises individuals and groups in the classroom and studio by the following methods: demonstration, discussion, visual aids, audio aids, video-conference, and field trip/community engagement. Evaluates instruction and learning by means of written, oral, practical, and performance tests. Maintains a student-oriented and engaged approach to education. Maintains and submits accurate and current reports and records regarding student grades, attendance, accountability, and follow-up.
• Establishes and maintains office hours and advises students during this time and at other times as needed. Assists the theatre department chair, academic advisors, faculty, and all theatre department staff to maintain an effective program. Assists in recruitment, advisement, placement, and follow-up of students.
• Mentors student designers through the production process. This includes attending meetings and technical rehearsals with student designers. Candidates may be asked to design for the department as part of the workload.
• Improves professionally and maintains currency and relevance in the courses taught. Stays abreast of new development trends, techniques, and materials through participation in workshop seminars, professional work experience, and exchange programs with industry professionals to maintain state-of-the-art skills and knowledge.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications

BA/BFA in Theatre or Theatrical Design/Production with 3-5 years of significant lighting design experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• MFA or equivalent terminal degree in Lighting Design or a related field.
• Teaching experience preferred.
• Experience with student recruitment & mentorship.
• Secondary expertise in one or more of the following: projection design, sound design, or other design/technical areas
• Experience with engaged learning opportunities (such as study abroad programming)

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge in current instructional theory, methods, strategies, and techniques in theatrical lighting design.
• Knowledge in student management, motivation, and evaluation techniques
• Knowledge of current industry practices, including aspects of AI

Skills

• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills
• Excellent Communication skills
• Skills in interpersonal relationships, problem-solving, and decision-making
• Knowledge/familiarity working with Vectorworks, QLab, Dante, Sketchup, Adobe Creative Suite, and Excel

Abilities

• Ability to teach and mentor multiple levels of lighting design
• Ability to adapt teaching to the needs of students of differing backgrounds and abilities.
• Ability to relate well with students and colleagues
• Ability to evaluate student work effectively both orally and in writing
• Ability to collaborate effectively with others in a theatrical production team.
• Ability to teach face-to-face and online courses.