Instructor/ Assistant/ Associate Professor of Visual & Performing Arts (Tenure-Track) - Worcester State University

Location: Worcester, MA Category: Faculty and Librarian Job Type: Full-time Posted On: Mon Aug 17 2026 Job Description: Job Description: The Department of Visual + Performing Arts at Worcester State University invites applications and nominations for a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Theatre Design. We seek a teacher-scholar whose research and teaching actively engage with issues related to the communities of our student population. This position is for a theatre designer who is committed to contributing and cultivating the next generation of theatre artists and educators. The ideal candidate will have a broad knowledge of and interest in theatre design - including scenic, lighting, sound, projection, and/or costumes - and the ability to teach courses in scenic and lighting design, mentor students in other areas as needed, and develop design courses in those areas if student interest warrants. The successful candidate will begin service in this full-time, tenure-track position beginning September 2027. The successful candidate will be expected to: Demonstrate potential for excellence in teaching, scholarly achievement and creative activity, student engagement and advising, and university service. Teach undergraduate theatre courses at the lower and upper division level, including set design, lighting design, concepts of theatre design, other design courses, and other topics in theater as needed for the major and General Education curriculum for the university. Maintain an active program of academic research and/or creative scholarship. Design for the production season for the Visual + Performing Arts Department, including mentoring and supervising student designers and technicians in all design/tech areas; collaborate with all production areas and work closely with and coordinate between the technical director and costume shop supervisor. Work with finance and budgets in a collegiate system, and coordinate the scenery, prop, and lights budget for the season in collaboration with theatre staff. Embrace new forms of critically engaged disciplinary practice/scholarship in the evolving field of theatre design. Foster courses that emphasize a commitment to social responsibility, advocacy, and engagement as they relate to the field. Demonstrate a commitment to collegiality within and outside the school. Supervise undergraduate scenic and/or lighting designs, props projects and technical director for productions annually, including new and devised works. Fostering interest among students in all areas of design and technical production. Work in harmony with the vision and mission of WSU and Visual + Performing Arts. Advise and mentor students in academic and career planning. Complete other duties as assigned. The department is interested in candidates whose experience and qualifications support the university's mission and ongoing commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Job Requirements: Required Qualifications:  MFA or Ph.D. in the discipline required by September 1, 2027. Candidates should demonstrate evidence of effective undergraduate teaching or strong potential for excellence in teaching within a liberal arts environment. Commitment to teaching, scholarship, advising, and service as integral components of faculty work. Additional Information: This is a full-time,  benefited, exempt position. Salary is commensurate with experience and discipline, with a minimum established by the Appendix O of the MSCA contract. The anticipated start date for this position is September 1, 2027.  Here at Worcester State University, it is strongly recommended that all employees be vaccinated against COVID-19 before they begin employment. Worcester State University offers a competitive benefits package that includes: a choice of 8 different pre-taxed, health insurance plan options pension and supplemental plan retirement options life insurance up to 8x the annual salary long-term disability coverage dental insurance 10 vacation days accrued per year 15 sick days accrued per year  5 personal days per year  paid holidays  Free on-campus gym access.  tuition remission for self, spouse, and dependent children and more... We are an equal opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. M/F/D/V. Members of traditionally underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.  Apply Online