"Instructor, Technical Direction, Dance"

Department of Theatre and Dance

Instructor, Technical Direction, Dance

The Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of South Carolina, Columbia campus, invites applications for a full time, professional-track position at the rank of instructor to begin August 16, 2026. The position is a 9-month appointment with a workload equivalent to teaching four courses per semester divided among traditional teaching and technical direction for dance productions. This is an annual appointment that may be renewed contingent upon Dean’s approval, satisfactory performance, departmental needs, and the availability of funding.

Candidates must have an M.A. or M.F.A. in Lighting Design, Technical Theatre with an emphasis in lighting design, or comparable professional experience in technical direction for dance by the start of the appointment. The primary duty will be to provide comprehensive technical support for all dance productions and teach Dance Production Design to undergraduate and graduate students in dance. Applicants must have the ability to promote a collaborative, team-based environment while fulfilling artistic visions and production deadlines.

The successful candidate will provide comprehensive production support for the dance program, which includes serving as the lighting designer for all dance productions, building sets on occasion as needed, and coordinating outside hire for costume design/construction and running crew for dance performances. The Technical Director also ensures the fulfillment of production vision, schedules, and deadlines, establishes and maintains production budgets and expenditures in collaboration with the Director of the Dance Program and the Department Chair, facilitates the technical and dress rehearsals for the dance program, and serves as the stage manager, or mentor for student stage managers, and sound designer for all dance productions. The position requires collaboration with technical/design faculty in the Theatre Program to assist with and coordinate student crews, helping with load into and load out of rotating theatrical venues, and mentoring lighting design students who design for the Student Choreography Showcase. While ensuring that the technical needs of dance program faculty and student choreographers are met, the Technical Director also acts as a production coordinator for dance by serving as the departmental liaison for guest artists, communicating with professional dance companies about their lighting and technology needs for their choreography that is presented by the Betsy Blackmon Dance Company, and coordinating the rental, staffing, and technology needs in the Koger Center, which is used by the dance program for two performances per year. In addition to production responsibilities, this position requires teaching Production Design for Dance for undergraduate students and a companion course every other summer at the graduate level for the new M.A. in Dance Studies. Finally, the Technical Director for Dance acts as the facilities liaison with the custodial staff by ensuring that dance floors are receiving proper care and cleaning to guarantee their longevity and reports/monitors all repairs that need to be made in dance facilities. In addition to coordinating with facilities, the Technical Director ensures that all sound equipment, televisions, and computers in the studios/classrooms are functioning, coordinates regular piano tuning, and completes all production related purchases including, but not limited to, costume and scenic rentals, specialized lighting equipment, and sound technology. This position requires being comfortable with heights and working on ladders, possession of a valid driver’s license, and the ability to lift 50 pounds.

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

Recognized by Dance Magazine as one of the top programs in the country and accredited by the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), the Betsy Blackmon Dance Program at the University of South Carolina combines rigorous studio and theoretical dance practice with the extensive depth and breadth of a superior liberal arts education. The Betsy Blackmon Dance Program supports approximately 70 undergraduate dance majors between two concentrations (Performance & Choreography and Dance Education with K-12 Certification), along with a new, hybrid M.A. in Dance Studies. It is the mission of the Betsy Blackmon Dance Program to cultivate artists, professionals, and emerging leaders to succeed within and beyond the field of dance. For more information, please visit the dance program website at http://dance.sc.edu.

The University of South Carolina is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution. Women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

How to Apply

All applicants must apply online at USCJobs at https://uscjobs.sc.edu. Applications must include:

1. Cover letter,
2. Curriculum Vitae,
3. Names and Email Addresses of (3) Professional References. (Letters will be solicited after initial review)

Review of applications will begin January 15, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Inquiries about this position may be directed to chair of the search committee, Professor, Jennifer Deckert at JDECKERT@mailbox.sc.edu.