"Professor of Practice - Technical Director"

Department

School of Theatre and Dance

Salary

$75,000 - $85,000

Description

The Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts at the University of Houston invites applications for a Professor of Practice position to serve as Technical Director for the School of Theatre & Dance, beginning Fall 2026. The successful candidate will support the school’s production season while teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in technical direction and related areas. This individual will also play a vital role in recruiting and mentoring students and collaborating with faculty, staff, and guest artists in realizing the school's ambitious programming.

Responsibilities for this position fall into two main categories: 1. teach undergraduate technical production and graduate technical direction. 2. serve as the Technical Director for the school.

As Technical Director for the School of Theatre & Dance production season, the faculty member will work closely with the Director of the School of Theatre & Dance, the Head of the Production/Design area, and the Assistant Director/Production Stage Manager of the SOTD, with additional support from the College of the Arts’ Venue and Production Services team, particularly the College Technical Director, to help realize and support all technical direction needs for the school’s productions. Key duties include scheduling and coordinating all production load-ins and load-outs, ensuring a safe, and clean, working environment in the scene shop, and overseeing all purchases for the scene shop, prop shop, and paint shop. The Technical Director will develop and draft construction drawings, analyze scenic and technical designs for budget feasibility and student workforce capacity, and manage the annual production budget for scenery, props, and paint. This role also involves collaboration in the supervision of full-time and part-time scene shop personnel, including the Scene Shop Manager and undergraduate student workers, as well as hiring and overseeing additional over-hire technical staff when needed.

This position may have the opportunity to serve as the TD for the Houston Shakespeare Festival, which operates in the summer at the Miller Outdoor Theatre. These duties would be covered under a separate contract with additional compensation.

As an educator, the teaching load will vary depending on the needs of the department and the demands of the TD requirements of the position. Courses taught may include materials and methods, CAD drafting, scenic structures, or other subjects aligned with the candidate’s expertise and the department’s needs. In addition to teaching, the faculty member will mentor both BFA students and MFA candidates in technical direction, supporting their development as theatre professionals and contributing to a dynamic learning environment.

Qualifications

MFA preferred. Candidates with significant professional experience will be considered. Candidates should have a demonstrated record of success in the area of technical direction, and a commitment to student mentorship and safe practices. Two or more years of university teaching experience is preferred.

Applicants for the position are expected to exhibit the following core values and competencies: • Passion, energy, and tenacity • Integrity and collegiality • An ability to find creative solutions to difficult problems.

School of Theatre & Dance faculty are also committed to: • Excellence in the arts, arts education, and arts scholarship • Fostering student growth and success • Collaboration with others, both within and cross disciplines.

Applicants must submit the following electronically: 1) cover letter; 2) CV; 3) portfolio; 4) a list of at least three professional references who may be contacted as needed by the committee; 5) statement of teaching philosophy. Review of applications will begin in December and will continue until the position is filled.

Official transcripts are required for a faculty appointment and will be requested upon selection of the final candidates. All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check. Individuals conducting research in critical infrastructure areas (i.e., communication infrastructure systems, cybersecurity systems, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment systems, and/or water treatment facilities) are subject to regular review to ensure the security and integrity of the research is maintained. The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.