"Theatre: Visiting Assistant Professor and Technical Director – NEW!"

Job Details

(posted 12/11/25)

Hollins University in Roanoke, Virginia invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre and Technical Director position in the Theatre Department. This is an 11-month position beginning June 1, 2026. This is a two-year appointment with the possibility of renewal. Please visit this web page (https://www.hollins.edu/about-hollins/jobs/) to learn more about Hollins; its commitment to belonging, pluralism, and student success; faculty development; the university’s students; and the Roanoke Valley.

Position and Qualifications

This position serves as a creative and educational leader overseeing technical aspects of theatre productions while mentoring, leading, and teaching production work at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. The role combines technical expertise with a commitment to liberal arts education, helping students connect production skills with broader theatrical, historical, and cultural contexts. The professor/technical director is expected to foster collaborative relationships across disciplines and demonstrate how technical theatre develops transferable professional skills including project management, problem-solving, leadership, and technical adaptability.

The position reports to the Theatre Department Chair and Director of MFA Playwriting. Responsibilities include providing technical direction and production management for department productions; maintaining a safe, organized scene shop; managing technical resources and equipment; teaching safety protocols and resource management; and supporting interdisciplinary initiatives with technical assistance. The role requires physical capability to lift up to 50 pounds, climb ladders, and work at heights and ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends.

The position carries a teaching load of two undergraduate courses per academic year and one graduate course during the summer session. The role serves as technical director for all departmental productions, readings, and events and also serves as academic advisor for theatre majors. Classes include Production Practicum (graduate), Stagecraft I: Construction & Rigging, and Stagecraft II: Theatre Technologies. Additional duties include service to the department and university, programming for student recruitment and retention, advising, and curriculum and community development.

The successful candidate for this position will have extensive knowledge of and experience with set construction, shop tools, theatre safety techniques, lighting technologies, and board programming, as well as knowledge of OSHA and theatrical safety standards. Candidates for this position must hold either an M.A. or M.F.A. in theatre or a related field with evidence of previous experience as a technical director. ABD candidates are welcome to apply, but the M.A. or M.F.A. must be in hand by June 1, 2026.

Preferred candidates will have experience in set and/or lighting design and the ability to effectively teach technical theatre to students with varied experience in theatre and dance. Demonstrated abilities to use and teach theatre design and technology software (e.g., Vectorworks, AutoCAD, QLab, Sketchup, etc.), work efficiently within financial constraints, and collaborate successfully as a member of a production team are highly valued. Candidates who hold an M.F.A. in Technical Direction or Production Design and Technology with professional technical director experience and who foster inclusive learning environments are especially encouraged to apply.

Application Process

Screening of candidates will begin on January 1, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. To apply, please submit in a single PDF labeled with last name:

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Link to digital portfolio

Candidates advanced to the second stage of review will be invited to submit the following materials ahead of a phone or virtual interview:

• Statement of teaching philosophy and experience of no more than two pages
• Sample syllabus that includes, at a minimum, a full course description, student learning objectives, a selection of texts, and assignment descriptions
• Unofficial copy of graduate school transcripts

Candidates who proceed to the final interview stage will be asked for contact information for three references.

Applicants should submit materials to theatresearch@hollins.edu. The selected candidate will be asked to submit official transcripts to the Office of the Provost, and once they accept a contingent employment offer, a criminal history background check will be conducted. For questions about the position, please contact chairperson of the Department of Theatre, Wendy-Marie Martin, at martinwm1@hollins.edu.

About Hollins

Hollins University is dedicated to academic excellence, creativity, belonging, and preparing students for lives of purpose. Hollins provides an outstanding and academically rigorous undergraduate liberal arts education for women and entrepreneurial and innovative graduate programs for all in a gender-inclusive environment. The university promotes opportunities for research, study abroad, and leadership training, and offers real-world experience through global internships supported by an extensive alumnae/i network.

Hollins University is committed to providing equal opportunity in employment. No employee or applicant shall be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including transgender status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, and gender identity), national or ethnic origin, age, disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other category protected by applicable state and federal laws.

Visit www.hollins.edu for more information.