Visiting Professor of Stage Management

Job Description

Ohio University's School of Theater seeks a visiting faculty member in Stage Management to join us as we prepare to move into the dynamic Patton Center for Arts Education, a new building designed with a focus on the next generation of multi-discipline artists. With alumni working in arts industries worldwide, the School of Theater has built its reputation on the development of individual artistic capacity. We strive to encourage our students to realize their own unique potential and vision. This faculty member would contribute to the delivery of the overall curriculum of the Production Design and Technology Area, and provide artistic and educational leadership for the MFA and BFA programs. With a balanced focus on both the theoretical/aesthetic phenomena of design and the practical applications of realized productions, the School of Theater values process-based methodologies that prepare students to be theater innovators for the 21st century.

The School of Theater is comprised of 26 faculty and staff who support over 200 undergraduates and 30 graduate students in BFA, BA, and MFA programs. We produce a full season of shows each academic year and are proud to host Tantrum Theater, Ohio University's professional theater, as well as Vibrancy Theater.

This position focuses on undergraduate teaching within a BFA training program that integrates professional practice, production-based learning, and close faculty mentorship. The successful candidate will be a teacher–practitioner who prepares students for careers in stage management across theater, musical theater, opera, dance, and emerging performance forms. The position includes both classroom instruction and active mentorship of student stage managers on productions. The School is particularly interested in candidates who can contribute to a high-impact, production-driven training model with early and sustained student engagement in realized work.

This is a nine-month appointment beginning on August 16, 2026. This position maybe renewable up to three years.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Teaching:

• Teach undergraduate courses in stage management, including introductory through advanced levels
• Deliver instruction in rehearsal and production management; prompt book development and production paperwork and documentation; leadership, communication, and collaboration in production environments
• Contribute to curriculum development that reflects current professional standards and evolving industry practices
• Support cross-disciplinary learning with students in acting, directing, design, and technology

Production Mentorship

• Mentor undergraduate stage managers assigned to School of Theater and College productions
• Guide students through all phases of production, including: pre-production planning; rehearsal process; technical rehearsals and performances; attend weekly production meetings and key rehearsals; foster a progressive training model in which students advance in responsibility across their degree

Program and Institutional Service:

• Participate in recruitment, admissions, and portfolio review processes for BFA applicants
• Advise and mentor undergraduate students on academic progress and career pathways
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and production leadership on season planning and scheduling
• Supervise PACE student in the coordination of General Auditions and Callbacks
• Contribute to service at the School, College, and University levels

Professional Engagement

• Maintain an active professional profile in stage management or a related field
• Bring current industry practices into the classroom and production environment
• Support student career development through professional networks, internships, and industry connections

This position requires days, nights, and weekends, including, but not limited to, technical and dress rehearsals. Hours required as dictated by academic and production schedules.

Minimum Qualifications:

MA or MFA terminal degree in Stage Management, or closely related field by the start date of appointment or may request approval for consideration using the equivalent or tested experience outlined inOhio University policy 18.001.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience as an AEA union member or extremely strong knowledge of AEA rules and contracts.
• Demonstrated professional experience in stage management.
• Strong organizational skills, high degree of interpretive, interpersonal, problem solving and communication skills.
• Experience in a BFA conservatory-style training program
• Professional experience across multiple performance genres (theater, musical theater, opera, dance)
• Experience mentoring students in production-based learning environments
• Demonstrative ability to engage with works that investigate many perspectives.
• Ability to work in a collaborative relationship with faculty, staff, and students of all areas.

Planning Unit:

College of Fine Arts

Department:

School of Theater

Applicants may contact this person if they have questions about this position: Merri Biechler, biechler@ohio.edu

Employment Type:

full-time term