"Visiting Professor of Technical Direction"

Job Description

Ohio University's School of Theater seeks a visiting faculty member in Technical Direction 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 twenty-six 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 is a nine-month appointment that beginning August 16, 2026. This position maybe renewable up to three years.

Responsibilities

Responsibilities include teaching in the MFA and BFA programs. Artistic and educational leadership for technical design and technical production. Strong mentorship of students is critical.

Providing technical direction and production management for School of Theater productions, which includes maintaining a safe, organized scene shop and theatrical venues; managing technical resources and equipment, and teaching safety protocols and resource management.

The successful candidate will have extensive knowledge of and experience with set construction, shop tools, theater safety techniques, as well as knowledge of OSHA and theatrical safety standards.

The role requires physical capability to lift up to 50 pounds, climb ladders, and work at heights. 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 Technical Design, or closely related field by the start date of appointment or may request approval for consideration using the equivalent or tested experience outlined in Ohio University policy 18.001.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to work efficiently within financial constraints, and collaboratively as a member of a production team with faculty, staff, and students of all areas.
• Demonstrated abilities to use and teach theater design and technology software (e.g., Vectorworks, AutoCAD, QLab, Sketchup, etc.)

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

Internal Number: 56353