F0199 Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Drama & Theatre-Technical Director & Scenic Designer
Virginia.govAbout the role
Title: F0199 Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Drama & Theatre-Technical Director & Scenic Designer
State Role Title: Instructor
Hiring Range: Commensurate with credentials and experience
Pay Band: UG
Agency: Norfolk State University
Location: Norfolk State University
Agency Website: www.nsu.edu
Recruitment Type: General Public - G
Job Duties
Norfolk State University’s Department of Visual and Performing Arts’ award-winning Drama & Theatre Program invites applicants for a full-time, tenure-track, Assistant Professor of Drama and Theatre in the disciplines of Technical Direction and Scenic Design; the selected candidate begins August 2026. Review of applications will begin December 1, 2025 and continue until the position is filled.
The primary responsibilities of this position include teaching in the discipline of Advanced Technical Theater, Scenic Design, Stagecraft, Intro to Theatre, and/or other areas as qualified, while also serving as Technical Director & Resident Scenic Designer for the NSU Theatre Company. This position will teach one course per semester due to receiving 75% release time to support the NSU Theatre Company.
Integral to this position is maintaining regular office hours; maintaining high levels of professional development, research, creative activity and service; safely training students to work with tools and equipment; occasionally moving and transporting materials and equipment weighing up to 45 pounds; be available as needed during evening and weekend rehearsals and productions; practical initiative; cultivating respectful, courteous and cooperative relationships; implementing affirmative, efficient and ethical working practices. Successful employees derive deep personal fulfillment from their work in the theatre and from the exemplary completion of their duties and possess the flexibility required to respond to emergent challenges and opportunities.
This position will be responsible for the build & supervision of all aspects of scenery construction for all productions and events; the safe and efficient operation of the scene shop; serving as master carpenter; serving as needed as Scenic Designer, scenic charge and props master for all productions & events presented by NSU Theater Company; adhering to and participating in the development of production timelines; communicating construction progress as requested; leading load-in, set-up, and strike; maintaining an accurate inventory of all scene shop tools and equipment and serving as a technical assistant for all occasional non-NSU Theatre Company activity in Brown Hall Mainstage and Studio Theaters.
Minimum Qualifications
• An MFA in Technical Direction or Technical Theatre.
• Evidence of expertise using construction and welding tools and equipment.
• Excellence in Drafting utilizing Vector works or AutoCAD Auto Desk software.
• Experience running a scene shop as Technical Director.
• Experience as a Scenic Designer.
• Knowledgeable of OSHA and industry safety compliance rules and possess extensive
knowledge of safe use of equipment.
• Exceptional planning and organizational skills.
• Ability to supervise construction crew.
• Commitment to mentoring students.
Additional Considerations
• A minimum of three years of successful teaching at the university level.
• Membership in professional organizations such as IATSE, USA, USITT, etc.
• Earned, current OSHA 30-hour Training Program Certificate and DOL Card.
• Experience serving as a Safety and Compliance Specialist for lighting and sound equipment.
How to Apply
Candidates should submit:
1. State of Virginia application.
2. A cover letter of interest including courses taught.
3. Current Curriculum Vitae.
4. Philosophy of Teaching.
5. Provide a link to online portfolio of design work.
6. Transcripts of highest degree conferred (unofficial transcripts are accepted; however,
official transcripts are required of finalists).
7. Three letters of reference.
8. Some requirements must be saved into one file and attached as other to the state
application.
Special Instructions
You will be provided a confirmation of receipt when your application and/or résumé is submitted successfully. Please refer to “Your Application” in your account to check the status of your application for this position.
Application and/or résumé for this position must be submitted electronically by 11:59 p.m. on the closing date through the Commonwealth of Virginia's Job Board/Recruitment Management System (RMS). Mailed, emailed, faxed, or hand
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