Resident Assistant Professor of Theatrical Design

Description

The Department of Theater & Performance Studies  at Occidental College invites applications for a Non-Tenure Track Resident Assistant Professor of Theater & Performance Studies with a focus in scenic design for appointment to begin August 16, 2026. The first contract will be for 3 years, renewable based on performance evaluation and sustained curricular need, subject to Union contract guidelines (SEIU Local 721)

We seek to hire a Resident Assistant Professor of Theater & Performance Studies with a focus in scenic design, who will teach introductory, intermediate and advanced courses in theatrical design. They will design and paint scenery and set elements, supervise student designers and prop and design assistants, and collaborate with department faculty and staff to plan curriculum and productions. The ideal candidate will also be able to design lighting for our three mainstage productions.  They may, on occasion, teach in the college’s First Year Seminar program. The teaching and designing will be equivalent to a 3/3 course load.

The Position will engage in the following courses/responsibilities:

• Scenic design 2 productions
• Teach design related courses at introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels
• Lighting design 3 productions using a conventional lighting system. (The department will provide mentoring and support for candidates with limited experience in lighting design.)
• Serve as an advisor and mentor to students
• Contribute to department service

This faculty member will be an essential part of the program, advising and mentoring students as well as contributing to department service such as attending faculty meetings, recruitment events, and faculty retreats. This faculty member will support the mission of the college by evidencing a commitment to teaching a broad range of students.

“Resident professor” is a faculty category bargained between the College and the non-tenure track faculty union. Resident faculty are teaching faculty hired to meet long standing curricular needs at the College. They teach foundational courses within a department, and they are expected to participate in department-level service, including but not limited to contributing to department level assessment, student recruiting, program review, and community building within the Resident's department. Resident faculty are also expected to serve as advisors for students in the major or minor and pre-major/minor students (e.g., transfer, first-years). Resident faculty may engage in scholarly activities, but scholarship is not a responsibility of the position.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• MFA in Theater Design (with an emphasis on scenic design) or extensive professional theatrical design experience
• A record of professional theatrical scenic design credits including in a collegiate setting
• Proficient in Vectorworks drafting, and scene painting
• Demonstrated commitment to working effectively with students from all backgrounds
• Ability and willingness to mentor students
• Demonstrated ability to organize, collaborate, and meet deadlines
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission of the College

Preferred

• Experience in lighting design
• Training and practical experience in projection design, or in other areas
• Connections to Los Angeles Theaters
• Ability to have students periodically accompany them on design projects outside of the college
• Experience teaching at the undergraduate level as the instructor of record.

Application Instructions

To be assured full consideration, your application materials must be received by Pacific time (midnight Eastern time) March 10, 2026. 

Application Submission Materials

You must submit a complete application package electronically via Interfolio (LINK). An application includes the following:

• Cover Letter in which you explain how your training and experience align with the required and preferred qualifications listed above and in which you describe how inclusivity is part of your teaching and design practice (1-2 pages)
• Curriculum Vitae
• A portfolio of scenic design at the professional and/or collegiate level. Demonstration of multi-media or use of digital design tools will be a plus. (i.e. projection design, Vectorworks drawings, Photoshop or other Adobe Suite Tools) Evidence of lighting design work will be a plus.
• 2 confidential letters of recommendation

For candidates moving on to semi-finalist round we will ask for th