Assistant Professor of Scenic and Lighting Design

Summary

The Department of Theatre Arts at Colorado Mesa University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Scenic and Lighting Design. We seek a versatile, collaborative theatre artist and educator who is excited to work across both disciplines and help shape the next generation of designers and theatre technicians.

This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute creatively across the department's theatre and dance productions while mentoring undergraduate students in a hands-on, collaborative environment. We welcome candidates whose primary area of expertise is scenic or lighting design, provided they have the skills and enthusiasm to teach, design, and mentor students in both areas.

The successful candidate will teach courses in scenic and lighting design and technology, which may include Introductory Lighting Technology, Scenic and Lighting Design, CAD Rendering and Drafting, and Introduction to Design. Opportunities to develop additional courses may be available based on the candidate's expertise and student interests.

The standard teaching load is 12 credit hours per semester, including six credits assigned to shop and production responsibilities. The position combines classroom teaching, creative production work, student mentorship, and ongoing creative or scholarly activity, along with advising and service appropriate to a tenure-track faculty appointment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Scenic and Lighting Design: Design or mentor student designers in scenic and lighting design for three mainstage productions per semester (two theatre productions and one dance production).
• Teaching: Teach two three-credit courses each semester in scenic design, lighting design, technology, drafting, or related areas.
• Collaborative Production: Work alongside the Technical Director to guide and supervise students in the execution of scenic and lighting designs during scheduled shop and production hours.
• Student Mentorship: Advise Design/Technology majors and support students in developing their artistic, technical, and professional skills.
• Creative and Scholarly Activity: Pursue creative work, professional practice, or scholarship consistent with university tenure and promotion expectations.
• Departmental and University Service: Participate in departmental initiatives, university committees, and professional service.
• Instructional Responsibilities: Develop course materials, assess student learning, and maintain course records through the university's learning management system.

Additional duties may be assigned as appropriate to the position.

Minimum Qualifications Required

• MFA in Scenic Design, Lighting Design, or Theatre Design, or a closely related field from an accredited institution.
• Demonstrated experience in both scenic and lighting design, with significant professional or academic expertise in at least one discipline.
• Ability to teach undergraduate courses and mentor student designers in both scenic and lighting design and technology.
• Demonstrated commitment to collaborative creative work, effective teaching, and collegial problem-solving.

Preferred Qualifications

• College-level teaching experience in scenic design, lighting design, and related technical theatre disciplines.
• Professional or academic production experience designing scenery, properties, and lighting.
• Experience mentoring student designers and collaborating with technical production staff.
• Experience with projections, dance lighting, or other emerging design technologies.
• Proficiency with CAD, digital drafting, rendering, and visualization software.

Additional information

Additional compensation: Additional design fees are paid for faculty-designed productions, based on individual design assignments. Mentorship of student designers is included in regular faculty responsibilities. Additional compensation is also available for those who teach in overload, or teach in the January term (J-term) or summer terms.

Salary

$58,000-$60,000

Commensurate with education and experience. Excellent health and retirement benefits package: Click here for more information!

This position will remain open until filled. Applications received by February 1st will receive priority consideration, and applications received after that date will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

How to Apply: Applicants will be asked to complete an online application by creating a profile and then providing personal and demographic information. The following are required for a complete application:

• Letter of Application (addressing minimum and preferred qualifications, ability to perform duties listed, and overall teaching philosophy).
• Curriculum Vitae
• Access to a website or digital portfolio of lighting and design work
• Copy of transcripts for all degrees completed (If your transcripts include a social security number or birthdate, please redact that information before uploading the document. Official transcripts will be required upon hire).
• Three letters of recommendation from those who can attest to your ability to perform the job for which you are applying.

Colorado Mesa University is particularly interested in candidates who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and who have a demonstrated commitment to improving the levels of access and success for underrepresented students within higher education.

Colorado Mesa University is committed to providing a safe and productive learning and living community. To achieve that goal, we conduct background investigations for all final applicants being considered for employment. Applicant must be able to verify U.S. employment eligibility. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply. To request an accommodation, please contact the CMU Human Resources Office by phone or email. You may be asked to provide additional information, including medical documentation, regarding functional limitations and the type of accommodation needed.