Assistant Professor, Scenic and Lighting Design

Job Summary

The Assistant Professor of Scenic and Lighting Design is a full-time faculty position within the Department of Theatre & Dance, responsible for teaching undergraduate courses, supporting departmental productions, and contributing to the academic and artistic mission of the university. This position integrates classroom instruction with hands-on production work, emphasizing student mentorship, collaboration, and safe technical practices. The role requires close coordination with faculty, staff, and the Technical Director to support scenic, lighting, and props design areas, manage production-related resources, and ensure high-quality educational and performance outcomes. In addition to teaching and production responsibilities, the position includes service and administrative support activities consistent with faculty expectations at a state-supported institution.

Special Note: We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.

Essential Job Functions

Teaching and Instruction:

• Teaches a range of undergraduate courses in theatre design and production, including but not limited to Stagecraft, Production, Scenic Design, Lighting Design, Introduction to Design, and Theatre Appreciation. Develops course syllabi, instructional materials, and assessments; evaluates student performance; maintains office hours; and supports student learning outcomes consistent with departmental and university standards.
  

Scenic and Lighting Design & Production Support:

• Serves as scenic and/or lighting designer for Department of Theatre & Dance productions or supervises guest artists and student designers for the departmental season, which includes four plays, two dance concerts, and additional student-produced works. Mentors students through all phases of the design and production process and supports experiential learning in production-based courses.
  

Technical Coordination, Safety, and Facilities Support:

• Coordinates with the Technical Director in managing the scene shop and overseeing the props design area within production classes. Ensures proper use, maintenance, and replacement of tools and equipment; enforces safety standards and best practices in all technical and production activities; and promotes a safe learning and working environment for students and staff.
  

Budgeting and Administrative Support:

• Assists in preparing and managing production budgets for departmental shows. Completes required paperwork including purchase requisitions, time sheets, and related documentation. Helps coordinate and supervise production strikes and load-outs.
  

Service, Collaboration, and Student Engagement:

• Demonstrates a willingness and ability to work with the undergraduate student population. Participates in departmental activities, meetings, and service as assigned. Collaborates effectively with faculty, staff, and students to support the mission and goals of the Department of Theatre & Dance and the university.
  

Minimum and Desired Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Theatrical Design or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated proficiency in scenic and lighting design.
• Knowledge of current trends, tools, technologies, and safety standards in scenic and lighting design.
  
• Ability to mentor, supervise, and instruct undergraduate students in classroom and production-based settings.
  
• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and guest artists.

Desired Qualifications:

• At least three (3) years of teaching experience at the college or university level.
• Professional experience in scenic and/or lighting design.
  
• Experience working within an academic theatre production environment.
  

Supplemental Information

Key Competencies:

• Strong instructional, mentoring, and student engagement skills.
• Working knowledge of scenic and lighting technologies, tools, and equipment.
  
• Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
  
• Ability to manage multiple productions, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
  
• Commitment to excellence and working with the undergraduate student population.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, and move for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment associated with theatrical productions.
• Ability to safely use tools, ladders, lifts, and technical equipment common to theatre and scene shop environments.

Job Conditions: Work is performed in classrooms, theatres, scene shops, and performance venues. Duties may require evenings and weekends during rehearsals and productions. Position may involve lifting, standing for extended periods, and use of technical equipment in production environments.

Pay Range: Commensurate

Finalists for this position are subject to a criminal history background check, employment history check, and off-list reference checks. Applicants are required to sign an authorization for release of prior employment records to Lamar University. We will only contact prior employers and off-list references for finalists.

Who We Are:
Home to more than 18,000 students, Lamar University is among the fastest growing Texas colleges and universities. LU is a member of The Texas State University System, which is the first higher education system of Texas and maintains the lowest average tuition and fees of any university system in Texas. With more than 120-degree options and a community that cares, Lamar students are always proud to be Cardinals. Lamar University strives to educate leaders, demonstrate excellence in student learning and career readiness, and pursue research with relevance.
Lamar University is committed to fostering an environment of teamwork where all students, faculty, and staff can learn, work, and become a part of our community.

Benefits:

• Health, dental & vision insurance
• Life insurance
  
• State of Texas Retirement plans
  
• Tuition covered at 100% for employees, spouses and/or eligible dependents
  
• Paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays
  

To see more information about the available benefits, please visit: Benefits - Lamar University

Lamar University is An Equal Opportunity Employer

Lamar University is proud to provide employment preference to veteran applicants in accordance with Texas 805 Government Code, Section 657.003.

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.