Teaching Assistant Professor, Theatre Arts

University of North Dakota - Grand Forks, ND

Full-time - Entry Level

Onsite - Grand Forks, ND

Educational Services

About the position

The University of North Dakota's Department of Theatre Arts is seeking a full-time, non-tenure track teaching assistant professor specializing in technical direction. This position involves teaching theatre arts courses, managing the scene shop, and overseeing builds for the department's productions. The role is designed for a 9-month contract and is contingent upon funding availability.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the planning, construction, installation, and strike of scenery for all departmental productions.
• Supervise the Theatre scene shop, including training student assistants and those completing practicum experiences.
• Manage scene shop and production budgets.
• Maintain prop and equipment inventories.
• Participate in departmental governance, including oversight of the curriculum and selection of production season offerings.
• Recruit, advise, and mentor students, including stage managers.
• Draft shop drawings and manage sound design and video elements of theatre productions.
• Occasionally design sets and serve as a technical resource for the Theatre Arts Department.

Requirements

• MFA in Theatre Design and/or Technical Theatre by August 15, 2025.
• Successful completion of a Criminal History Background Check.
• Expertise in building and designing theatrical scenic elements.
• Expertise in all scene shop and lighting equipment.
• Expertise in sound design equipment, live mixing, and sound systems.
• Expertise in projection/video equipment.
• Expertise in computer software such as Vectorworks, AutoCad, and other rendering media.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the safe use of equipment.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Effective interpersonal skills for collaboration with faculty, staff, and students.
• Ability to engage diverse students and colleagues.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in drafting/digital rendering, welding, woodworking, rigging, and traditional methods of fabrication.
• Experience using contemporary technology, equipment, and practices in sound, lighting, and video.
• Demonstrated capability to create, organize, budget, and execute technical production schedules.
• Three or more years as a technical director in a professional or academic setting, including managing shop schedules and budgets.
• Teaching or instructional experience related to theatre, stagecraft, and stage management.

Benefits

• 100% Remote Work Availability
• 40 hours per week
• 9-month contract