Adjunct Instructor of Introduction to Technical Theatre — Scenic Design

Abilene Christian University • Abilene, TX

7d • Onsite

About The Position

Abilene Christian University is affiliated with the fellowship of the Churches of Christ. This position requires the employee to be a professing Christian and willing to support the Christian mission of ACU. The course will equip students from all BFA concentrations with the foundational technical skills necessary to participate effectively in ACU Theatre productions and understand the collaborative relationship among performance, design, and production. The instructor will lead BFA freshmen through hands-on training in scenic design and construction, provide clear demonstrations, supervise practical assignments, assess student progress, and foster a safe, collaborative, creative, and professional scene-shop environment.

Requirements

• MFA in Scenic Design, Theatre Design, Technical Theatre, Technical Direction, or a closely related discipline. Candidates with an equivalent combination of graduate-level education, professional training, teaching experience, and significant professional standing may also be considered.
• Extensive knowledge of technical theatre and design, with particular expertise in scenic design, scenic construction, drafting, carpentry, scenic painting, materials, finishes, installation, and stagecraft.
• Experience working on large-scale theatrical productions in an academic, regional, or professional setting.
• A professional résumé demonstrating active engagement and recognized standing in theatrical design and production.
• The ability to provide effective one-on-one instruction and lead large groups of students at beginning and advanced skill levels.
• A strong understanding of visual aesthetics and the ways scenic design supports character, environment, storytelling, and the overall theatrical experience.
• A broad appreciation for all areas of technical theatre and design and an understanding of the collaborative relationships among scenery, costumes, lighting, sound, properties, performance, and stage management.
• The ability to introduce students to safe and effective practices when using theatrical tools, machinery, materials, and equipment.
• Strong communication, organization, collaboration, classroom leadership, and project-management skills.
• A commitment to student learning and to supporting the Christian mission and educational values of Abilene Christian University.
• Be a professing Christian and willing to support the Christian mission of ACU.

Responsibilities

• Serve as an instructor for Introduction to Technical Theatre, a foundational course introducing ACU Theatre’s first-year BFA students to the principles, practices, and vocabulary of theatrical design and production.
• Lead 31 BFA freshmen through hands-on training in scenic design and construction, including: Scenic- and technical-theatre vocabulary, Proper scene-shop procedures and safety practices, Identification, operation, and care of essential hand and power tools, Basic scenic-construction techniques, Accurate measuring, scale, and introductory drafting, Identification, selection, and appropriate use of common scenic materials, Basic scenic painting, color mixing, texture, and surface treatments, Foundational principles of color, composition, proportion, scale, and design, Interpretation of introductory scenic drawings, plans, and construction documents, Construction and finishing of basic scenic elements, Safe handling, installation, maintenance, and storage of scenery, materials, tools, and equipment, An understanding of how scenic design supports character, environment, storytelling, and the overall theatrical aesthetic.
• Provide clear demonstrations, supervise practical assignments, assess student progress, and foster a safe, collaborative, creative, and professional scene-shop environment.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level