Assistant Professor of Instruction

Columbia College Chicago•Chicago, IL

2d•$62,000 - $64,000•Onsite

About The Position

The School of Theatre and Dance of Columbia College Chicago seeks applicants for a full-time Teaching-Track Assistant Professor faculty position of Theatre/Lighting Technologies starting August 2026. The successful candidate will have significant professional theatre experience in lighting technology and/or lighting supervision/production electrics in theatre. The candidate will also have the scholarly background to instruct students in best practices regarding lighting for live performance. They will have expertise in a variety of equipment, including EOS family consoles, moving lights, and LEDs, and the software currently in use. Familiarity with the GrandMA 3 console is a plus. The candidate will teach courses in lighting technology and perform significant service to the School as the Lighting Supervisor for the Theatre productions, including Main Stage productions, student projects, and various solo evening events, as well as provide mentorship to students in rehearsals and one-on-one meetings. This faculty member will attend theatre technical rehearsals on evenings and weekends, production meetings, and respond to production needs as they arise. They will work with student, staff, and faculty stakeholders to ensure timely progress and perform other duties as assigned. In addition to expertise in their field, successful candidates must exhibit excellent teaching and scholarly credentials and be passionate about undergraduate and graduate education. The School of Theatre and Dance at Columbia College Chicago houses majors in Acting for Stage and Screen (BA and BFA), Musical Theatre (BA and BFA), Comedy Writing and Performance (BA and BFA), Dance (BA), and Theatre Arts: Production and Practice (BA) with concentrations in Theatre Design & Technology, Directing, Stage Management, and Theatre Arts. With over 700 students, the School of Theatre and Dance’s mission is to provide undergraduate students with a comprehensive education in the practices and processes of creating theatre, dance, and live performance. The School of Theatre and Dance stages approximately 50 productions a year. Columbia College Chicago actively promotes, access to an expansive array of social and cultural theories, practices and perspectives that are vitally important to the successful delivery of a contemporary creative curriculum and the college’s mission to educate students who will author the culture of their times. These principles are essential to the educational experiences of our students, staff, and faculty. We seek individuals with a demonstrated ability to work with students from a wide range of social and cultural backgrounds, and whose creative, scholarly and/or professional work contributes to a rich educational experience consistent with our mission. For more information please visit here.

Requirements

MFA or other terminal degree in Lighting for Performance or related theatre field. Candidates with a post-secondary degree and significant professional experience at the highest level will also be considered.

Nice To Haves

Professional experience and college teaching experience are highly desirable.
Familiarity with the GrandMA 3 console is a plus.

Responsibilities

Teach at the undergraduate level in areas assigned by the School Director.
Serve as Lighting Supervisor for the Theatre productions.
Mentor student production electricians for main stage productions, student directing projects, and other productions.
Supervise the student electrics crew and practicum students in lighting in the Electrics Shop and in the theatres.
Purchase and upkeep of the Electrics equipment for all production and classroom needs.
Engage with the broader scholarly and professional communities.
Supervise and advise and mentor students.
Contribute to the development, planning, and implementation of a high-quality curriculum.
Commit to continuing professional development.
Provide service to the college, profession and community.
Actively follow and promote Columbia College Chicago policies.