Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts and Technical Director

Gardner Webb University•Boiling Springs, NC

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Gardner-Webb University (GWU) is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional for the position of Assistant Professor/Technical Director to begin Fall 2026. The ideal candidate will have a degree in Technical Theatre/Design and experience teaching and working in traditional theatre venues. This role involves overseeing the technical aspects of productions in a 550-seat proscenium theatre and a smaller campus theatre, including scene shop, fly rail, and lighting. The position also includes teaching courses in design/tech, Theatre Survey, and other theatre-related subjects. The candidate will work with college students on class projects and production elements, and will also be involved in recruiting students for the program and the university.

Requirements

A minimum of a Masters degree in Theatre design or related field.
Experience building theatre sets and working with the tools used in construction.
Experience working with a fly rail.
Experience working with theatre lighting, including hanging/focusing and programming lighting consoles.
Evidence of working with students in a safe and friendly environment.
Demonstrate a strong commitment to Christian Higher Education and the university’s faith-based learning environment.
Must be comfortable working on and operating ladders and lifts.
Must be able to lift heavy loads.
Possess excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Experience teaching and working in traditional theatre venues.

Responsibilities

Support productions in the Theatre Arts season, including set construction, electrics, hang/focus of lighting.
Serve as the production manager for each production.
Run production meetings.
Serve as the production Technical Director overseeing crew work and deadlines.
Setup for other events, such as Festival of Lights, NCTC High School Play Festival, etc.
Maintain and oversee the scene and paint shops.
Maintain safety/OSHA standards.
Maintain tools.
Maintain set pieces and props.
Maintain paint, brushes, and other painting implements.
Oversee upkeep of Dover Theatre and Millennium Playhouse, reporting problems and keeping up with maintenance inspections.
Manage rigging in the Dover Theatre.
Oversee upkeep of the electrical systems, including lighting console and instruments.
Setup and strike for Theatre, Music, and University events, rehearsals, etc.
Teach design and technology courses.
Teach other courses as assigned, such as Theatre Survey or Applied Theatre.
Support campus productions as Technical Director with potential opportunities to design, based on expertise and experience.
Recruit for the university on and off campus.
Perform other faculty tasks as assigned.