Assistant Professor of Theatre

University of Mary Washington • Fredericksburg, VA

1d • $60,000 - $62,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Mary Washington’s Department of Theatre and Dance seeks a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Scenic Design beginning in August 2027. The successful candidate will contribute to the department’s production program through scenic design, technical direction, and construction for departmental productions, collaborating with faculty designers and directors, students, guest artists, and support staff.

The position also contributes to curriculum development, teaching, recruitment, advising, student mentorship, and service to the university, college, and department. The candidate will teach introductory courses within the discipline and general education curriculum, as well as upper-level design and technology courses. The department seeks someone committed to undergraduate teaching and high-impact learning in an inclusive environment that embraces diverse talents and backgrounds, and who values the opportunities of a design position in a liberal arts setting.

The department has a growing number of majors, a respected production program, and is building a new state-of-the-art theatre facility. Applications must be submitted through the UMW careers website by December 15, 2026.

Requirements

• MFA in scenic design/scene design from an accredited college or university, or equivalent professional training, experience, or experience in a related field.
• Facility with Vectorworks or AutoCAD.
• Scenic design credits in professional theatre.
• Knowledge of construction techniques.
• Experience as a scenic painter, designer, or properties manager.
• Willingness to teach general education and specialized theatre courses.
• Commitment to excellence in undergraduate teaching at introductory and upper levels, including design and technology.
• Ability to demonstrate dedication to effective teaching and high-impact learning in an inclusive environment.

Nice To Haves

• Additional expertise in another area of design.
• Experience with, or willingness to learn, emerging technologies in the discipline.
• Experience teaching undergraduate students.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to departmental productions through scenic design, technical direction, and construction.
• Collaborate on productions with faculty designers and directors, students, guest artists, and support staff.
• Contribute to curriculum development.
• Teach introductory theatre courses, including courses in the general education curriculum, and upper-level design and technology courses.
• Recruit and advise students and provide student mentorship.
• Provide service to the university, college, and department.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level