Assistant Professor of Theatrical Design/ Assistant Professor in Practice of Theatrical Design

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley•Edinburg, TX

51d

About The Position

The Theatre Department at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) seeks applications for an open rank of Assistant Professor of Theatrical Design (tenure track) or Assistant Professor in Practice of Theatrical Design (non-tenure track) to start Fall 2026. The successful candidate will have extensive experience in sound/light design or scenic design or expertise in all three areas. Depending upon the successful candidate's experiences, they may teach courses in lighting design, sound design, scenic design, theatrical technology, and other coursework that aligns with the candidate's expertise. Additionally, the successful candidate will collaborate with theatre faculty to produce a mainstage season in the following ways: contributing theatrical designs in area of expertise, mentoring student designers, Supervising and assisting the technical director and work study students with design implementation and construction/ installation in applicant area of expertise. Assisting the theatre department in second stage/supplemental class productions, as necessary. About UTRGV: UTRGV serves the Rio Grande Valley and beyond via an innovative and unique multicultural education dedicated to student access and success. By championing leading research, healthcare, and application of university discoveries, we support sustainable development, community engagement, and well-being. The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) is committed to building and sustaining a highly qualified and talented faculty to pursue excellence in everything that we do, including teaching, research, and service. Drawing on our unique identity as the leading Hispanic-Serving Institution in a bilingual and bicultural environment, UTRGV will promote student access and success by building from strength in education and creating a vibrant campus experience. By 2027, we will accelerate transformation in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond by driving meaningful advancements in research and creative works, expanding access to high-quality and affordable healthcare, and fostering authentic community engagement and integration. UTRGV is a distributed campus, one university spanning four counties and multiple locations. Our purpose is to be a university for the entire Rio Grande Valley and beyond. Over 91% of the students enrolled at UTRGV identify as Hispanic, making UTRGV one of the top 3 universities with the highest percentage of Hispanic students. For additional information, please visit UTRGV website. Department/College Background The Theatre Department is in Edinburg, Texas, a semi-tropical, multicultural, small city within an hour and a half from South Padre Island. The Theatre department has eight faculty and three staff, including a production manager. Our NAST-accredited BA program ranges between 200 to 250 students. We are a Theatre BA program with four tracks: performance, design, education, and film production.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications for Assistant Professor: MFA in Theatre Design from an accredited institution.
Demonstrated potential for high-level scholarly/artistic achievement.
Ability to collaborate with theatre and film faculty, including serving on department, college, and university committees.
Minimum Qualifications for Assistant Professor in Practice: Bachelor's degree in theatre from an accredited institution.
Extensive professional experience equivalent to an MFA in Theatre Design.
Demonstrated potential for high-level scholarly/artistic achievement.
Ability to collaborate with theatre and film faculty, including serving on department, college, and university committees.
University and/or professional experience in either lighting/sound or scenic design.
Depending upon area of expertise, university and/or professional experience in: Light/Sound Design: rigging, hanging, focusing, and programming board.
Scenic Design: scenic construction and painting.
Managing crews and running technical rehearsals

Nice To Haves

3 years of college/ university experience.
A strong portfolio of design work experience in the candidate's area
Experience or certification in theatrical computer programs (e.g., Vectorworks, Autocad)
University and/or professional experience in all three design areas: lighting, sound, and scenic design.
University and/or professional experience in rigging, hanging, focusing, and programming cues for light and sound and scenic construction and painting.
Master's degree in theatre, education, or related field (Assistant Professor in Practice)

Responsibilities

contributing theatrical designs in area of expertise
mentoring student designers
Supervising and assisting the technical director and work study students with design implementation and construction/ installation in applicant area of expertise.
Assisting the theatre department in second stage/supplemental class productions, as necessary.

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