College of Arts and Sciences - Assistant Professor (Technical Director) - Non-tenure Track - Department of Theatre

The University of Alabama at Birmingham Portal•Birmingham, AL

10d

About The Position

The Department of Theatre at the University of Alabama at Birmingham seeks a collaborative, innovative, solutions-oriented theatre artist and educator for a permanent, full-time, non-tenure-track Assistant Professor position specializing in Technical Direction. The role supports the department’s artistic and educational mission by providing technical leadership for UAB Theatre’s five-show mainstage season and teaching and mentoring undergraduate students in Design and Technology. The Technical Director works with directors, scenic designers, the Production Manager, faculty, staff, technicians, and students to realize scenic designs safely, efficiently, and collaboratively. The production team includes a Scene Shop Supervisor, Electrics Supervisor, Props Supervisor, Costume Director and Shop Manager, faculty designers, and undergraduate students. The successful candidate will be an engaged educator and practicing theatre professional who values strong process, safety, collaborative problem solving, and preparing students for professional work in theatre and the entertainment industry. The position teaches a 4/4 course load, including Introduction to Theatre Technology: Scenery and Lighting and Advanced Production Practicum, with additional courses assigned based on departmental needs and the candidate’s expertise. The candidate will also contribute to departmental, college, university, and professional service, including recruitment, advising, portfolio development, and professional preparation. UAB’s Department of Theatre is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre and produces a five-show mainstage season as well as touring and collaborative projects. Its programs include BA concentrations in Design/Technology and Performance, a BA in General Theatre Studies, and a BFA Musical Theatre program. The department emphasizes hands-on, experiential training in professionally operated shops and performance spaces. The successful candidate will join faculty and staff working to strengthen and expand Design and Technology at UAB, with opportunities to shape curriculum and mentor students through realized production work.

Requirements

MFA or other terminal degree in Technical Direction, Technical Production, Theatre Design/Technology, or a closely related field.
Three years of demonstrated experience teaching, mentoring, and supervising students or emerging theatre professionals within academic, educational, or professional theatre environments.
Professional experience in Technical Direction and theatrical production.
Demonstrated proficiency in scenic carpentry, metal fabrication/welding, and theatrical rigging.
Proficiency in industry-standard drafting software, such as Vectorworks or AutoCAD.
Advanced knowledge of current theatrical safety standards and practices.
Demonstrated ability to develop creative technical solutions within budgetary, scheduling, labor, and facility constraints.
Strong organizational, budgeting, project-management, and communication skills.

Nice To Haves

Three or more years of professional Technical Direction experience.
Knowledge of structural design and engineering principles for theatrical scenery.
Experience with theatrical automation.
Familiarity with contemporary fabrication technologies, including CNC routing, laser cutting, and 3D printing.
OSHA, ETCP, or other relevant professional safety certifications.

Responsibilities

Serve as Technical Director for UAB Theatre’s five-show mainstage season, managing multiple productions and projects at different stages of development and completion.
Work in the scene shop, on stage, backstage, and in other technical production environments as required by the production process.
Collaborate with directors, scenic designers, the Production Manager, faculty, staff, technicians, and students to realize artistic goals within available resources.
Manage scenic production budgets, purchasing, material sourcing, and expense tracking.
Coordinate scenic construction, installation, maintenance, and strike with the Scene Shop Supervisor.
Engineer, draft, cost, and coordinate the technical execution of scenic designs.
Create and distribute construction drawings and technical documentation.
Lead scenic load-ins, strikes, and production transitions.
Provide technical leadership for the safe operation and maintenance of the Scene Shop, production equipment, rigging systems, and related technical facilities in collaboration with the Scene Shop Supervisor.
Safely operate theatrical tools, machinery, welding equipment, and scenic fabrication equipment, and instruct others in their use.
Mentor and supervise undergraduate students in technical theatre and production practices, including Technical Directors, Assistant Technical Directors, and student production leaders.
Teach a 4/4 course load, including Introduction to Theatre Technology: Scenery and Lighting and Advanced Production Practicum, as well as additional courses based on departmental needs and the candidate’s expertise.
Participate in production meetings, technical rehearsals, and occasional evening and weekend calls as required by the production schedule.
Participate in departmental, college, university, and professional service, including recruitment, advising, portfolio development, and professional preparation within the Design and Technology program.