Specialist - Teacher-Fixed Term

Teacher-Fixed Term•East Lansing, MI

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Theatre seeks to hire a full-time, one-year Fixed-Term Academic Specialist in Technical Direction (with possible renewal), starting August 1, 2026. The Technical Director is responsible for mounting all Department of Theatre and MSU Opera Theatre productions during the academic year and overseeing the safe and efficient operation of the scene shop and affiliated performance venues. This includes budgeting all scenic elements of productions; creating technical drawings; supervising construction, load-in, and technical rehearsals; maintaining scene shop inventory and equipment; maintaining theatre department facilities; and assisting with affiliated performances. The Technical Director will work in collaboration with the Associate Technical Director, Assistant Technical Director, and mentor/supervise student technicians and teach courses in their area of expertise, including Drafting and Stagecraft, and complete departmental and university service as needed. Michigan State University’s Department of Theatre is a vibrant organization offering a BA, BFA (acting, design, and stage management), MFA (acting and design), and Minors in Dance and Musical Theatre. The Department presents a series of major productions each academic year.

Requirements

BA or BFA with emphasis in technical theatre or design at time of appointment.
Experience in theatrical scenery construction, welding, stage rigging, and budget management.
Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or Vectorworks.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
A positive attitude and the ability to effectively collaborate with others.

Nice To Haves

MFA or MA preferred.
Experience teaching at the college level.

Responsibilities

Mounting all Department of Theatre and MSU Opera Theatre productions during the academic year.
Overseeing the safe and efficient operation of the scene shop and affiliated performance venues.
Budgeting all scenic elements of productions.
Creating technical drawings.
Supervising construction, load-in, and technical rehearsals.
Maintaining scene shop inventory and equipment.
Maintaining theatre department facilities.
Assisting with affiliated performances.
Working in collaboration with the Associate Technical Director, Assistant Technical Director.
Mentoring and supervising student technicians.
Teaching courses in their area of expertise, including Drafting and Stagecraft.
Completing departmental and university service as needed.