Assistant Professor of Theatre

The Visual and Performing Arts Department at Michigan Technological University seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Theatre beginning in August 2021. The position is focused on theatrical lighting--the successful candidate will teach lighting design and technology courses in the B.S. Theatre and Entertainment Technology degree program. Duties include lighting design and oversight of student electrics crews for 4-5 theatrical productions each year, as well as technical and design projects intersecting with other disciplines.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities (other duties may be assigned): Teach courses in lighting design and technology; Provide lighting designs for departmental productions; Mentor of student lighting designers and technicians; Serve as head electrician for departmental theatrical productions; Participate in department and university service as assigned; Collaborate with faculty and staff in student recruitment; Participate in academic assessment and curriculum development; Commit to learning about continuous improvement strategies and applying them to everyday work.

Required Education, Certifications, Licensures (minimum requirements): MFA or other terminal degree in theatrical lighting or related technical field completed by August 2020.

Required Experience (minimum requirements): Demonstrated experience of lighting design for a range of theatrical events; Demonstrated experience in lighting technology and production; Demonstrated experience in light programming.

Desirable Education and/or Experience: 3 years of professional experience. Teaching experience at the undergraduate level (preferably as the instructor of record). Experience in lighting design/production for: Themed entertainment, Experiential events, Concerts, Architectural/retail, Museums, Trade shows, TV/Film. Experience in projection design, and/or video system design. Experience with show control systems.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities (minimum requirements): AutoCAD and/or Vectorworks Spotlight. Ability to manage and follow production budgets. Ability to use office productivity software (Google Suite, Microsoft Office), and online collaboration/teaching tools (eg. production management, video conferencing). Ability to communicate and collaborate with an artistic/production team composed of both faculty and students, in coordination with design/tech faculty. Ability to understand and meet the academic and artistic needs of students, both majors and non-majors.

Desirable Knowledge, Skills, and/or Abilities: Interest in interdisciplinary arts collaboration. Experience with the EOS family of lighting ETC lighting console. Experience with additional lighting or technical software and hardware.

Work Environment and/or Physical Demands: Ability to lift 50 lbs. Ability to climb ladders. Ability to wear and work in a harness. Ability to work at height.

Required Training and Other Conditions of Employment:

Every employee at Michigan Technological University will receive the following 3 required trainings; additional training may be required by the department.

Required University Training: Employee Safety Overview, Anti-Harassment, Discrimination, Retaliation Training, Annual Data Security Training 

Background Check:

Offers of employment are contingent upon and not considered finalized until the required background check has been performed and the results received and assessed.

Applicants will apply online at: http://www.employment.mtu.edu/cw/en-us/job/492424.

Candidates will submit the following: 1) Cover letter2) Curriculum vitae 3) Phone and email for five (5) references

Applicants may be required to submit a digital portfolio of work.

Questions may be addressed to Search Committee Chair, Kent Cyr, kacyr@mtu.eduReview of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Full consideration will be given to applicants who apply on, or before, February 1, 2021.

Michigan Technological University (www.mtu.edu), established in 1885, is a nationally recognized research university and a leader in science and engineering education. Michigan Tech ranks in the top tier of national universities, according to U.S. News & World Report’s latest edition of America’s Best Colleges. Michigan Tech is located in Michigan’s scenic Upper Peninsula on the south shore of Lake Superior. Houghton and the surrounding Keweenaw Peninsula are well known for natural beauty and abundant outdoor activities in all seasons. Recently, Houghton was ranked in “The 100 Best Small Towns in America.” Houghton provides a unique setting where natural beauty, culture, education and the diversity of residents from around the world come together to provide a superb living experience.

Michigan Tech is an ADVANCE institution, one of a limited number of universities in receipt of NSF funds in support of our commitment to increase diversity and the participation and advancement of women in STEM.

Michigan Tech is building a culturally diverse faculty committed to teaching and working in a multicultural environment and strongly encourages applications from all individuals. Michigan Tech is an ADVANCE Institution, and has twice received National Science Foundation funds in support of efforts to increase diversity, inclusion, and the participation and advancement of women and underrepresented individuals in STEM.

Michigan Tech acknowledges the importance of supporting dual-career partners to retain a quality workforce. Additional details on dual-career exploration with our Partner Engagement Program can be found at https://www.mtu.edu/provost/programs/partner-engagement/.

Michigan Technological University is an Equal Opportunity Educational Institution/Equal Opportunity Employer, which includes providing equal opportunity for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.