Assistant Professor of Lighting Design and Technical Theatre (BFA Design/Tech Coordinator)

Western Connecticut State University’s School of Visual and Performing Arts is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for a tenure track Assistant Professor of Lighting Design and Technical Theatre (BFA Design/Tech Coordinator) position in the Department of Theatre Arts.

WCSU is committed to enhancing our diverse university community by actively encouraging people with disabilities, members of LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities, veterans, and women to apply. We take pride in our pluralistic community and continue to seek excellence through diversity and inclusion.

The School of Visual and Performing Arts www.wcsu.edu/svpa is situated in a new $97 million visual and performing arts center. Only an hour from New York City, yet located in the scenic foothills of New England’s Berkshires, the school offers a professional training program in a liberal arts context at the relatively affordable cost of a public university. New York City’s proximity means our students receive the benefit of a faculty of nationally recognized artists, directors, designers, performers, and scholars dedicated to teaching a highly diverse student population. The Department of Theatre Arts (http://www.wcsu.edu/theatrearts) is a fully accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre with eight full-time and over twenty part-time faculty supporting both BFA and BA students studying Musical Theatre, Acting, Design/Technology, and Stage Management. The department also mounts six fully realized productions a year (four in our mainstage theatre, and two in our studio theatre).

Position Summary: This Assistant Professor of Lighting Design and Technical Theatre (BFA Design/Tech Coordinator) position will teach undergraduate courses in Lighting Design and Technical Theatre, design for our season of productions, and depending upon the candidate’s breadth of knowledge, teach additional courses in secondary areas of expertise (i.e.: sound, projections, computer drafting, etc.). As the Design/Tech Coordinator, the candidate will have the opportunity to lead and grow our newly approved BFA degree track in Design/Technology. This includes leading recruitment efforts in the Design/Tech area, including but not limited to organizing multiple BFA interview days throughout the academic year, serving as the point of contact for prospective students and families, and acting as the face of the Design/Tech program. The candidate will also oversee lighting and tech crews, participate in appropriate department, university, and professional service, and serve as an academic advisor.

Qualifications: An MFA in Lighting Design is preferred; however, those without a terminal degree with a minimum of 10 years of significant professional experience in the areas of lighting design and technical theatre will be considered. Candidates might also provide evidence of at least three years of successful college teaching experience and departmental service. 

 WCSU is particularly interested in applicants who have experience working with students from diverse backgrounds and a demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for first-generation and under-represented groups.

Salary & Benefits: The hiring salary range is $70,729 – $82,518 and is commensurate upon candidates' experience. Western offers a comprehensive benefits package. Additional information on benefits can be found at www.wcsu.edu/hr/benefits/. There are grant opportunities to support research and conference attendance.

Application Process: Interested applicants must submit a letter of application, which outlines interest in, and qualifications for, the position; areas of teaching expertise and experience, areas of professional work in lighting design, areas of service and leadership highlighting excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, research/professional interests, and a statement of teaching philosophy; a current curriculum vita; a digital portfolio highlighting expertise and success in lighting design, and the names and contact information for at least three professional references who can comment on the applicant's teaching, scholarship/creative activity, and professionalism to facultyvitae@wcsu.edu. In the Email Subject Line Reference Search #200-043. All materials should be submitted as PDF files. Applications must be received by Friday, April 21, 2023. Late applications will not be accepted.

State and Federal requirements expect that organizations with 100 or more employees invite applicants to self-identify gender and race. We kindly request all applicants to complete the Affirmative Action Data Questionnaire via the following link. http://wcsu.edu/diversity/affirmative-action-data-questionnaire/. Any questions may be directed to Ms. Keisha Stokes in the WCSU Office of Diversity and Equity at stokesk@wcsu.edu. Completion of this data will not affect your opportunity for employment, or terms or conditions of employment. This form will be used for reporting purposes only and will be kept separate from all search records and only accessed by the Office of Diversity and Equity.

Western is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Educator/Employer