Job Description

Western Connecticut State University
School of Visual, Performing, and Communication Arts
Theatre Arts
Assistant Professor - Scenic Design/Scenic Arts/Technical Theatre
Tenure Track – Academic Year 2026-2027

 

Western Connecticut State University’s School of Visual, Performing, and Communication Arts (SVPCA)  is pleased to announce that applications are being accepted for a tenure track Assistant Professor position in the Department of Theatre Arts.

The School of Visual, Performing, and Communication Arts 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 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.  Information on the department may be found at . Information on the university may be found at .

The Theatre Arts department at WCSU places great educational value on not only our classroom work, but also on our mainstage productions. We pride ourselves on the ways in which we develop, create, and execute our work, modeling for our students the ways in which a professional regional theatre operates. This company mentality amongst our students, faculty, and staff is fully realized through our work in supporting WestRep Stage. WestRep Stage represents the producing arm of the Theatre Arts department and exists as a way for students to see themselves represented as company members inside a functioning regional theatre. WestRep Stage mounts six fully realized productions a year (four in our mainstage theatre, and two in our studio theatre), with buy-in and participation from all students regardless of major or degree program in all areas of theatre production. More information about WestRep Stage including production history, mission statement, company members, and our current season can be found at .

Position Summary: This Assistant Professor of Scenic Design and Scenic Arts position will teach undergraduate courses in scenic design, scenic painting, and crafts, and will co-teach the introductory technical theatre class with support from the department’s full-time technical director. The candidate will design for our annual season of productions through WestRep Stage, as well as oversee the paint area and mentor student scenic charges. Depending upon the candidate’s breadth of knowledge, the candidate may teach additional courses in secondary areas of expertise (i.e.: projection design, computer drafting, intro to theatre, etc.). Along with the Design/Tech Coordinator, this candidate will have the opportunity to assist in shaping our new BFA curriculum in Design/Technology, including adding to and revising the curriculum based on current trends and the candidate’s areas of expertise. This also includes assisting with recruitment efforts in the Design/Tech area, including but not limited to participation in BFA interview days throughout the academic year. In collaboration with the Technical Director, the candidate will also help to oversee scenic, paint, and tech crews, participate in appropriate department, university, and professional service, and serve as an academic advisor.

Qualifications: An MFA in Scenic Design is preferred, however, those without a terminal degree with a minimum of 10 years of significant professional experience in the areas of scenic design, paint, and props artistry, and technical theatre will be considered.  Candidates must also provide evidence of at least three (3) years of successful college teaching experience and departmental service. A candidate who does not meet the above standards may also be appointed provided the candidate has credentials and/or experience substantially comparable to the above experience.

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 $73,912 – $86,231 and is commensurate upon candidates' experience. Western offers a comprehensive benefits package. Additional information on benefits can be found at . 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 scenic design, and paint artisanry, areas of service and leadership highlighting excellent organizational and interpersonal skills, research/professional interests, and a statement of teaching philosophy; a current curriculum vita; and the names and contact information for at least three (3) professional references who can comment on the applicant's teaching, scholarship, and professionalism.  In addition, please include a link in your application letter for a digital portfolio highlighting expertise and success in scenic design and paint artisanry.  Questions may be directed to facultyvitae@wcsu.edu referencing Search #400-005. To apply, submit your materials to:

All m aterials should be submitted as PDF files and be submitted no later than Sunday, November 2, 2025.  Late applications will not be accepted.

Western is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Educator/Employer

Job Tags

Full time, Part time, Sunday,

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