Full Time Resident Assistant Professor (Non-Tenure Track) of Theatrical Design

The Department of Theater & Performance Studies  at Occidental College invites applications for a Non-Tenure Track Resident Assistant Professor of Theater & Performance Studies with a focus in scenic design for appointment to begin August 16, 2026. The first contract will be for 3 years, renewable based on performance evaluation and sustained curricular need, subject to Union contract guidelines (SEIU Local 721).

We seek to hire a Resident Assistant Professor of Theater & Performance Studies with a focus in scenic design, who will teach introductory, intermediate and advanced courses in theatrical design. They will design and paint scenery and set elements, supervise student designers and prop and design assistants, and collaborate with department faculty and staff to plan curriculum and productions. The ideal candidate will also be able to design lighting for our three mainstage productions.  They may, on occasion, teach in the college’s First Year Seminar program. The teaching and designing will be equivalent to a 3/3 course load.

This faculty member will be an essential part of the program, advising and mentoring students as well as contributing to department service such as attending faculty meetings, recruitment events, and faculty retreats. This faculty member will support the mission of the college by evidencing a commitment to teaching a broad range of students. 

 

The Position will engage in the following courses/responsibilities:

*Scenic design 2 productions

*Teach design related courses at introductory, intermediate, and advanced levels

* Lighting design 3 productions using a conventional lighting system. (The department will provide mentoring and support for candidates with limited experience in lighting design.)

*Serve as an advisor and mentor to students

*Contribute to department service

 EXPECTED SALARY RANGE (Nine-month appointment): $67,000 - $76,500

Required Qualifications   

●       MFA in Theater Design (with an emphasis on scenic design) or extensive professional theatrical design experience

●       A record of professional theatrical scenic design credits including in a collegiate setting

●       Proficient in Vectorworks drafting, and scene painting

●       Demonstrated commitment to working effectively with students from all backgrounds

●       Ability and willingness to mentor students

●       Demonstrated ability to organize, collaborate, and meet deadlines

●       Demonstrated commitment to the mission of the College

 

Preferred

●       Experience in lighting design

●       Training and practical experience in projection design, or in other areas

●       Connections to Los Angeles Theaters

●       Ability to have students periodically accompany them on design projects outside of the college

●       Experience teaching at the undergraduate level as the instructor of record.