Assistant Professor of Scenic Design

at Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois, United States

Job Description

The School of Theatre, Dance, and Film invites applications for a tenure-track position to lead its Scenic Design program, which includes the MFA in Scenic Design. This position will teach, mentor, and recruit undergraduate and graduate students.

Responsibilities include scholarly research and/or creative activity, effective undergraduate and graduate teaching, and service. The successful candidate will teach scenic design and related areas of contemporary production design for live performance but may also include other professional interests such as production design for film and media, projection and media design, and other innovative approaches to visual storytelling. The normal teaching load is nine credit hours (3 courses) per semester and mentorship of undergraduate and graduate students. Occasional designing during the School’s season may also be available.

The School of Theatre, Dance, and Film and Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts are committed to fostering an environment of inclusion, belonging, and academic excellence in teaching, research/creative activity, and service. We value the contributions of faculty who support student success and cultivate collaborative learning environments that encourage curiosity, creativity, and professional growth. Candidates should demonstrate a commitment to student-centered teaching and mentoring practices that engage and support students with diverse experiences, perspectives, and educational goals. Successful applicants will be prepared to mentor undergraduate and graduate students, promote student-driven artistic and scholarly inquiry, and contribute to a culture of collaboration within the School, College, and broader professional community. We seek a colleague who values partnership, interdisciplinary engagement, and shared governance in advancing the mission of the School and University. ISU is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from qualified candidates.

The School of Theatre, Dance, and Film is one of four schools within the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts. The School has nearly 400 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in its programs, which include B.A./B.S.programs in Acting, Dance, Dance Teacher Education, Film, Musical Theatre, Production Design and Technology, Theatre Studies and Theatre Teacher Education; M.A./M.S. in Theatre Studies, and M.F.A. in Directing and Design (Costume, Lighting, and Scenic Design). Its current season consist of 6-8 theatre and dance productions in two facilities, a 525-seat proscenium space and a flexible space that can be adapted to a 125-seat thrust or 150-seat arena. The School is home to the Illinois Shakespeare Festival and maintains membership in URTA and accreditation by NAST. See https:/finearts.illinoisstate.edu/theatre-dance/