The College of Arts and Science at Prairie View A&M University invites applications for a 9-month renewable, full-time, entry-level position as Technical Director in the Department of Theatre available at the Visiting Assistant Professor rank effective Fall 2011. The successful candidate will teach courses in technical theatre, including: Introduction to Theatre Technology, Stage Craft, Stage Management and Theatre Practicum and university core curriculum courses in Introduction to Theatre. MFA or MA degree in technical theatre, scenic design, or a closely related area from an accredited university is required. Expertise in one of the following additional areas is desirable: Lighting, Sound, or Costume Design. Professional experience and successful college teaching experience in technical theatre, lighting and/or scenic design and production management is preferred. Stage Management experience, knowledge of sound equipment & set up, as well as digital audio editing skills, desirable. Strong computing skills, in both Macintosh and PC platforms, preferred. Qualifications and ability to teach in any other of the following areas is a plus: Directing, Stage Movement, Stage Make-Up and/or Theatre Studies.
This position oversees all production activity and facilities; and will teach/supervise students with varying degrees of experience (from none to some), learning in an apprenticeship-style manner within production situations. Technical Direction/Production Manager responsibilities include: Instruction/supervision of students and work/study personnel in lab/shop (i.e. Practicum) context; Stage electrics and rigging; Promoting and teaching safe technical theatre practices; Providing effective lighting, prop and scenic design for all department events, activities and productions. Maintain shop/theatre equipment, produce shop documentation, and maintain production schedule/budget. Scheduling spaces and coordinating use of equipment. Ordering, inventory and maintenance of existing and new equipment. Run technical, dress rehearsals and performances; Stage Manage and/or oversee student stage managers for performances. This position also requires weekend and evening hours as needed to support departmental productions, rehearsals, troupe performances and other service activities. Other responsibilities include serving on faculty committees, recruitment activities, student advisement, and other areas of service to the university and department as needed.
The Theatre Department houses a 100-150 seat black box theater and a shared 330-seat recital hall with the Music Department. The Department produces a main stage season of up to 4 productions, in the black box theatre. Other small-scale productions, such as student directing projects, recitals and troupe activities are also produced in the space. The Department of Theatre offers B.A. degrees for Theatre Majors program in Acting and Acting with all-level teacher’s certification; and plans to develop B.A. degree with an area of specialization in Technical Theatre. The ideal candidate would be instrumental in developing the department’s technical theatre track. The position requires strong organizational and written/verbal communication skills; a dedication to safety, quality and detail; an ability to establish and adhere to timelines and to work well with minimal supervision; the ability and desire to mentor students; the ability to work well with others in communicating, contributing, and collaborating as a team member in departmental work and decisions; and excellent computer skills. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications.
Applications received by February 1, 2011 will receive priority. This position will remain open until filled. AA/EOE. Electronic application materials are preferred. Please email cover letter, CV, official transcripts (scans), design portfolio and statement of teaching/artistic philosophy to Cristal C. Truscott at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Three Letters of Recommendation should be emailed directly from the referrers along with mailed hard copies. Paper applications and/or hard copies of letters of reference, transcripts and design portfolio disk should be sent to:
Cristal C. Truscott
Assistant Professor and Director
Department of Theatre
PO Box 519
Mail Stop 2205
Prairie View, TX 77446
