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.
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. WCSU is honored to be awarded the federal designation as a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI). This accomplishment marks a pivotal moment in our progress toward fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion within our campus community.
The School of Visual, Performing, and Communication Arts www.wcsu.edu/svpa is situated in a new $97 million visual and performing arts center. 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. 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. More information about WestRep Stage including production history, mission statement, company members, and our current season can be found at https://westrepstage.org. Additional information on the department may be found at www.wcsu.edu/theatrearts. Information on the university may be found at www.wcsu.edu.
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 artisanry, 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.
Application Process, Salary, Benefits, Additional Information and Application Link: https://www.wcsu.edu/hr/employment/current-opportunities/
All materials 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