Working Title
Lecturer in Theater (Scene Design and/or Technical Direction)
Appointment Type
Full Time
Purpose of Position
The Department of Music, Theatre and Dance at Christopher Newport University invites applications for the position of Lecturer in Theater specializing in Scene Design and/or Technical Direction, effective August, 2025. This position is a full-time, non-tenure-track appointment with a nominal teaching load of 4-4, and is eligible for appropriate releases for design/production assignments. The successful candidate will be expected to teach studio classes in scene design and drawing & drafting, intro to theater, and other areas of specialization for both majors and non-majors. Furthermore, the successful candidate will integrate technologies of 3D-visualization, 3D-printing, and be proficient with Vectorworks and/or AutoCAD. Special consideration will be given to those with the ability to serve on TheatreCNU productions as either scene designer and/or technical director . Production responsibilities include serving as Scenic Designer and/or Technical Director for four shows in our mainstage season. Supervising teams of students in properties and scenic painting is part of the Scenic Design load. Preferred candidates will have competencies to engineer and construct shows with the students and Scene Shop Supervisor. All CNU Theater Faculty participate in departmental advising and recruiting, and actively assist in the theater program’s continued development. The successful candidate will be committed to undergraduate teaching within a liberal arts environment, and teaching in the Liberal Learning Core Curriculum is expected of all CNU faculty.
A terminal degree in Theatre, Scenic Design, Theatre Engineering or a closely related field, is required for appointment at the rank of Lecturer. Individuals who will not hold an MFA or Ph.D. by the time of appointment, but possess a master’s degree in a related field and/or who have extensive design experience, may be considered for appointment at the rank of Instructor.
Departmental Information
Theater & Dance at CNU is an energetic, production-driven program with 10 full-time faculty and 100 majors. The University offers a BA in theater with a choice of six concentrations and a popular dance minor. In addition to an ambitious production schedule, the program also offers an annual dance concert and various student directed performances. The Department is housed in the world-class Ferguson Center for the Arts boasting state-of-the-art studios and classrooms, fully equipped design labs and construction shops, and three distinct performance venues. The Theater and Dance faculty is comprised of highly credentialed theater professionals who maintain an atmosphere of collegiality and supportive collaboration. Candidates wishing to know more about the program and its exceptionally high production values are invited to visit http://www.cnu.edu/theatercnu.edu
CNU Information
Selected by The Princeton Review to be included in The 388 Best Colleges: 2023 Edition, Christopher Newport University is a public school offering a private school experience – great teaching, small classes, and a safe, vibrant campus. The University is located in Newport News, Virginia, enrolls approximately 4,500 students, and is dedicated to the ideals of scholarship, leadership, and service. Academic programs at Christopher Newport University encompass more than 90 areas of study, from biology to business administration and political science to the performing arts. The University is ranked by U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges guide as 2nd among public regional universities in the South and 5th overall and has recently completed more than $1 billion in capital construction on its 260-acre campus.
Christopher Newport University is committed to ensuring that all people are welcomed, honored, and fully engaged in the life of our academic community. We recruit exceptional and diverse faculty and encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in their profession. For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit http://www.cnu.edu.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number F249P
Posting Date 05/30/2025
Review Begin Date 06/15/2025
To apply, please visit https://jobs.cnu.edu/postings/ to upload a letter of interest, current curriculum vitae, graduate transcripts (photocopies acceptable for initial screening), statement of teaching philosophy, a one-page statement articulating how your teaching, scholarship and service would contribute toward fostering an inclusive learning environment on campus, evidence of teaching effectiveness, and a list of three references. Three letters of recommendation will be required if selected for an on-campus interview but are not required at time of application. (Letters should be emailed to facultyrecruitment@cnu.edu if submitted after the application deadline).
Review of applications will begin on June 15, 2025. Applications received after June 15, 2025, will be accepted but considered only if needed.
Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.
Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145.
Quick Link for Internal Postings https://jobs.cnu.edu/postings/19201 EEO/Diversity Statement(s)
Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity.
Notice of Non-Discrimination & Title IX Policy Statement