Assistant Professor of Practice

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln; Lincoln (NE); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Johnny Carson School—Theatre & Film. The successful candidate will lead technically across scenic construction, rigging, fabrication, and safety, with experience in Vectorworks and AutoCAD, automation, CNC fabrication, and 3D printing.

They will teach and mentor students, contribute to curriculum development, collaborate across disciplines, and help manage facilities and production spaces to

Qualifications

• BFA in Technical Theatre or a related field, with significant professional experience in lieu of a terminal degree.
• Minimum two years of professional experience in technical direction or related production work for live entertainment.
• Demonstrated expertise in traditional theatrical craft, construction, fabrication, and contemporary entertainment technology.
• One year of collegiate teaching experience or equivalent professional training, mentorship, or instructional experience.
• Demonstrated project-management and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Oversee technical leadership and production across School productions, including rigging, fabrication, and safety.
• Develop and implement technical systems supporting conventional and emerging production methodologies.
• Integrate new production technologies into existing processes and workflows.
• Provide technical leadership and problem-solving across the School’s production activities.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff across departments to develop shared technical resources and workflows.
• Maintain and advance professional standards for safety, fabrication, rigging, and technical production.
• Teach and mentor students in technical theatre, entertainment technology, fabrication, and evolving methodologies.

Skills

Project management

Teaching experience

Collaboration

Mentorship

Education

BFA in Technical Theatre or related field

Tools

Vectorworks

AutoCAD

Job description

EEO Statement :

The University of Nebraska does not discriminate based on race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, and/or political affiliation in its programs, activities, or employment. See: Notice of Nondiscrimination

Working Title:

Assistant Professor of Practice

Department:

Johnny Carson School-Theatre & Film-1033

Requisition Number:

F_260112

Posting Open Date:

10/07/2026

Application Review Date: (To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date):

12/01/2026

Open Until Filled:

Yes

Description of Work:

Position Overview

We seek a collaborative technical leader with comprehensive expertise in scenic construction and engineering, rigging and safety, fabrication, and related production disciplines, along with experience with contemporary entertainment technologies such as Vectorworks and/or AutoCAD, automation and show-control systems, CNC fabrication, and 3D printing.

The successful candidate will be committed to practice-based learning and understand how foundational craft knowledge informs and enhances technological innovation. They will bring a passion for interdisciplinary collaboration and preparing students for current and future career paths across the entertainment industry. We seek a colleague who is curious about new technologies and methodologies, comfortable working in an evolving educational and production environment, and interested in contributing to the continued development of the School’s curriculum and pedagogical approaches.

The successful candidate will have experience managing complex technical operations; demonstrated project-management and leadership skills; and the ability to work collaboratively with students, faculty, staff, guest artists, and industry partners.

Key Responsibilities

Technical Leadership and Production

• Oversee the physical construction and engineering aspects of School productions, including rigging, fabrication, and safety.
• Develop and implement technical systems supporting both conventional and emerging production methodologies.
• Integrate new production technologies into existing production processes and workflows.
• Provide technical leadership and problem-solving across the School’s production activities.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff across Entertainment Design & Production, Theatre, Film, and Emerging Media Arts to develop shared technical resources and workflows.
• Maintain and advance professional standards for safety, fabrication, rigging, and technical production.

Teaching and Mentorship

Teach and mentor students in technical theatre, entertainment technology, fabrication, and evolving production methodologies. Depending upon curricular needs and the candidate’s areas of expertise, courses may include:

• Computer-Aided Drafting
• Automation and Computer-Controlled Systems
• Rigging
• Special Effects
• Metalworking
• Entertainment Engineering
• Advanced Materials and Fabrication
• Advanced Carpentry
• CNC and Dimensional Printing Technologies

The successful candidate will mentor students through hands-on, practice-based learning and help them connect foundational construction and fabrication skills with contemporary entertainment technologies.

Curriculum and Interdisciplinary Collaboration

• Develop course work within the curricular structure that connects traditional craft, fabrication, engineering, and emerging production technologies.
• Foster interdisciplinary learning opportunities across theatre, film, and emerging media.
• Explore new technologies, methodologies, and teaching approaches as entertainment production continues to evolve.
• Contribute, as appropriate, to online and digitally supported curriculum development.

Facilities and Technical Resources

• Contribute to the strategic development of technical facilities supporting the School’s expanding curricular and production needs.
• Help oversee scene shops, fabrication spaces, prop and storage areas, and associated making and production facilities.
• Ensure that facilities and technical practices meet current safety standards while supporting innovative production practices.
• Participate in planning for equipment, technologies, and infrastructure supporting Entertainment
• Design & Production and interdisciplinary production.

Professional and Industry Engagement

• Maintain active engagement with current practices and emerging technologies within the entertainment industry.
• Help develop student connections to internships, apprenticeships, professional opportunities, and industry partners.
• Represent the School through appropriate professional organizations, conferences, and industry engagement.
• Contribute to conversations about the changing nature of technical production and entertainment education.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• BFA in Technical Theatre or a related field with significant professional experience in lieu of a terminal degree.
• Minimum two years of professional experience in technical direction or related production work for live entertainment.
• Demonstrated expertise in traditional theatrical craft, construction, fabrication, and contemporary entertainment technology.
• One year of collegiate teaching experience or equivalent professional training, mentorship, or instructional experience.
• Demonstrated project-management and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• MFA in Technical Theatre or a related field.
• Five or more years of professional experience in technical direction or related entertainment production.
• Two or more years of teaching experience in higher education.
• Experience with emerging technologies such as automation, virtual production, motion capture, real-time systems, interactive media, or advanced digital fabrication.
• Experience in film production, themed entertainment, immersive experiences, live events, or other forms of mediated entertainment.
• Professional connections across entertainment technology, themed entertainment, live performance, film, or related industries.
• Experience developing curriculum, including online or digitally supported modalities.
• Professional certifications in relevant software, safety practices, rigging, fabrication, or technical systems.

Work Location (City, State):

Lincoln, NE

Criminal History Background Check Required:

No

For questions or accommodations related to this position contact:

Hank Stratton, [e-mail]