Assistant Professor of Theatre - Lighting Design

Oakland University; Rochester (MI); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Oakland University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Theatre – Lighting Design. The successful candidate will teach Lighting Design, Stage Electrics and Practicum in the BFA Theatre Design and Technology program and may teach Design I/II.

They will design at least one mainstage production yearly and mentor students. Minimum qualifications include MFA in Lighting Design (or related area) and at least three years of college teaching experience.

Qualifications

• MFA in Lighting Design or related design area with significant lighting experience.
• At least three years of college/university teaching experience preferred.
• Experience in projection design and with Vectorworks/Lightwright is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Teach Lighting Design, Stage Electrics, and Practicum courses in BFA program.
• Design lighting for at least one mainstage production annually.
• Oversee production crews and mentor student designers.
• Participate in committees and curriculum assessment.

Skills

Lighting design

Teaching

Mentoring

Projection design

Stage electrics

Team collaboration

Education

MFA in Lighting Design

MFA in related design area

Tools

Vectorworks

Lightwright

Projection equipment

Job description

The Department of Theatre, within a highly integrated School of Music, Theatre and Dance, seeks an accomplished and creative practitioner/educator for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Theatre – Lighting Design position. The faculty member will be expected to teach courses in the BFA Theatre Design and Technology program, including Lighting Design, Stage Electrics, and Practicum classes. Additional coursework may include freshman core classes, including Design I and Design II. Experience with projection design, Vectorworks, Lightwright, and knowledge of various lighting equipment is desirable. The faculty member will serve as lighting designer for at least one mainstage production per academic year, while overseeing production crews and providing mentorship to undergraduate student designers. Lighting experience in other areas of live performance (including dance and opera) is ideal. Faculty are expected to serve on departmental, school, and university committees. Departmental responsibilities include (but are not limited to) student advising, participation in season planning, and curriculum assessment and execution. As per tenure and promotion requirements, faculty members are expected to maintain an active professional practice that supports their ongoing scholarship and/or creative work. Candidates should bring an enthusiastic commitment to teaching undergraduate students, a positive and collaborative approach to working with colleagues and guest artists, and the ability to support students as they transition to a career in professional live performance.

Minimum Education and Experience Requirements:

MFA in Lighting Design or an MFA in a related design area with significant experience in lighting. The candidate will ideally have at least three years of demonstrated teaching experience at the college, university, or an equivalent professional-training level at the time of application. The appointment begins on August 15, 2027. Review of materials will begin December 1st, 2026.

Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SMTD) is a leading center of performing arts education in southeast Michigan, offering outstanding educational and performance opportunities to undergraduate, graduate students, and community members. SMTD students learn and grow as musicians, actors, dancers, designers, arts educators and researchers in a collaborative and supportive environment.

With approximately 125 students and nine full-time faculty, the Department of Theatre is a vibrant training program offering BFA degrees in Acting, Musical Theatre, Theatre Design and Technology; a BA in Theatre, and a theatre minor. Each year the department produces five mainstage productions (incl. plays, musicians, child’s touring show), two collaborations in partnership with our film program, and 3-6 student-directed projects. Our award-winning faculty’s work has been seen on international stages, Broadway, national tours, in major regional theatre’s across the country, and throughout the state of Michigan. Students have the opportunity to attend workshops and masterclasses with guest artists. Our summer study abroad program in Greece offers students the chance to learn about Greek theatre and culture, while also rehearsing and performing a Greek play. We strive to empower our students as they find their unique artistic voice, while emphasizing the business side of theatre.

MFA in Lighting Design or an MFA in a related design area with significant experience in lighting design.

Preferred Qualifications:

The candidate will ideally have at least 3 years of demonstrated teaching experience at the college, university, or an equivalent professional-training level at the time of application. Experience with projection design, Vectorworks, Lightwright, and knowledge of various lighting equipment is desirable.