Visiting Professor (Scenic Design Generalist)

Eastern Michigan University; Ypsilanti (MI); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastern Michigan University seeks a Visiting Professor specializing in Scenic Design for a one-year appointment. Responsibilities include teaching courses, designing for shows, and mentoring students in a collaborative environment. Ideal candidates should possess an MFA and relevant teaching experience, strong design skills, and an inclusive teaching approach.

Qualifications

• Experience teaching at the university level.
• Knowledge and experience in scene and prop shop operations.
• Proficiency in a secondary area of design.

Responsibilities

• Teach 2 classes per semester and assess student performance.
• Design for 1-2 shows per semester, including scenic design.
• Collaborate with production team and mentor student crew members.

Skills

Scenic Design

Design Software (Vectorworks, Sketchup)

Communication

Collaboration

Teaching

Education

MFA in Scenic Design or related area

Job description

Title: Visiting Professor (Scenic Design Generalist)

Employee Classification: VF - Visiting Fac/Post Doc Fellow

Pay Grade: VF 00

Division: Academic and Student Affairs

Subdivision:School of Comm, Media, Theater Arts

Department: College of Arts and Sciences

Campus Location: Main Campus

General Summary

The School of Communication, Media, and Theatre Arts seeks a visiting professor for a one-year appointment with potential for renewal. Classes begin August 25, 2025 and end May 1, 2026.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

• Teaching 2) classes per semester (Potential classes from Entertainment Design & Production, Theatre, or Arts Management). Note: Teaching may include a number of particular obligations which employees are expected to fulfill, including but not limited to: meeting with students during and outside of the assigned class, assessing student work and performance, and assigning and submitting grades in accordance with established Eastern Michigan University schedules.
• Maintaining regular office hours.
• Assessing student work and performance, and assigning and submitting grades in accordance with established University schedules.
• Potential academic advising for students towards a 4-year graduation goal within the Theatre and/or ED&T degrees.
• Designing for 1-2 shows per semester (Scenic design and one or more other possible areas, within your expertise - lighting, projection, props, or sound design).
• Planning and purchasing materials for scenic art (when working as a scenic designer) including estimating paint and supplies, teaching / supervising paid student workers and or student crew members on scenic painting elements.
• Operating within a typical 10-week production calendar and adhering to predetermined schedules and deadlines.
• Working with design / production faculty and staff to assess and grade students enrolled in Theatre Practice each semester.
• Attending regular TIAMAT area meetings, and ED&T Program Meetings as scheduled.
• Producing research/sketches/draftings/renderings (or models) for all design elements.
• Attending production meetings, collaborating with director and production team.
• Assisting in the scenic studios with the build of two main stage shows per semester.
• Coordinating with Technical Director to train and supervise student crew members on delegated production area.
• Designing, purchasing, pulling, renting elements within a pre-established budget.
• Attending company meetings, designer run, dress rehearsals and performance as well as necessary crew calls to supervise student workers.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues on productions.
• Mentoring student designers and crew members, as the opportunities arise.

Minimum Qualifications:

The ideal candidate will have:
• MFA in Scenic Design or a related design / tech area and experience.
• Experience teaching at the university level.
• Knowledge and experience in scene and prop shop operations, including construction, painting, and rigging.
• Strong working knowledge of design software (Vectorworks, Sketchup, etc.) and ability to teach these programs.
• Proficiency in a secondary area of design.
• Ability to communicate clearly, collaborate effectively with others, and foster an inclusive and collaborative learning environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

N/A

Special Instructions:

Please attach a cover letter, CV, and a link to your design portfolio.

Appointment Percentage:

100%