Assistant Professor of Theatre Design

Position Details : Randolph-Macon College invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position of Assistant Professor of Theatre Design in the Department of Arts to begin September 1, 2027.

Institution Information: Randolph-Macon College is a nationally recognized residential institution of about 1800 students located in Ashland, Virginia, just north of Richmond. Founded in 1830, the college offers a broad range of academic programs, including a graduate program in PA studies. The RMC curriculum, grounded in a liberal arts core, fosters intellectual growth and personal development, with a steadfast focus on helping students find and navigate pathways through college and to successful outcomes. With a commitment to inclusivity and hands-on learning, Randolph-Macon College provides an extraordinary educational experience – enhanced by exceptional athletic and extracurricular activities and supportive alumni – and prepares graduates for success in their chosen fields and in their lives.

The growing Theatre Program at Randolph-Macon College—recently relocated to newly constructed, state-of-the-art facilities—emphasizes a balance between history, literature, theory, and creating for the stage. Prospective faculty will have the opportunity to realize a visionary restructuring of the program. Students participate directly in collaborative theatre-making practices, with numerous opportunities for hands-on experiential learning in an environment that nurtures creativity. Students also understand how their learning and skills can apply to a wide variety of professions and industries. The program is also strengthened by its proximity to the vibrant theatre communities in Richmond, Washington, D.C., and the mid-Atlantic region.

Major/Essential Functions: Randolph-Macon College faculty teach, advise, conduct research and engage in scholarship, and serve the college and department. Primary teaching responsibilities will include teaching courses in the Theatre Program’s curriculum to majors and non-majors, designing theatre productions, and contributions to general education. Theatre faculty are expected to engage actively in recruiting prospective students to the program and the College.

Minimum Qualifications:

• MFA in Theatre Design, Theatre Technology or other technical or design related concentration to be completed at time of appointment, September 1, 2027.
• Teaching experience in theatre at the collegiate, secondary, and/or professional levels;
• Scenic or lighting design experience in theatre at the professional, collegiate, and/or secondary levels;
• Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching;
• Evidence of a commitment to undergraduate teaching and student engagement; and
• Experience working with students and a demonstrated commitment to pedagogical methods that support all learners in reaching their maximum potential.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience and training in one or more of the following: scenic design, lighting design and related areas of expertise;
• Experience with state-of-the-art technologies in one or more of the following areas: scenic, lighting, video, sound, and/or costume design;
• Experience mentoring student designers at all levels and supervising student crews in collaboration with the theatre faculty and staff;
• Evidence of professional activity in the candidate’s specialty (i.e., a record of publication, presentation, and/or performance);
• Engagement in professional organizations;
• Experience with theatre program curriculum development and programmatic assessment.

Application Instructions: Please complete an online application at https://bit.ly/4gMjMLM to include uploading the following as a single pdf addressed to Sabrina Granderson, Administrative Services Coordinator, no later than October 1, 2026.

The documents that must be uploaded include the following:

• Letter of application that addresses the position qualifications;
• Curriculum vitae;
• Link to digital portfolio;
• A brief (one page) statement describing inclusive teaching practices you employ and how you actively support students across a broad range of experiences, interests, and perspectives;
• Transcripts (unofficial and scanned copies acceptable);
• The names and contact information for three professional references (at least one must be able to address teaching experience and teaching effectiveness; please indicate the teaching reference in your letter of application). Please do not ask references to submit letters of recommendation; the committee will conduct reference checks by phone.

For full consideration, applications must be received by October 1, 2026. While applications may be accepted after this date, it is not guaranteed that they will be considered.

The search committee will not consider incomplete applications.

Randolph-Macon College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status in its education or employment programs or activities.

Randolph-Macon College is unable to offer new Visa sponsorship for this position.