Assistant Professor, Scenic and Lighting Design

and the Technical Director to support scenic, lighting, and props design areas, manage production-related resources, and ensure high-quality educational and performance outcomes. In addition to teaching and production responsibilities, the position includes service and administrative support activities consistent with faculty expectations at a state-supported institution.

Special Note: We are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship now or in the future.

Essential Job Functions

Teaching and Instruction:

• Teaches a range of undergraduate courses in theatre design and production, including but not limited to Stagecraft, Production, Scenic Design, Lighting Design, Introduction to Design, and Theatre Appreciation. Develops course syllabi, instructional materials, and assessments; evaluates student performance; maintains office hours; and supports student learning outcomes consistent with departmental and university standards.

Scenic and Lighting Design & Production Support:

• Serves as scenic and/or lighting designer for Department of Theatre & Dance productions or supervises guest artists and student designers for the departmental season, which includes four plays, two dance concerts, and additional student-produced works. Mentors students through all phases of the design and production process and supports experiential learning in production-based courses.

Technical Coordination, Safety, and Facilities Support:

• Coordinates with the Technical Director in managing the scene shop and overseeing the props design area within production classes. Ensures proper use, maintenance, and replacement of tools and equipment; enforces safety standards and best practices in all technical and production activities; and promotes a safe learning and working environment for students and staff.

Budgeting and Administrative Support:

• Assists in preparing and managing production budgets for departmental shows. Completes required paperwork including purchase requisitions, time sheets, and related documentation. Helps coordinate and supervise production strikes and load-outs.

Service, Collaboration, and Student Engagement:

• Demonstrates a willingness and ability to work with the undergraduate student population. Participates in departmental activities, meetings, and service as assigned. Collaborates effectively with faculty, staff, and students to support the mission and goals of the Department of Theatre & Dance and the university.

Minimum and Desired Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master of Fine Arts (M.F.A.) in Theatrical Design or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated proficiency in scenic and lighting design.
• Knowledge of current trends, tools, technologies, and safety standards in scenic and lighting design.
• Ability to mentor, supervise, and instruct undergraduate students in classroom and production-based settings.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, students, and guest artists.

Desired Qualifications:

• At least three (3) years of teaching experience at the college or university level.
• Professional experience in scenic and/or lighting design.
• Experience working within an academic theatre production environment.

Supplemental Information

Key Competencies:

• Strong instructional, mentoring, and student engagement skills.
• Working knowledge of scenic and lighting technologies, tools, and equipment.
• Effective written, oral, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple productions, priorities, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Commitment to excellence and working with the undergraduate student population.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to stand, walk, and move for extended periods.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull materials and equipment associated with theatrical productions.
• Ability to safely use tools, ladders, lifts, and technical equipment common to theatre and scene shop environments.

Job Conditions: Work is performed in classrooms, theatres, scene shops, and performance venues. Duties may require evenings and weekends during rehearsals and productions. Position may involve lifting, standing for extended periods, and use of technical equipment in production environments.

Pay Range: Commensurate

Finalists for this position are subject to a criminal history background check, employment history check, and off-list reference checks. Applicants are required to sign an authorization for release of prior employment records to Lamar University. We will only contact prior employers and off-list references for finalists.

Who We Are:
Home to more than 18,000 students, Lamar University is among the fastest growing Texas colleges and universities. LU is a member of The Texas State University System, which is the first higher education system of Texas and maintains the lowest average tuition and fees of any university system in Texas. With more than 120-degree options and a community that cares, Lamar students are always proud to be Cardinals. Lamar University strives to educate leaders, demonstrate excellence in student learning and career readiness, and pursue research with relevance.
Lamar University is committed to fostering an environment of teamwork where all students, faculty, and staff can learn, work, and become a part of our community.

Benefits:

• Health, dental & vision insurance
• Life insurance
• State of Texas Retirement plans
• Tuition covered at 100% for employees, spouses and/or eligible dependents
• Paid time off – vacation, sick, and holidays

To see more information about the available benefits, please visit: Benefits - Lamar University

Lamar University is An Equal Opportunity Employer

Lamar University is proud to provide employment preference to veteran applicants in accordance with Texas 805 Government Code, Section 657.003.

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215, which authorizes the employer to obtain criminal history record information.

Organization

Texas Roots. Infinite Possibilities.

Lamar University students enjoy small classes where they can build lasting friendships with professors and peers. The 270-acre campus is in Beaumont, Texas, located about 90 miles east of Houston and 25 miles west of the Louisiana border. A comprehensive public university, Lamar gives students a chance to explore a variety of interests to prepare them to succeed in whatever fields they choose.

Academics

A member of the Texas State University System, Lamar University offers 63 undergraduate, 47 master's and nine doctoral degree programs. The university has more than 13,000 students enrolled in five academic colleges - Arts and Sciences, Business, Education and Human Development, Engineering, Fine Arts and Communication. Lamar also offers the College of Graduate Studies and academic programs such as the Center for General Studies.

Students have access to numerous opportunities for scholarships, undergraduate research and study abroad programs. Lamar University students have:

• Performed research for NASA and flown experiments on NASA reduced-gravity flights.
• Presented original research at academic conferences as undergraduates in fields including mathematics, business and sociology.
• Enjoyed a 73 percent acceptance rate to medical and dental schools in recent years, compared to a 39 percent acceptance rate statewide.
• Gone on to lead major companies and make a name for themselves in fields from art and music to nursing and engineering.

Athletics

Students can participate in or cheer on their peers in more than a dozen NCAA Division I sports. Last year, the Cardinals were Southland Conference champions in men's golf, cross country and women's tennis. The volleyball and men's basketball teams were regular season co-champs and the women's basketball team was Southland Conference East Division champion. The LU baseball program has produced several major leaguers. The women's soccer program is entering its second season. The golf team has topped national rankings in recent years.

LU is beginning to rebuild a football program. A coach was hired in 2008. The stadium and athletic complex are being renovated, and the Cardinals plan to return to the gridiron in 2010.

Campus Life

A building boom at Lamar University in the past decade has given students access to state-of-the art facilities for learning, playing, dining and living.

Residents of Cardinal Village, the modern residence halls, have private bedrooms, high-speed Internet and amenities including an outdoor pool, basketball courts and community centers. The new dining hall offers a bistro ambience with international and American cuisine.

Working out in the Sheila Umphrey Recreational Sports Center is like a trip to an exclusive gym where students have an automatic membership. Features include a 43-foot climbing wall, an elevated jogging track, new cardiovascular and weighttraining equipment, and courts for sports such as basketball, racquetball and indoor soccer. Competitive types can participate in intramural sports ranging from basketball and flag football to dodgeball, cricket and pool.

Making friends and building a social network is easy at Lamar with more than 100 clubs and organizations registered on campus. Through campus organizations, students can:

• Join a fraternity or sorority
• Get involved in community service
• Delve into a cause
• Nurture spiritual beliefs
• Start networking in future professions
• Do all of the above.

LU is a short drive from many outdoor adventures: a day at the beach, canoeing or fishing on area rivers and bayous, hiking in the Big Thicket National Preserve. Shopping and entertainment options also are nearby including theaters, museums and live music venues large and small.

History

Lamar University was founded in 1923 as South Park Junior College a few blocks from the current location. The name changed to Lamar College in 1932 to honor Mirabeau B. Lamar, second president of the Republic of Texas and the "Father of Education" in Texas. In 1951, the school became Lamar State College of Technology, a state-supported four-year institution, the first junior college in Texas to make such a transition. The name changed to Lamar University in 1971. The university joined the Texas State University System in 1995.

Visit/Apply

Visit campus to learn more about all Lamar University has to offer. Guided campus tours normally are scheduled at 10 a.m. or 2 p.m. Monday through Friday.

To arrange a campus visit, call (409) 880-8316 or e-mail recruitment@lamar.edu

To apply for admission, financial aid and scholarships, go to http://lamar.edu/admissions