Theatre Instructor - Scenic Design

Theatre Instructor and Scenic Designer

Casper College invites applicants for a full-time Theatre Instructor and Scenic Designer position beginning Fall 2026. This individual will serve as a core member of the Theatre and Dance Department with a primary focus on teaching technical theatre courses, as well as the design, coordination, and construction of all Casper College theatre productions (4 per year). Additional tasks include advising students, overseeing shop workers, serving on various committees, and any additional administrative duties that enhance the student experience.

This is a full-time, nine-month faculty appointment with an initial one-year term and the potential for annual renewal.

Responsibilities include conducting college courses in Theatre for students using a variety of appropriate teaching methods; meeting all scheduled classes prepared to instruct; preparing teaching syllabi for courses of study; preparing materials to adequately evaluate student progress; reporting midterm and final grades when appropriate; maintaining accurate and adequate records; and establishing regular office hours for student consultation. The faculty member performs other related duties as assigned, which include but are not necessarily limited to: advising students on academic curricula;

serving on faculty committees; participating in faculty meetings; providing recommendations for preparation of departmental or divisional budgets; participating in the development of departmental curricula; and adhering to all institutional policies.

The faculty member keeps up with developments in the Scenic and Lighting field by reading current literature, communicating with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences. Additional departmental or school assignments may be established where appropriate.

Essential duties include teaching a 30-credit load per academic year, typically encompassing one class per semester, while overseeing the scenic and lighting design, build, and technical execution of two mainstage productions per semester within the department's four-show season (a mix of plays, musicals, and one fully realized dance concert). Teaching courses such as Introduction to Theatre, Stagecraft, Introduction to Stage Design, Introduction to Design, and/or Stage Management, with additional courses assigned based on department need, faculty rotation, and area of expertise.

Designing focus on scenery, and serving as technical director for four mainstage productions annually. Lighting support if experience and need arises. Managing the design, construction, and completion of scenic props and scenic painting. Overseeing scene shop operations including cleanliness, organization, maintenance, and safety compliance. Managing budgets, materials, and schedules related to scenic and lighting areas of production. Actively participating in the scene shop through hands-on construction and student oversight.

Providing safety training and mentorship for students. Supervising work-study students and part-time staff. Collaborating with other departments or organizations utilizing shared theatre and shop facilities. Involvement in student recruitment and retention. Department service. Performing defined campus-wide duties, including holding office hours, attendance at department and school meetings, and adherence to department, school, and college policies and procedures. Communicate clearly with students, staff, and colleagues, both orally and in writing.

Commitment to student recruitment, mentorship, and retention initiatives within the department and college.

Minimum qualifications include an MFA or MA in Theatre Production or Theatre Design, significant professional or academic experience in scenic design, with technical direction expertise, demonstrated experience in prop shop operations, including construction and painting, demonstrated knowledge of the history of decoration, furnishings, and architecture, demonstrated ability to use and teach typical computer programs for theatre design and technology (Vectorworks, AutoCAD, and/or Sketchup), working efficiently within financial constraints, demonstrated dedication to teaching students from a variety of backgrounds with differing levels of experience, strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills, and demonstrated ability to collaborate successfully as a member of a production team and colleague, fostering a positive learning environment, and proactively promoting student success within an academic theatre program.

Desired qualifications include an MFA Degree, 1-3 years of college-level teaching experience with the ability to develop engaging and relevant coursework, expertise in design/technical experience in digital media and dance, and lighting design.

To apply, please submit a completed Casper College Online Application with contact information for at least 3 professional references, cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, link to online…