Assistant Professor of Practice, Technical Directing

Assistant Professor of Practice, Technical Directing Position Highlights

The University of Arizona's School of Theatre, Film & Television (TFTV) invites applications for a full-time Assistant Professor of Practice in Technical Direction beginning August 2026. This renewable, non-tenure‑track position plays a vital role in supporting our BA training in Live and Screened Performance, the Theatre Arts minor, and the Musical Theatre minor by integrating rigorous classroom instruction with hands‑on production practice.

TFTV is a vibrant, collaborative community of artists and scholars dedicated to storytelling across stage and screen. The School offers nationally respected training in theatre arts, film and television production, musical theatre, and live and screened performance. Students learn in an environment that emphasizes interdisciplinary collaboration, professional preparation, and creative research. With access to state‑of‑the‑art production facilities, performance venues, and film production resources, TFTV prepares students to become innovative leaders in the performing and media arts industries.

Our faculty are accomplished practitioners and scholars committed to mentorship, excellence, and fostering a culture of curiosity and experimentation.

Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; sick leave and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!

For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocation services, please .

• Teach undergraduate courses in technical theatre and production, including lecture, laboratory, and production‑based courses in areas such as technical direction, scenic construction, stagecraft, drafting, and production management.
• Develop, assess, and maintain a rigorous, practice‑based curriculum that integrates theoretical foundations with hands‑on production experience and prepares students for professional careers in technical theatre and entertainment production.
• Mentor, supervise, and evaluate students serving in roles such as Assistant Technical Directors, scenic carpenters, and technical production assistants within the School's production program.
• Provide individualized mentorship that supports the development of technical, collaborative, and leadership skills necessary for work in professional theatre and related industries.
• Integrate experiential learning, critical thinking, and industry best practices into coursework and production activities in alignment with the Provost's "Success for Every Student" priorities.
• Cultivate a pluralistic learning environment that promotes dignity, belonging, and empowerment for all students.

• Serve as Technical Director for productions in the School's four‑show subscription season, overseeing the realization of scenic designs from concept through strike.
• Manage the technical planning and execution of scenic production, including drafting interpretation, engineering solutions, budgeting, materials procurement, construction, installation, and technical integration.
• Collaborate closely with directors, designers, faculty, staff, and student production teams throughout the design and rehearsal process to ensure that technical solutions support artistic goals while maintaining feasibility, efficiency, and safety.
• Attend production meetings and technical rehearsals; advise on production feasibility, scheduling, and technical resource allocation.
• Model professional standards and best practices while guiding students through the full technical production process, from design development through construction, installation, performance, and strike.
• Maintain an active professional practice that contributes to a creative and scholarly profile.

• Supervise the daily operations of the scene shop and related production facilities, including scheduling, workflow coordination, and oversight of student crews working on scenic construction and…