Assistant Professor of Theatre - Lighting and Media Design

Overview

POSITION:
Assistant Professor in Theatre - Lighting and Media Design. The Department of Theatre invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track appointment at the rank of Assistant Professor, effective August 2026. We seek a Theatre artist with professional and educational experience in Lighting Design to work in a collaborative environment. Stan State Theatre offers a BA in Theatre with concentrations in Performance, Technical Theatre, and Theatre Education, in addition to a BA in Musical Theatre.

• Teaching lighting and media courses and other relevant coursework including Fundamentals of Light Design, Foundations in Scenography and Stagecraft.
• Teaching courses in the major and in the CSU General Education program including Introduction to Theatre and Theatre Workshop.
• Design Practicum supervision for technical theatre students and lighting and/or media design responsibilities in the 5-show production season.
• Team-taught courses in Theatre Workshop, Stagecraft and Rehearsal and Performance.
• Experience with Sound Design and/or sound engineering is a plus.
• Lighting and/or media design responsibilities in the 5-show production season.

• Conducting scholarly and professional creative activity that advances the professional and scholarly goals of the faculty member, the Department of Theatre, and the University.
• Advising and mentoring Theatre students for successful completion of the program, design projects and in their academic careers.
• Recruitment of students to the Theatre program.
• Working collaboratively and collegially with department faculty, staff and students.
• Participating in service activities and committees at the Department, College, and University levels.
• Supporting, developing, and enhancing Department curriculum in keeping with industry standards while fostering student success.
• Working with the department and college to maintain the lighting and media equipment in keeping with industry and safety standards.
• Effective teaching, scholarly productivity and/or creative activity, and service to the University are required for retention, promotion, and tenure.

A terminal degree in Theatre - M.F.A. in Theatre Arts or Lighting Design/Technology (or a related field with an emphasis in Design/Technology), or equivalent professional experience.

A complete application must include: an application letter specifically addressing the position description and qualifications; unofficial photocopies of graduate transcripts; a statement of teaching philosophy/or an Artist statement outlining Design Philosophy and Goals and evidence of teaching proficiency; cover letter addressing the position and criteria laid out in the job announcement; professional/educational CV, including the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three professional references.

Official transcripts will be required at the time of hire. Optional:
Professional design portfolio as website link or file upload.

To apply for this position, please click the "Apply Now" button on this page.

If you have questions regarding the position, please contact:
Scott Davis, Chair, Department of Theatre, College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, California State University, Stanislaus, One University Circle, Turlock, CA. Email: SDavis

Screening of applications will begin February 13, 2026. The position will remain open until filled. This appointment begins August 17, 2026.

Commensurate with qualifications and experience. Anticipated hiring range is $6,800 - $7,200 per month for Assistant Professor (12 monthly payments per academic year). As a member of the 23-campus CSU System, we offer an extremely competitive benefits package.

California State University, Stanislaus serves the San Joaquin Valley and is a…