About This Role:
Kansas State University's Theatre Program is seeking an experienced and dedicated Technical Director to join our esteemed faculty as a Professor of Practice at a Full time, 9-month Regular Non-Tenure position. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to our vibrant theatre program while promoting diversity, creativity, and excellence in Technical Direction. As a Technical Director and Professor of Practice, you will inspire and mentor students, collaborate with colleagues, and contribute to the artistic growth and inclusivity of our program.
Responsibilities:
Technical Direction: Collaborate with other faculty and staff as Technical Director for the School of Music Theatre and Dance’s productions. Duties would include instructing and supervising students, creating working drawings, budgeting and ordering materials, and ensuring completion of the set.
Other responsibilities include:
Mentoring and Supervision: Oversee and mentor design and technical students throughout the production process. Supervising the lighting crew in consultation with the faculty lighting designer.
Professional Development: Stay well-informed of current trends, techniques, and technologies in technical direction.
Teaching: Opportunities to teach a course per semester will be based on the applicant's areas of expertise and the program's needs.
Service and Engagement: Participate actively in program and departmental committees and contribute to the recruitment and retention of students.
Why Join Us:
The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance has been the fastest-growing unit at Kansas State University over the past six semesters, achieving 40% growth during this time. We’re accredited by NAST, NASM, and NADTA and is housed within the College of Arts and Sciences, the “intellectual and academic core of the University” with 23 academic units. A land-grant institution, Kansas State University is a Carnegie “very high research” and “engaged” university with more than 3,000 students who participate in curricular and co-curricular activities offered through the School of Music, Theatre, and Dance.
The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance currently has 194 undergraduate Music majors pursuing the B.M., B.A., and B.M.E. degrees; 46 graduate Music students pursuing M.M. degrees; 49 Theatre majors pursuing the B.A. and B.S. degrees; 33 graduate Theatre students pursuing the M.A degree in theatre with a concentration in drama therapy; 39 secondary majors in dance; and offers minors and certificates in Music, Theatre, and Dance. The school has 55 full-time and one part-time faculty member, is supported by a Director and 4-Associate Directors, a full-time academic advisor, and three full-time administrative staff members.
Kansas State University is a distinguished public, land-grant institution renowned for the excellence of its faculty, students, staff, academic programs, research, and service. It is a three-campus system with the main campus located in Manhattan and the other campuses in Olathe and Salina. Online degree programs, professional development conferences and workshops, and enrichment classes and programs are offered through the K-State Global Campus. The university has over 20,000 students from all 50 states and over 100 countries. K-State was recognized by the Princeton Review as one of America’s best colleges and U.S. News & World Report lists the university among the top 75 public universities in the U.S. The mission of K-State is to foster excellent teaching, research, extension, and service that develop a highly skilled and educated citizenry necessary to advancing the well-being of Kansas, the nation, and the international community.
K-State is centered on a 664-acre campus in Manhattan located 50 miles west of the state capital of Topeka and 125 miles west of Kansas City in the rolling Flint Hills. Manhattan provides access to a wide range of educational, cultural, medical, and recreational programs and facilities. The local economy is bolstered by K-State and its proximity to Fort Riley, a large U.S. Army installation, and is the home of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility (NBAF).
Worksite Options:
This position is required to be performed on-site. Work is performed on employer premises or designated assignment location. The candidate must be able to lift and move heavy objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
Visit this link for K-State’s guidance and policies on remote work and flexible work arrangements. Remote work agreements are required for all flexible work arrangements and are subject to review.
What You’ll Need to Succeed:
Minimum Qualifications:
- Education: A minimum of a bachelor's degree and significant professional experience in theatre.
- Professional Experience: Extensive professional experience as a technical director, with a strong portfolio showcasing diverse and innovative productions.
- Principles of Community: A strong commitment to K-State's principles of community in theatre education and production.
- Collaboration and Communication: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively.
- Technical Proficiency: Proficiency in industry-standard design software, such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, or Vectorworks. Knowledge of construction techniques, materials, rigging and stagecraft is essential.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Education: A terminal degree (MFA) in Technical Direction, Scenic Design, Production Management or another related field. Equivalent professional experience may be considered.
- Teaching Experience: Ability to effectively teach and mentor students, using various pedagogical approaches.
- Professional Engagement: Active participation in professional organizations, conferences, and networks related to scenic design.
- Additional Experience: Interest and experience in another design area. Other areas such as immersive, experiential or museum design are also encouraged.
Other Requirements:
- Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment
How to Apply:
Please submit the following documents:
- Cover letter highlighting your interest in the position, your interest in the responsibilities and qualifications of the position.
- Resume or Curriculum vitae (CV) including relevant academic and professional experience.
- Digital Portfolio showcasing examples of your work, demonstrating creativity, variety, and innovation.
- Contact information for three professional references.
Please send any questions to Prof. David Mackay, Chair of the Kansas State University Technical Director Search Committee (dbmackay@ksu.edu).
Screening of Applications Begins:
For best consideration, apply by November 15th and continues until the position is filled.
Anticipated Hiring Pay Range:
$50,000 - $60,000.