Summary:
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:
The faculty member conducts college courses in Theatre for students using a variety of appropriate teaching methods; meets all scheduled classes prepared to instruct; prepares teaching syllabi for courses of study; prepares materials to adequately evaluate student progress; reports midterm and final grades when appropriate; maintains accurate and adequate records; and establishes 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.
This individual will teach 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.
Perform 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:
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.
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:
Work Environment:
Typical work environment is a classroom, theatre, stage, and office setting requiring normal safety precautions. Noise level is usually minimal to moderate. This position is exposed to production, stage, sound, and other related tools and equipment. Stage work may require accessing and working in small spaces, above the stage at height, and behind/below the stage in smaller areas. Work is usually performed during the normal workday; however, early morning, late evening, and weekend work will be required. Short periods of time will be spent outdoors, travelling between campus buildings in various weather conditions.
Physical Demands:
Employee must be able to stand for long periods of time, speak, hear, use hands and fingers to handle materials, and use computer, feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee will occasionally stoop, kneel, and crouch. This employee may be required to walk while carrying items (lighting, scenic items, supplies, etc). Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds may be required. Work includes the use of hands to manipulate and use tools and equipment related to lighting/theatre design and production.
To Apply:
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 Design Portfolio
Copies of unofficial transcripts
Note to Candidates:
This is a benefited, 9-month position.
Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.
Official transcripts required upon hire.
Further compensation is commensurate with additional approved graduate-level education.
Applications for faculty positions will be screened to ensure applicants meet the necessary credential requirements set forth by the Higher Learning Commission to teach college credit classes.
Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands. 