Adjunct Instructor of Introduction to Technical Theatre — Scenic Design

Abilene Christian University is affiliated with the fellowship of the Churches of Christ. This position requires the employee to be a professing Christian and willing to support the Christian mission of ACU.

‌

Duties

1. Serve as an instructor for Introduction to Technical Theatre, a foundational course introducing ACU Theatre’s first-year BFA students to the principles, practices, and vocabulary of theatrical design and production. The course will equip students from all BFA concentrations with the foundational technical skills necessary to participate effectively in ACU Theatre productions and understand the collaborative relationship among performance, design, and production.

2. Lead 31 BFA freshmen through hands-on training in scenic design and construction, including:

● Scenic- and technical-theatre vocabulary

● Proper scene-shop procedures and safety practices

● Identification, operation, and care of essential hand and power tools

● Basic scenic-construction techniques

● Accurate measuring, scale, and introductory drafting

● Identification, selection, and appropriate use of common scenic materials

● Basic scenic painting, color mixing, texture, and surface treatments

● Foundational principles of color, composition, proportion, scale, and design

● Interpretation of introductory scenic drawings, plans, and construction documents

● Construction and finishing of basic scenic elements

● Safe handling, installation, maintenance, and storage of scenery, materials, tools, and equipment

● An understanding of how scenic design supports character, environment, storytelling, and the overall theatrical aesthetic

3. Provide clear demonstrations, supervise practical assignments, assess student progress, and foster a safe, collaborative, creative, and professional scene-shop environment.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this beginning-level course, students will be able to:

● Identify and correctly use foundational scenic- and technical-theatre vocabulary.

● Demonstrate safe and responsible practices when working in theatrical shops and production spaces.

● Identify, operate, and properly care for basic hand tools, power tools, and scene-shop equipment.

● Measure, mark, cut, fasten, assemble, and finish basic scenic materials accurately and safely.

● Read and interpret introductory scenic drawings, ground plans, elevations, and construction documents.

● Apply basic concepts of scale and use accurate measurements in scenic construction.

● Identify common scenic materials and explain their properties, appropriate uses, and limitations.

● Apply introductory principles of color, texture, shape, composition, proportion, scale, and visual storytelling to scenic work.

● Demonstrate basic scenic-painting, color-mixing, texturing, and surface-treatment techniques.

● Construct, alter, finish, or install a basic scenic element using appropriate tools, materials, and construction methods.

● Follow instructions, manage materials responsibly, and complete assigned projects within established deadlines.

● Collaborate effectively with classmates, designers, technicians, performers, stage managers, and production personnel.

● Demonstrate an understanding of how scenic design and construction contribute to the visual world, aesthetic unity, storytelling, and overall theatrical production process.

Qualifications

1. The successful candidate will possess an MFA in Scenic Design, Theatre Design, Technical Theatre, Technical Direction, or a closely related discipline. Candidates with an equivalent combination of graduate-level education, professional training, teaching experience, and significant professional standing may also be considered.

2. The candidate should demonstrate:

● Extensive knowledge of technical theatre and design, with particular expertise in scenic design, scenic construction, drafting, carpentry, scenic painting, materials, finishes, installation, and stagecraft.

● Experience working on large-scale theatrical productions in an academic, regional, or professional setting.

● A professional résumé demonstrating active engagement and recognized standing in theatrical design and production.

● The ability to provide effective one-on-one instruction and lead large groups of students at beginning and advanced skill levels.

● A strong understanding of visual aesthetics and the ways scenic design supports character, environment, storytelling, and the overall theatrical experience.

● A broad appreciation for all areas of technical theatre and design and an understanding of the collaborative relationships among scenery, costumes, lighting, sound, properties, performance, and stage management.

● The ability to introduce students to safe and effective practices when using theatrical tools, machinery, materials, and equipment.

● Strong communication, organization, collaboration, classroom leadership, and project-management skills.

● A commitment to student learning and to supporting the Christian mission and educational values of Abilene Christian University.

About ACU

Abilene Christian University is the premier university for the education of Christ-centered, global leaders, offering an exceptional education to approximately 6,700 students annually from 51 states and territories and 42 nations. This private, comprehensive university, founded in 1906 in Abilene, Texas, offers 88 baccalaureate majors encompassing more than 175 areas of study, 77 areas of study in master’s degree and specialist programs, and five doctoral programs. It has been ranked as one of the nation’s top institutions for undergraduate research, undergraduate teaching, first-year experiences, service learning, study abroad, and learning communities. ACU’s mission is to educate students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world. ACU Dallas, a branch campus in Addison, Texas, is home to the university’s online undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.

Questions?

Contact Human Resources at [email protected] or call 325-674-2359.

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets. Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions. As a current employee, it will be determined if you need an additional background check upon your hire.