Technical Director - tenure track - Penn State School of Theatre

The Penn State School of Theatre in the College of Arts and Architecture is looking for a faculty Technical Director to head up the technical direction program. This is a tenure-track appointment to the faculty. The candidate should possess strong knowledge of all scenic technology related skills, reporting to the Director of the School of Theatre.



The College of Arts and Architecture is working to establish a culture of anti-racism and anti-oppression that embraces individual identities, fosters a culture of inclusion, and promotes equity through curricula, values, standards, ideals, policies and practices. The ideal candidate will provide evidence of their experience with, and interest in, contributing to these goals.



The University Park campus is located within State College, Pennsylvania, which was recently ranked number 5 in a ranking of top college towns by the American Institute for Economic Research, and number 15 in a ranking of the Safest College Towns in America by Safewise. Located in a valley in the Appalachian Mountains, in Centre County, Pennsylvania, employment at Penn State offers incredible opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the central Pennsylvania outdoors combined will all the culture, sports, and entertainment a large university community can bring, and is within drivable distance from New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Washington DC.



Responsibilities:



• Serve as Faculty Technical Director for the School of Theatre

• Supervise an Associate Technical Director, props master and scenic artist

• Work closely with the School’s Production Manager and Director on all production-related planning and budgeting

• Teach classes in technical direction including, rigging, intro to TD, Introduction to the scene shop, AutoCAD, and other advanced topics in Technical Direction

• Maintain the Rigging and Automation Lab for the School of Theatre

• Work in conjunction with the ATD to ensure scene shop operations are completed on time and on budget

• Mentor TD students through the production process from design through strike

• Advise students on classes, and career choices

• Actively participate in recruitment activities

• Provide Automation Expertise and design as needed for School of Theatre Productions

• Serve on committees as necessary



Qualifications:



• 2+ years of experience in all aspects of technical direction

• MFA Degree in Theatre technology, or related discipline

• Experience supervising staff in all aspects of shop production

• Expert knowledge in AutoCad

• Expert knowledge of budgeting materials, time and labor for the scene shop

• Expert Knowledge of construction techniques in steel and wood fabrication

• Expert knowledge of Theatrical Rigging Concepts and techniques

• Strong knowledge of Theatre physics and structures

• Strong Knowledge of Theatrical Automation Systems

• Ability to work well on tight deadlines and budgets

• Ability to work with students of all ranges of expertise

• Knowledge of the Microsoft Office Suite

• Driver’s License

• Evidence of equitable considerations, awareness, and practice regarding curricula development, inclusive practices in educating diverse student bodies or working with a diverse faculty and staff.

• Evidence of working collectively to cultivate a culture that supports success and enables all members of a college community to thrive.



Please submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and a list of at least three (3) current references with contact information. Address in your cover letter how equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging relate to your academic, research, creative activity, and/or service experience, along with a statement regarding teaching philosophy. Questions pertaining to this search can be directed to the search committee chair, Richard St. Clair, rhs18@psu.edu.



Apply here: https://psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PSU_Academic/job/University-Park-Campus/Technical-Director---Assistant-Professor-of-Theatre_REQ_0000026317-1



This position requires the following clearances: PA State Police Criminal Background Check, PA Child Abuse History Clearance Form, and Federal (FBI) Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. This position requires that you operate a motor vehicle as a part of your job duties. A valid driver’s license and successful completion of a motor vehicle records check will be required in addition to clearances.



Applications received by March 22 are assured full consideration however, applications will be received until the position is filled.



CAMPUS SECURITY CRIME STATISTICS:

Pursuant to the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act and the Pennsylvania Act of 1988, Penn State publishes a combined Annual Security and Annual Fire Safety Report (ASR). The ASR includes crime statistics and institutional policies concerning campus security, such as those concerning alcohol and drug use, crime prevention, the reporting of crimes, sexual assault, and other matters. The ASR is available for review here.



Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.



EEO is the Law

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applications without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identify, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.




Salary: $70,000-80,000