Lecturer in Theater- Scene Design

The Department of Music, Theatre and Dance at Christopher Newport University invites applications for the position of Lecturer in Theater specializing in Scene Design, effective August, 2025. This position is a full-time, non-tenure-track appointment with a nominal teaching load of 4-4, and is eligible for appropriate releases for design assignments. The successful candidate will be expected to teach studio classes in scene design and drawing & drafting, intro to theater, and other areas of specialization for both majors and non-majors. Additionally, the successful candidate will integrate technologies of 3D-visualization, 3D-printing and utilize AI drivers. Special consideration will be given to those with the ability to teach in an additional area. Production responsibilities include serving as Scenic Designer for four shows in our mainstage season. Leading teams of students to paint and create props is part of the Scenic Design load. Preferred candidate has competencies to build shows with the students and Scene Shop Supervisor when the Technical Director is not available. All CNU Theater Faculty participate in departmental advising and recruiting, and actively assist in the theater program’s continued development. The successful candidate will be committed to undergraduate teaching within a liberal arts environment, and teaching in the Liberal Learning Core Curriculum is expected of all CNU faculty.

The terminal degree in Theater, Scenic Design, or a closely related field, is required for appointment at the rank of Lecturer. Individuals who will not hold an MFA or Ph.D. by the time of appointment, but possess a master’s degree in a related field and/or who have extensive design experience may be considered for appointment at the rank of Instructor. Preference will be given to candidates with experience as a professional scene designer; who hold professional affiliations (USA or other); and to those with experience in teaching undergraduates.

The Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance at Christopher Newport University is composed of 22 faculty and 150 majors. Housed in the Ferguson Center for the Arts, we offer a comprehensive array of major concentrations under both the BM and BA degrees. Candidates wishing to know more about the department and its academic programs are invited to visit https://cnu.edu/academics/departments/music/ and https://cnu.edu/academics/departments/theater/

Selected by The Princeton Review to be included in The 388 Best Colleges: 2023 Edition, Christopher Newport University is a public school offering a private school experience – great teaching, small classes, and a safe, vibrant campus. The University is located in Newport News, Virginia, enrolls approximately 4,500 students, and is dedicated to the ideals of scholarship, leadership, and service. Academic programs at Christopher Newport University encompass more than 90 areas of study, from biology to business administration and political science to the performing arts. The University is ranked by U.S. News & World Report’s America’s Best Colleges guide as 2nd among public regional universities in the South and 5th overall, and has recently completed more than $1 billion in capital construction on its 260-acre campus.

Christopher Newport University is committed to ensuring that all people are welcomed, honored, and fully engaged in the life of our academic community. We recruit exceptional and diverse faculty and encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in their profession. For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit http://www.cnu.edu.

To apply, please visit https://jobs.cnu.edu/postings/ to upload a letter of interest, current curriculum vitae, graduate transcripts (if applicable; photocopies acceptable for initial screening), statement of teaching philosophy, a one-page statement articulating how your teaching, creative activity, and service would contribute toward fostering an inclusive learning environment on campus, evidence of teaching effectiveness, and three letters of recommendation. (Letters should be uploaded with application materials or emailed to facultyrecruitment@cnu.edu).

Review of applications will begin at 11:59 PM ET on March 23, 2025.

Applications received after 11:59 PM ET on March 23, 2025 will be accepted but considered only if needed.

Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.

Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145.

Christopher Newport University, an EO Employer, is fully Committed to Access and Opportunity.