Assistant Professor of Theatre - Scene Design, Fall 2025

The University of Tennessee - Knoxville a invites applicant for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Theatre in Scenic Design.

The successful candidate will serve as the head of the MFA Scenic Design Program. Responsibilities include teaching courses in scene design for both undergraduate and graduate students, and teaching in other theatre areas as qualified. Additional duties include mentoring students, assisting in student recruitment, and supervising students as teaching assistants and in creative projects. All faculty in the Department of Theatre serve on departmental and university committees and contribute to program design and curricular development. The ideal candidate will have experience as a theatre professional. Continued external professional engagement is expected, encouraged and supported.

Our faculty prepares students for careers in theatre, television and film, opera, dance, and emerging forms of performance-based entertainment. The successful candidate will join the resident company of The Clarence Brown Theatre, a LORT D company in residence at the University of Tennessee and be expected to design for the company regularly. We are seeking a candidate to join a faculty that combines established practice and innovative technology and techniques in practice and performance. This position is a partner in a collaborative, active, forward-focused, professional training program and will be a vital partner as we train the next generation of designers. 

Qualifications

Applicants must have an MFA in scene design or a related field and at least five years of professional experience at the regional theatre level or above. We seek an outstanding artist/scholar/teacher and collaborative colleague to create innovative curriculum, lead a nationally recognized MFA program, and sustain a trajectory of creative achievement / research consistent with the expectations of a flagship, tier-one, research university. Preferred qualifications include teaching and mentoring experience, a portfolio that includes wide-ranging practices and work in analogous fields and command of digital skills including the ability to teach drafting. UTK is a land-grant university and values engaged forms of research/scholarship/creative activity, teaching and service, and considers evidence of these commitments in the records of applicants. The Knoxville Campus of the University of Tennessee is seeking candidates who have the ability to contribute in meaningful ways to the diversity and intercultural goals of the University.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit the following to http://apply.interfolio.com/156557:

• A Cover Letter describing your qualifications and interest in the position; summarizing your experience, what you might bring to the program and how your growth as an artist and

educator can continue to evolve as part of our community.

• A comprehensive Digital Portfolio or Website link

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae

• A list of at least three current References with contact information

Application Review Process:

Review of applications will begin Nov. 22nd and continue until filled. Early application is encouraged. For questions regarding this position, please contact Assistant Professor Gina Di Salvo at gdisalvo@utk.edu.  

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and parental status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or state law. In accordance with the requirements of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the University of Tennessee affirmatively states that it does not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, or disability in its education programs and activities, and this policy extends to employment by the university. Requests for accommodations of a disability should be directed to the Office of Equal Opportunity and Accessibility, 1840 Melrose Avenue Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-3560 or eoa@utk.edu or (865)974-2498. Inquiries and charges of violation of Title VI (race, color and national origin), Title IX (sex), Section 504 (disability), the ADA (disability), the Age Discrimination in Employment Act (age), sexual orientation, or veteran status should be directed to the Office of Investigation & Resolution 216 Business Incubator Building 2450 EJ. Chapman Drive Knoxville, Tennessee 37996 or (865)974-0717 or investigations@utk.edu.