What are the responsibilities and job description for the DESIGN AND TECHNICAL THEATRE position at University of Northwestern St. Paul?
Posting Details
Position Summary
Position Overview
The University of Northwestern – St. Paul, Minnesota, seeks an accomplished design and technical theatre practitioner who can engage students effectively in classroom learning to join our thriving Theatre program full-time starting August 1, 2025. The Assistant Professor of Theater is a full-time faculty position, responsible to provide excellence in teaching in the areas of design and technical theatre through the fulfillment of the mission and strategic goals of the Department of Music and Theatre. A complete application includes: (1) faculty application for employment, (2) letter of interest, (3) curriculum vitae, and (4) a hyperlink to technical/design portfolio work samples. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
University of Northwestern – St. Paul, a private, comprehensive, Christian university committed to providing Christ-centered education, is located on a 100-acre suburban campus just north of the Twin Cities, a hotspot for professional theatre. The Department of Music & Theatre has nearly 50 students majoring in Theatre, and the curriculum offers concentrations in Theatre Selectives, Musical Theatre, or Dance, with minors in Theatre or Dance. The institution holds NASM accreditation and offers five majors in music, as well as minors in Music, Composition, and Songwriting. The department produces five or six fully-realized productions each year including plays, musical theatre, opera workshop, and dance performances. Facilities include a professionally-staffed 1,500-seat, multi-use, performance hall and a 100-seat black box studio theatre. The largest theatre production each year will draw 6,000 patrons through the run of the show. Student and faculty work regularly receives honors at Region 5 and national Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festivals (KCACTF).
University of Northwestern – St. Paul, a private, comprehensive, Christian university committed to providing Christ-centered education, is located on a 100-acre suburban campus just north of the Twin Cities, a hotspot for professional theatre. The Department of Music & Theatre has nearly 50 students majoring in Theatre, and the curriculum offers concentrations in Theatre Selectives, Musical Theatre, or Dance, with minors in Theatre or Dance. The institution holds NASM accreditation and offers five majors in music, as well as minors in Music, Composition, and Songwriting. The department produces five or six fully-realized productions each year including plays, musical theatre, opera workshop, and dance performances. Facilities include a professionally-staffed 1,500-seat, multi-use, performance hall and a 100-seat black box studio theatre. The largest theatre production each year will draw 6,000 patrons through the run of the show. Student and faculty work regularly receives honors at Region 5 and national Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festivals (KCACTF).
What will I do in this position?
This position is responsible to provide excellence in teaching design and technical theatre through the fulfillment of the mission and strategic goals of the Department of Music & Theatre.
- Teach a range of courses that may include Theatre Production & Performance, Advanced Theatre Production & Performance, Stage Management, Introduction to Stage Technologies, Design for Theatre, Introduction to Theatre, and other courses in areas of expertise according to department need.
- Support students by advising and mentoring Theatre majors, mentoring student designers, establishing regularly held office hours and overseeing student employees.
- Advise contracted production managers, lighting, and sound designers on the technical specifications, costs, and usage of technical equipment required for the individual show; superintend the implementation of approved technical designs.
- Manage all production areas including safety education and procedures, supervision and assistance with set and stage construction, management of all included spaces and procurement of necessary inventories and specialized supplies unique to each production or teaching opportunity.
- Operate, maintain, and safeguard the technical assets of the theatre including supervising the use of lighting, sound, communications equipment, rigging, and maintenance of stage facilities; arrange for repair and replacement within budgetary constraints.
- Attend all tech-week rehearsals to supervise and assist with the technical aspects of the production.
- Because our community is a significant part of our mission and the development of our students, all employees act as a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ by actively partnering with the University to disciple students in growing intellectually and spiritually, and with Northwestern Media to lead people to Christ and nurture believers to mature in their faith.
Secondary job responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Assist with miscellaneous department duties as requested.
- Participate in department/faculty meetings, convocations, commencements, serve on committees.
What will it take to succeed in this position?
Minimum Education and Experience:
- MFA in technical theatre or other equivalent terminal degree, required
- Demonstrated professional achievement in theatrical design, stagecraft, technical direction, and production management, required
- Two years successful college/university-level teaching experience, preferred
- Experience using a learning management system such as Moodle, Blackboard, or Canvas, preferred
- Continually nurture a personal relationship with Jesus Christ; serve as a consistent witness for Jesus Christ; maintain a kind, Christ-like attitude in dealing with and ministering to people within and outside of Northwestern; and faithfully uphold and embrace Northwestern’s mission, doctrinal statement, and Declaration of Christian Community.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Demonstrated excellence in teaching and academic advising of undergraduates
- Strong knowledge base in educational foundation, instructional methods, curriculum and course development, classroom management, and teacher development
- Ability to integrate Christian worldview into classroom instruction
- Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills with ability to interact with a variety of individuals in a professional, kind, and tactful manner
- Ability to work in both a team environment and independently, without close supervision
- Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, including meeting production schedules and budgets
- Detail oriented with ability to prioritize projects and complete tasks accurately within deadlines
- Basic computer proficiency
- Commitment to excellence in theatrical production and strong knowledge of technical theatre
- Ability to maintain confidential and FERPA information
- Familiarity with OSHA regulations for theatre and building safety
- Knowledge of and experience with various design and production technology
- Ability to maintain a flexible schedule
- Ability to pass a background check upon hire and periodically throughout the course of employment
Work Environment:
The work environment involves working for a suburban, Christian university alongside those with a demonstrated commitment and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a commitment to the mission and values of the University, and an agreement to abide by all University policies.
The work environment involves working for a suburban, Christian university alongside those with a demonstrated commitment and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, a commitment to the mission and values of the University, and an agreement to abide by all University policies.
What are the benefits of working at Northwestern?
Compensation Range: $56,500-$62,000
Benefits offered for full time positions include:
Benefits offered for full time positions include:
- Traditional health benefits (including medical, dental & vision)
- 403(b) Plan Employer Match
- Tuition Benefits
- A team committed to an Unwavering future
Salary : $56,500 - $62,000
