Theatre Arts Instructor and Technical Director

Position Summary

Whitworth University’s Department of Theatre Arts invites applications for a Theatre Arts Instructor and Technical Director. This dual-role position blends teaching excellence with creative technical direction, supporting both academic and production aspects of our program. As part of Whitworth’s mission to educate the mind and heart, this role is instrumental in fostering an inclusive, Christ-centered environment where students can grow creatively and academically.

The ideal candidate will teach up to 9 credits per semester in technical theatre (lighting, set, sound, props, costumes) and general theatre courses. Additionally, they will oversee the technical production of departmental performances, maintain theatre facilities, and mentor student assistants, cultivating hands-on learning and professional development.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. For full consideration, please submit your application by April 7, 2025. This position will remain open until filled.

Core Responsibilities

The Theatre Arts Instructor and Technical Director will provide comprehensive technical direction for the Theatre Department, including conceiving, designing, and producing scenic, lighting, and sound elements for departmental productions in collaboration with faculty and students. They will coordinate and oversee the operation and maintenance of Cowles Auditorium facilities, including the Main Stage, Stage 2, workshops, and storage spaces, ensuring compliance with current safety standards. The role includes managing inventory and equipment, hiring and training student technical assistants, and working with Conference and Special Events staff to schedule auditorium use. The instructor will also teach up to 9 credits per semester, focusing on technical theatre courses such as lighting, set design, sound, and props, as well as general theatre classes for majors and non-majors. Additional responsibilities include advising students, supervising senior projects, and fostering a creative and inclusive environment that supports student learning and professional growth.

Qualifications and Core Competencies

• Master’s degree (MFA preferred) in Theatre or a related field.
• Minimum two years of experience in technical theatre production.
• Proven teaching experience in technical theatre.
• Strong creative design skills, with experience in scenic, lighting, and sound design.
• Working knowledge of costume design and build (preferred).
• Proficiency in scenic construction, theatrical lighting, sound reinforcement, and repair.
• Ability to maintain all technical aspects of a theatre program, including facilities management for a 1,200-seat auditorium and a 100-seat black box theatre.
• Familiarity with safety standards and procedures for theatre environments.
• A personal commitment to the Christian faith and to the integration of faith and learning
• A commitment to the educational mission of Whitworth as a Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church.
• Ability to perform physical duties, including bending, stooping, working in tight spaces, climbing ladders/scaffolds, lifting up to 50 lbs., and operating lifts.
• Valid driver’s license; ability to operate university or rental trucks up to 25 feet in length.

Other Details

Salary
Theatre Arts Instructor and Technical Director
Term: 10 months
Hiring Range: $56,358 to $61,000
Commensurate with years of credited service. 1.75% increase to the minimum salary is granted for each year of credited service at the rank of Instructor.

Interested candidates will be asked to submit the following:

• 
  Letter of Interest: Address your education and experience as they align with the position qualifications. Include a note confirming your interest at the posted salary range.
• Curriculum Vitae (CV).
• Faith Statement: A one-page document describing your personal commitment to the Christian faith.

You are on this webpage because a position at Whitworth sparked your curiosity. If you find yourself questioning hitting the apply button because you might not meet 100% of the qualifications, we think you should do it! When you click apply and submit an application, your application is reviewed by a committee of real, living, and breathing human beings who want to understand your background, experience and skills to find ways you relate to the key competencies needed for success in the position.

Whitworth complies with all federal, state, and local nondiscrimination laws that are applicable to religious nonprofit institutions and does not engage in unlawful discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sexual orientation, sex, or disability. With our Christ-centered commitment to building a diverse and inclusive community, the university encourages applications from populations underrepresented at Whitworth including members of racial/ethnic communities, women, and persons with disabilities.

Online applications are stored on a secure site. Only authorized employees and hiring authorities have access to the information submitted.

It is important that your application show all the relevant education and experience you possess. Applications may be rejected if incomplete.

At Whitworth University, we are committed to supporting the well-being of our faculty and staff by offering an extensive benefits package. Eligible employees can enjoy a variety of benefits, including:

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Employer-matched retirement plans
• Tuition remission programs available for employees, their spouses, and dependents
• Life insurance and long-term disability coverage
• Accrued vacation and sick leave based on full-time equivalency (FTE)
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program
• Resources for Christian vocation and calling
• No cost access to the University Recreation Center (UREC) and the Megan E. Thompson Aquatic Center
• 17 paid holidays throughout the year