Working/Functional Title

Specialist - Teaching, Fixed Term - Theatre

Position Summary

The Department of Theatre seeks to hire a full-time, one-year Fixed-Term Academic Specialist in Technical Direction (with possible renewal), starting August 1, 2026. The Technical Director is responsible for mounting all Department of Theatre and MSU Opera Theatre productions during the academic year and overseeing the safe and efficient operation of the scene shop and affiliated performance venues. This includes budgeting all scenic elements of productions; creating technical drawings; supervising construction, load-in, and technical rehearsals; maintaining scene shop inventory and equipment; maintaining theatre department facilities; and assisting with affiliated performances. The Technical Director will work in collaboration with the Associate Technical Director, Assistant Technical Director, and mentor/supervise student technicians and teach courses in their area of expertise, including Drafting and Stagecraft, and complete departmental and university service as needed. 

Michigan State University’s Department of Theatre is a vibrant organization offering a BA, BFA (acting, design, and stage management), MFA (acting and design), and Minors in Dance and Musical Theatre.  The Department presents a series of major productions each academic year.  http://theatre.msu.edu/

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Bachelors -BA or BFA with emphasis in technical theatre or design

Desired Degree

Masters -MFA (see minimum qualifications for additional information)

Minimum Requirements

• BA or BFA with emphasis in technical theatre or design at time of appointment.
• Experience in theatrical scenery construction, welding, stage rigging, and budget management.
• Proficiency in AutoCAD and/or Vectorworks.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• A positive attitude and the ability to effectively collaborate with others.

Desired Qualifications

• MFA or MA preferred;
• Experience teaching at the college level.

Required Application Materials

1. a cover letter
2. current curriculum vitae
3. work examples (technical portfolio, drafting, budgets, etc.)
4. the names and email addresses of 3 potential referees (please fill out the initial application with these names and emails)
5. Additional supplemental materials (i.e., teaching syllabi, teaching philosophy, etc.) (optional)

Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin June 1, 2026, and will continue until the position is filled. Applications must be submitted electronically to the Michigan State University Human Resources website http://careers.msu.edu. Posting number 1128954.

For more information, contact Lucas Nunn, Chair of the Search Committee at nunnluca@msu.edu.

Persons with disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodation.

Review of Applications Begins On

06/01/2026

Website

http://theatre.msu.edu/

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

About Michigan State University

Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.

Connections working at Michigan State University