Assistant Professor of Theatrical Design/ Assistant Professor in Practice of Theatrical Design

Job description

Title Information


Faculty TitleAssistant Professor

Job Class Code10031

FLSAExempt


Position Information


Posting NumberFRGV1877

Working TitleAssistant Professor of Theatrical Design/ Assistant Professor in Practice of Theatrical Design

Number of Vacancies1

LocationRio Grande Valley, Texas

Division/OrganizationProvost - Academic Affairs

Appointment Period for Non-Tenure Position

Tenure Status

FTE1

Scope of Job
The Theatre Department at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley ( UTRGV ) seeks applications for an open rank ofAssistant Professor of Theatrical Design (tenure track) or Assistant Professor in Practice of Theatrical Design (non-tenure track)to start Fall 2026.

The successful candidate will have extensive experience in sound/light design or scenic design or expertise in all three areas.

Depending upon the successful candidate’s experiences, they may teach courses in lighting design, sound design, scenic design, theatrical technology, and other coursework that aligns with the candidate’s expertise.

Additionally, the successful candidate will collaborate with theatre faculty to produce a mainstage season in the following ways:

+ contributing theatrical designs in area of expertise,

+ mentoring student designers,

+ Supervising and assisting the technical director and work study students with design implementation and construction/ installation in applicant area of expertise.

+ Assisting the theatre department in second stage/supplemental class productions, as necessary.



About UTRGV :

UTRGV serves the Rio Grande Valley and beyond via an innovative and unique multicultural education dedicated to student access and success.

By championing leading research, healthcare, and application of university discoveries, we support sustainable development, community engagement, and well-being.

The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley ( UTRGV ) is committed to building and sustaining a highly qualified and talented faculty to pursue excellence in everything that we do, including teaching, research, and service.


Drawing on our unique identity as the leading Hispanic-Serving Institution in a bilingual and bicultural environment, UTRGV will promote student access and success by building from strength in education and creating a vibrant campus experience.

By 2027, we will accelerate transformation in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond by driving meaningful advancements in research and creative works, expanding access to high-quality and affordable healthcare, and fostering authentic community engagement and integration.


UTRGV is a distributed campus, one university spanning four counties and multiple locations.

Our purpose is to be a university for the entire Rio Grande Valley and beyond.

Over 91% of the students enrolled at UTRGV identify as Hispanic, making UTRGV one of the top 3 universities with the highest percentage of Hispanic students.

For additional information, please visit UTRGV website (https://www.utrgv.edu/index.htm) .

Department/College Background

The Theatre Department is in Edinburg, Texas, a semi-tropical, multicultural, small city within an hour and a half from South Padre Island.

The Theatre department has eight faculty and three staff, including a production manager.

Our NAST -accredited BA program ranges between 200 to 250 students.

We are a Theatre BA program with four tracks: performance, design, education, and film production.

Minimum Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications for Assistant Professor:

+ MFA in Theatre Design from an accredited institution.

+ Demonstrated potential for high-level scholarly/artistic achievement.

+ Ability to collaborate with theatre and film faculty, including serving on department, college, and university committees.


Minimum Qualifications for Assistant Professor in Practice:

+ Bachelor’s degree in theatre from an accredited institution.

+ Extensive professional experience equivalent to an MFA in Theatre Design.

+ Demonstrated potential for high-level scholarly/artistic achievement.

+ Ability to collaborate with theatre and film faculty, including serving on department, college, and university committees.


Discipline Specific Required Qualifications

+ University and/or professional experience in either lighting/sound or scenic design.

+ Depending upon area of expertise, university and/or professional experience in:

+ Light/Sound Design: rigging, hanging, focusing, and programming board.

+ Scenic Design: scenic construction and painting.

+ Managing crews and running technical rehearsals


Preferred Qualifications
3 years of college/ university experience.

A strong portfolio of design work experience in the candidate’s area

+ Experience or certification in theatrical computer programs (e.g., Vectorworks, Autocad)

+ University and/or professional experience in all three design areas: lighting, sound, and scenic design.

+ University and/or professional experience in rigging, hanging, focusing, and programming cues for light and sound and scenic construction and painting.

+ Master’s degree in theatre, education, or related field (Assistant Professor in Practice)


License or Certification Required?No

SalaryCommensurate with Qualifications and Experience

Desired Start Date09/01/2026


Posting Detail Information


EEO Statement
It is the policy of The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley to promote and ensure equal employment opportunities for all individuals without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information or protected veteran status.

In accordance with the requirements of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, as amended, our University is committed to comply with all government requirements and ensures non-discrimination in its education programs and activities, including employment.

We encourage women, minorities and differently abled persons to apply for employment positions of interest.

Open Date10/01/2025

Close Date11/01/2025

Additional Information
UTRGV is a distributed institution.

As such and as assigned, the position may require presence at multiple locations throughout the Rio Grande Valley.

Work is performed primarily in a general office environment.

This position is security sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215.

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas ( TRS ), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program ( ORP ) instead of TRS , subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

This position is security-sensitive and thereby subject to the provisions of the Texas Education Code §51.215.

The retirement plan for this position is Teacher Retirement System of Texas ( TRS ), subject to the position being at least 20 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.

This position has the option to elect the Optional Retirement Program ( ORP ) instead of TRS , subject to the position being 40 hours per week and at least 135 days in length.


Special Instructions to Applicants
Complete all sections on the application.

If you are applying for the first time, please complete all biographical information including address, email, and phone number.

You may update this at any time by selecting to edit your profile in the application.

Security sensitive; All UTRGV employees are required to have a criminal background check ( CBC ).

CBCs will be conducted for all candidates invited for an on-campus interview.

Required Documents

+ Curriculum Vitae

+ List of 3 References

+ Letter of Interest

+ Unofficial Transcripts

+ Portfolio/ evidence of designs and finished productions in chosen area


Please Note
Texas law requires faculty members whose primary language is not English to
demonstrate proficiency in English as determined by a satisfactory paper-based
test score of 500 (computer-based of 173 or internet-based of 61) on the Test of
English as a Foreign Language ( TOEFL ) or a satisfactory test score of 6.0 on the
International English Language Testing System ( IELTS ).

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

All positions are subject to budget approval.

Quick Linkhttps://careers.utrgv.edu/postings/48787


Posting Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).




Applicant Documents
Required Documents

+ Curriculum Vitae

+ Unofficial Transcripts

+ Other Document

+ List of 3 References

+ Letter of Interest

Optional Documents

+ Resume

+ Cover Letter/Letter of Application

+ Teaching Philosophy

+ Writing / Publication Sample

+ Reference Letter 1

+ Reference Letter 2

+ Reference Letter 3

+ Multi Media

+ Certifications and Licenses

+ Training Certificates

+ Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness

+ Unofficial Transcripts 2

+ Unofficial Transcripts 3

+ Unofficial Graduate Transcripts

+ Teaching Statement

+ Research Statement

+ Additional Document

+ NCCPA Certification

+ State Licensure

+ Representative Research Publication/Grant Documents

Required Skill Profession

Other General