Assistant Professor (Technical Director) - Non-tenure Track - Department of Theatre

Job Description

The Department of Theatre at the University of Alabama at Birmingham seeks a collaborative, innovative, and solutions-oriented theatre artist and educator for a permanent, full-time, non-tenure earning, Assistant Professor, with expertise in Technical Direction. This position plays a central role in the artistic and educational mission of the department, providing technical leadership for UAB Theatre’s five-show mainstage season while teaching and mentoring undergraduate students in Design and Technology.

The Technical Director works closely with directors, scenic designers, the Production Manager, faculty, staff, and students to realize scenic designs safely, efficiently, and collaboratively. The position works within a production team that includes a Scene Shop Supervisor, Electrics Supervisor, Props Supervisor, Costume Director and Shop Manager, faculty designers, and undergraduate students.

The successful candidate will be an engaged educator and practicing theatre professional who believes strong process leads to strong results, treats safety as non-negotiable, values collaborative problem solving, and is committed to preparing students for professional work in theatre and the entertainment industry.

Responsibilities

• Serve as Technical Director for UAB Theatre’s five-show mainstage season, managing multiple productions and projects simultaneously across varying stages of development and completion and working actively in scene shop, stage, backstage, and other technical production environments as required by the production process
• Collaborate with directors, scenic designers, the Production Manager, faculty, staff, technicians, and students to realize artistic goals within available resources
• Manage scenic production budgets, purchasing, material sourcing, and expense tracking
• Work with the Scene Shop Supervisor to coordinate scenic construction, installation, maintenance, and strike
• Engineer, draft, cost, and coordinate the technical execution of scenic designs
• Create and distribute construction drawings and technical documentation
• Lead scenic load-ins, strikes, and production transitions
• Provide technical leadership for the safe operation and maintenance of the Scene Shop, production equipment, rigging systems, and related technical facilities in collaboration with the Scene Shop Supervisor
• Safely operate and provide instruction in the use of theatrical tools, machinery, welding equipment, and scenic fabrication equipment
• Mentor and supervise undergraduate students in technical theatre and production practices (Technical Directors, Assistant Technical Directors, and student production leaders)
• Teach a 4/4 course load, including Introduction to Theatre Technology: Scenery and Lighting and Advanced Production Practicum and additional courses based on departmental needs and the candidate’s areas of expertise, which may include Drafting, Technical Direction, Automation, Rigging, Scenic Technology, Introduction to Design or Advanced Studio in Scenery
• Participate in production meetings, technical rehearsals, and occasional evening and weekend calls as required by the production schedule
• Participate in appropriate departmental, college, university, and professional service, including recruitment, advising, portfolio development, and professional preparation within the Design and Technology program

About the Department

Fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), the Department of Theatre at UAB is committed to developing innovative, collaborative artists prepared for the contemporary performance landscape. The department produces a five-show mainstage season in addition to touring and collaborative projects and emphasizes hands-on, experiential training in professionally operated shops and performance spaces.

Programs include BA concentrations in Design/Technology and Performance, a BA in General Theatre Studies, and a BFA Musical Theatre program. Faculty and staff are active professionals who bring current industry practices into the classroom and production process.

UAB Theatre is home to a growing undergraduate Design and Technology program that emphasizes hands-on learning, realized production experience, collaboration, and professional preparation. Students have opportunities to take on meaningful responsibilities in design, technical direction, stage management, and production leadership.

The department supports a collaborative production culture in which students work alongside faculty and professional staff.

The successful candidate will join an engaged faculty and staff committed to strengthening and expanding Design and Technology at UAB, with opportunities to shape curriculum, mentor students through realized production work, and have a meaningful role in defining the next phase of the Design and Technology program.

Application Process

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applications received by December 31, 2026, will receive full consideration.

Applications should include:

1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Portfolio or examples of technical, drafting, and production work
4. Statement of Teaching Philosophy
5. Contact information for three professional references

Questions may be directed to Search Committee Chair Therrin Eber at tjeber@uab.edu.

Required Qualifications

• MFA or other terminal degree in Technical Direction, Technical Production, Theatre Design/Technology, or a closely related field
• 3 years of demonstrated experience of teaching, mentoring, and supervising students or emerging theatre professionals within academic, educational, or professional theatre environments.
• Professional experience in Technical Direction and theatrical production
• Demonstrated proficiency in scenic carpentry, metal fabrication/welding, and theatrical rigging
• Proficiency in industry-standard drafting software: ie: Vectorworks or AutoCAD
• Advanced knowledge of current theatrical safety standards and practices
• Demonstrated ability to develop creative technical solutions within budgetary, scheduling, labor, and facility constraints
• Strong organizational, budgeting, project-management, and communication skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Three or more years of professional Technical Direction experience
• Knowledge of structural design and engineering principles for theatrical scenery
• Experience with theatrical automation
• Familiarity with contemporary fabrication technologies including CNC routing, laser cutting, and 3D printing
• OSHA, ETCP, or other relevant professional safety certifications

Nondiscrimination Statement

UAB is an Equal Employment/Equal Educational Opportunity Institution dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, ethnic or national origin, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, age, disability, religion, and veteran’s status. As required by Title IX, UAB prohibits sex discrimination in any education program or activity that it operates. Individuals may report concerns or questions to UAB’s Assistant Vice President and Senior Title IX Coordinator. The Title IX notice of nondiscrimination is located at uab.edu/titleix.

Pre-employment Background Check

A pre-employment background check investigation is performed on candidates selected for employment.