Assistant Professor of Theatre - Lighting Design

Assistant Professor of Theatre - Lighting Design

Special Instructions

To apply, please upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching statement, and unofficial transcripts. Please make sure a link is provided to a website or artist portfolio through Work Sample. Applicants will be asked for the names and email addresses of three references in the application process. References will be contacted to upload the letter of reference directly. Application materials will only be accepted through the online application system (mailed or emailed applications will not be considered).

Review of materials will begin December 1st and continue until the position is filled.

Inquiries should be directed to David Gram, Search Committee Chair, dgram@oakland.edu

Job Description Summary

The Department of Theatre, within a highly integrated School of Music, Theatre and Dance, seeks an accomplished and creative practitioner/educator for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Theatre – Lighting Design position. The faculty member will be expected to teach courses in the BFA Theatre Design and Technology program, including Lighting Design, Stage Electrics, and Practicum classes. Additional coursework may include freshman core classes, including Design I and Design II. Experience with projection design, Vectorworks, Lightwright, and knowledge of various lighting equipment is desirable. The faculty member will serve as lighting designer for at least one mainstage production per academic year, while overseeing production crews and providing mentorship to undergraduate student designers. Lighting experience in other areas of live performance (including dance and opera) is ideal. Faculty are expected to serve on departmental, school, and university committees. Departmental responsibilities include (but are not limited to) student advising, participation in season planning, and curriculum assessment and execution. As per tenure and promotion requirements, faculty members are expected to maintain an active professional practice that supports their ongoing scholarship and/or creative work. Candidates should bring an enthusiastic commitment to teaching undergraduate students, a positive and collaborative approach to working with colleagues and guest artists, and the ability to support students as they transition to a career in professional live performance. Minimum Education and Experience Requirements: MFA in Lighting Design or an MFA in a related design area with significant experience in lighting. The candidate will ideally have at least three years of demonstrated teaching experience at the college, university, or an equivalent professional-training level at the time of application. The appointment begins on August 15, 2027. Review of materials will begin December 1st, 2026. Inquiries should be directed to the Chair of the Search Committee, Associate Professor of Theatre, David Gram: dgram@oakland.edu.

Minimum Qualifications

MFA in Lighting Design or an MFA in a related design area with significant experience in lighting design.

Preferred Qualifications

The candidate will ideally have at least 3 years of demonstrated teaching experience at the college, university, or an equivalent professional-training level at the time of application. Experience with projection design, Vectorworks, Lightwright, and knowledge of various lighting equipment is desirable.

Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply, please upload a cover letter, curriculum vitae, teaching statement, and unofficial transcripts. Please make sure a link is provided to a website or artist portfolio through Work Sample. Applicants will be asked for the names and email addresses of three references in the application process. References will be contacted to upload the letter of reference directly. Application materials will only be accepted through the online application system (mailed or emailed applications will not be considered).

Review of materials will begin December 1st and continue until the position is filled.

Inquiries should be directed to David Gram, Search Committee Chair, dgram@oakland.edu

School/College & Department/Program Summary

Oakland University’s School of Music, Theatre and Dance (SMTD) is a leading center of performing arts education in southeast Michigan, offering outstanding educational and performance opportunities to undergraduate, graduate students, and community members. SMTD students learn and grow as musicians, actors, dancers, designers, arts educators and researchers in a collaborative and supportive environment.

With approximately 125 students and nine full-time faculty, the Department of Theatre is a vibrant training program offering BFA degrees in Acting, Musical Theatre, Theatre Design and Technology; a BA in Theatre, and a theatre minor. Each year the department produces five mainstage productions (incl. plays, musicals, and a children’s touring show), two collaborations in partnership with our film program, and 3-6 student-directed projects. Our award-winning faculty’s work has been seen on international stages, Broadway, national tours, in major regional theatre’s across the country, and throughout the state of Michigan. Students have the opportunity to attend workshops and masterclasses with guest artists. Our summer study abroad program in Greece offers students the chance to learn about Greek theatre and culture, while also rehearsing and performing a Greek play. We strive to empower our students as they find their unique artistic voice, while emphasizing the business side of theatre.

More About Oakland University

The University is located on 1,443 acres of scenic land in the cities of Rochester Hills and Auburn Hills in Oakland County, Michigan. The University offers 142 bachelor’s degree programs and 138 graduate degree and certificate programs. Academics include programs in the College of Arts and Sciences, School of Business Administration, School of Education and Human Services, School of Engineering and Computer Science, School of Health Sciences, School of Medicine and School of Nursing. As an anchor institution in southeastern Michigan that is dedicated to building ongoing, collaborative relationships, Oakland University embraces community and civic engagement to enhance the lives of its students and positively impact the broader community. Learn more about Oakland University’s Mission & Vision and Strategic Plan.

Open Date

11/06/2026

Open Until Filled

Yes

Job Category

Full-time Faculty

EEO Statement

Oakland University is an Equal Opportunity institution.

Required Documents

• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Cover Letter
• Transcripts (unofficial)
• Teaching Statement
• Work Sample