What are the responsibilities and job description for the Theatre Instructor - Scenic Design position at City of Santa Fe Springs?
Description
Summary:
Casper College invites applicants for a full-time Theatre Instructor and Scenic Designer position beginning Fall 2026. This individual will serve as a core member of the Theatre and Dance Department with a primary focus on teaching technical theatre courses, as well as the design, coordination, and construction of all Casper College theatre productions (4 per year). Additional tasks include advising students, overseeing shop workers, serving on various committees, and any additional administrative duties that enhance the student experience.
This is a full-time, nine-month faculty appointment with an initial one-year term and the potential for annual renewal.
Responsibilities
The faculty member conducts college courses in Theatre for students using a variety of appropriate teaching methods; meets all scheduled classes prepared to instruct; prepares teaching syllabi for courses of study; prepares materials to adequately evaluate student progress; reports midterm and final grades when appropriate; maintains accurate and adequate records; and establishes regular office hours for student consultation.
The faculty member performs other related duties as assigned, which include but are not necessarily limited to: advising students on academic curricula; serving on faculty committees; participating in faculty meetings; providing recommendations for preparation of departmental or divisional budgets; participating in the development of departmental curricula; and adhering to all institutional policies.
The faculty member keeps up with developments in the Scenic and Lighting field by reading current literature, communicating with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Additional departmental or school assignments may be established where appropriate.
Essential Duties
This individual will teach a 30-credit load per academic year, typically encompassing one class per semester, while overseeing the scenic and lighting design, build, and technical execution of two mainstage productions per semester within the department’s four-show season (a mix of plays, musicals, and one fully realized dance concert).
Minimum Qualifications:
Work Environment
Typical work environment is a classroom, theatre, stage, and office setting requiring normal safety precautions. Noise level is usually minimal to moderate. This position is exposed to production, stage, sound, and other related tools and equipment. Stage work may require accessing and working in small spaces, above the stage at height, and behind/below the stage in smaller areas. Work is usually performed during the normal workday; however, early morning, late evening, and weekend work will be required. Short periods of time will be spent outdoors, travelling between campus buildings in various weather conditions.
Physical Demands
Employee must be able to stand for long periods of time, speak, hear, use hands and fingers to handle materials, and use computer, feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee will occasionally stoop, kneel, and crouch. This employee may be required to walk while carrying items (lighting, scenic items, supplies, etc). Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds may be required. Work includes the use of hands to manipulate and use tools and equipment related to lighting/theatre design and production.
To Apply
Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.
Remote Work Eligibility
Unless otherwise noted, all positions provide vital support to Casper College and require the successful candidate be available to work on location at the Casper College campus.
Discover Exceptional Benefits at Casper College!
Benefits
At Casper College, we value our employees and are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and professional growth. Here's a glimpse of what’s included for full-time employees:
Working at Casper College comes with unique benefits you won’t find everywhere. All employees enjoy:
Dive into the full details of our benefits here.
01
Do you have a master's degree in the area of study listed in the job description?
Summary:
Casper College invites applicants for a full-time Theatre Instructor and Scenic Designer position beginning Fall 2026. This individual will serve as a core member of the Theatre and Dance Department with a primary focus on teaching technical theatre courses, as well as the design, coordination, and construction of all Casper College theatre productions (4 per year). Additional tasks include advising students, overseeing shop workers, serving on various committees, and any additional administrative duties that enhance the student experience.
This is a full-time, nine-month faculty appointment with an initial one-year term and the potential for annual renewal.
Responsibilities
The faculty member conducts college courses in Theatre for students using a variety of appropriate teaching methods; meets all scheduled classes prepared to instruct; prepares teaching syllabi for courses of study; prepares materials to adequately evaluate student progress; reports midterm and final grades when appropriate; maintains accurate and adequate records; and establishes regular office hours for student consultation.
The faculty member performs other related duties as assigned, which include but are not necessarily limited to: advising students on academic curricula; serving on faculty committees; participating in faculty meetings; providing recommendations for preparation of departmental or divisional budgets; participating in the development of departmental curricula; and adhering to all institutional policies.
The faculty member keeps up with developments in the Scenic and Lighting field by reading current literature, communicating with colleagues, and participating in professional conferences.
Additional departmental or school assignments may be established where appropriate.
Essential Duties
This individual will teach a 30-credit load per academic year, typically encompassing one class per semester, while overseeing the scenic and lighting design, build, and technical execution of two mainstage productions per semester within the department’s four-show season (a mix of plays, musicals, and one fully realized dance concert).
- Teaching courses such as Introduction to Theatre, Stagecraft, Introduction to Stage Design, Introduction to Design, and/or Stage Management, with additional courses assigned based on department need, faculty rotation, and area of expertise.
- Designing focus on scenery, and serving as technical director for four mainstage productions annually. Lighting support if experience and need arises.
- Managing the design, construction, and completion of scenic props and scenic painting.
- Overseeing scene shop operations including cleanliness, organization, maintenance, and safety compliance.
- Managing budgets, materials, and schedules related to scenic and lighting areas of production.
- Actively participating in the scene shop through hands-on construction and student oversight.
- Providing safety training and mentorship for students.
- Supervising work-study students and part-time staff.
- Collaborating with other departments or organizations utilizing shared theatre and shop facilities.
- Involvement in student recruitment and retention.
- Department service.
- Perform defined campus-wide duties, including holding office hours, attendance at department and school meetings, and adherence to department, school, and college policies and procedures.
- Communicate clearly with students, staff, and colleagues, both orally and in writing.
- Commitment to student recruitment, mentorship, and retention initiatives within the department and college.
Minimum Qualifications:
- MFA or MA in Theatre Production or Theatre Design
- Significant professional or academic experience in scenic design, with technical direction expertise.
- Demonstrated experience in prop shop operations, including construction and painting.
- Demonstrated knowledge of the history of decoration, furnishings, and architecture.
- Demonstrated ability to use and teach typical computer programs for theatre design and technology (Vectorworks, AutoCAD, and/or Sketchup).
- Working efficiently within financial constraints.
- Demonstrated dedication to teaching students from a variety of backgrounds with differing levels of experience.
- Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal skills.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate successfully as a member of a production team and colleague, fostering a positive learning environment, and proactively promoting student success within an academic theatre program.
- MFA Degree
- 1-3 years of college-level teaching experience with the ability to develop engaging and relevant coursework.
- Expertise in design/technical experience in digital media and dance.
- Lighting design
Work Environment
Typical work environment is a classroom, theatre, stage, and office setting requiring normal safety precautions. Noise level is usually minimal to moderate. This position is exposed to production, stage, sound, and other related tools and equipment. Stage work may require accessing and working in small spaces, above the stage at height, and behind/below the stage in smaller areas. Work is usually performed during the normal workday; however, early morning, late evening, and weekend work will be required. Short periods of time will be spent outdoors, travelling between campus buildings in various weather conditions.
Physical Demands
Employee must be able to stand for long periods of time, speak, hear, use hands and fingers to handle materials, and use computer, feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee will occasionally stoop, kneel, and crouch. This employee may be required to walk while carrying items (lighting, scenic items, supplies, etc). Occasional lifting of up to 50 pounds may be required. Work includes the use of hands to manipulate and use tools and equipment related to lighting/theatre design and production.
To Apply
- Completed Casper College Online Application with contact information for at least 3 professional references
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae
- Statement of Teaching Philosophy
- Link to Online Design Portfolio
- Copies of unofficial transcripts
- This is a benefited, 9-month position.
- Employment is contingent upon a successful background check.
- Official transcripts required upon hire.
- Further compensation is commensurate with additional approved graduate-level education.
Disclaimer: The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and the scope of the job may change as necessitated by business demands.
Remote Work Eligibility
Unless otherwise noted, all positions provide vital support to Casper College and require the successful candidate be available to work on location at the Casper College campus.
Discover Exceptional Benefits at Casper College!
Benefits
At Casper College, we value our employees and are proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and professional growth. Here's a glimpse of what’s included for full-time employees:
- Health Coverage You Can Count On: Medical (Cigna), Dental (Delta Dental of Wyoming), and Vision (VSP) insurance options.
- Outstanding Retirement Plans: We contribute an impressive 18.62% of your salary to your choice of the Wyoming Retirement System or TIAA, with additional deferred compensation plan options available.
- Tuition Benefits That Go Above and Beyond: Tuition waiver and assistance programs for you and your family.
- Financial Flexibility: Flexible spending accounts to help you save on healthcare and dependent care costs.
- Peace of Mind: Life insurance, pet insurance, ambulance insurance, and long-term disability coverage.
- Holistic Wellness Support: Membership in our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP).
- Work-Life Balance: Generous holiday schedules, plus vacation and sick leave for administrative and classified staff.
Working at Casper College comes with unique benefits you won’t find everywhere. All employees enjoy:
- Complimentary tickets to theatre and dance performances
- Free admission to athletic events
- Full access to the Casper College fitness center
- Exciting events throughout the year organized by our activities committee
- Professional development opportunities to help you thrive in your career
Dive into the full details of our benefits here.
01
Do you have a master's degree in the area of study listed in the job description?
- Yes
- No
- Required Question