What are the responsibilities and job description for the Faculty of Practice, Theatre, Scenic and Lighting Design position at Wilkes University?
The Wilkes University Division of Performing Arts seeks highly qualified applicants for a full-time, non-tenure-track Faculty of Practice position in Theatre Scenic and Lighting Design, beginning in Fall 2026 pending available funding. The Wilkes University Theatre program offers a BFA in Musical Theatre, a BA in Theatre Arts, and a BFA in Theatre Design and Technology, as well as minors in Theatre, Music, and Dance.
The successful candidate will:
- Design scenic elements and lighting elements for mainstage productions.
- Teach courses each academic year in scenic design, lighting design, and related areas aligned with the candidate's expertise.
- Play a key role in developing and growing the Design and Technology BFA, including student recruitment and mentoring.
- Oversee student assistants in scenic painting and props for productions.
- Actively participate in all aspects of the production process, including technical rehearsals, strikes, and ongoing production work.
- Collaborate with a full-time Technical Director and Assistant Technical Director.
Appointments are made on a 9-month basis and are renewed annually. Faculty of Practice are afforded all privileges of other full-time faculty, including rights to vote and participate in faculty governance and the protection of academic freedom. In addition to teaching, faculty are expected to participate in service activities at the department, college, and university levels, including developing the curriculum of the BFA degree in the Design and Technology program and will also be responsible for advising and mentoring undergraduate students.
Required Qualifications:
- MFA in Theatre Design or a related terminal degree.
- Demonstrated scenic and lighting design experience in both professional and university settings.
- Minimum two years of university-level teaching in scenic and/or lighting design.
Experience with:
- Scenic painting and properties management.
- Design software, such as CAD and Vectorworks.
- Lighting programming and technologies, including moving lights, projection, and digital visualization.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with faculty, staff, directors, choreographers, and designers.
- Excellent communication and organizational abilities.
Wilkes University is an independent, comprehensive university dedicated to academic excellence in the liberal arts, sciences, and selected professional programs. The University has approximately 2,000 students at the undergraduate level and over 1,500 full time equivalent students at the graduate and first professional levels.
Its institutional focus is on developing strong mentoring relationships with each of its students and contributing vitally to economic development of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The University is located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, a revitalized city that is located on the lovely Susquehanna River and is within two and one-half hours driving distance of New York City and Philadelphia.
To apply, visit https://wilkesuniversitycareers.applicantpro.com/jobs/. Please submit the following materials:
- A cover letter highlighting qualifications and interest in the position
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Statement that covers teaching interests & philosophy
- Names and contact information of three professional references
Additionally, please arrange to have three letters of reference sent directly from each author to: Jon Liebetrau (jon.liebetrau@wilkes.edu), Chairperson for the Division of Performing Arts.
The position will remain open until filled with preference given to candidates submitting all the required materials by 15 December 2025. Questions about this position can be sent to jon.liebetrau@wilkes.edu. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Wilkes University is constantly seeking to become a more diverse community and to enhance its capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings. The University strongly encourages applications from persons with diverse backgrounds. Wilkes University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.