What are the responsibilities and job description for the Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre, Scenic and Lighting Design position at Wilkes University?
Wilkes University invites applications for a one-year Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre position in Scenic and Lighting Design, beginning Fall 2026. The Wilkes University Theatre Program offers a BFA in Musical Theatre, a BA in Theatre Arts, a BFA in Theatre Design and Technology, and minors in Theatre, Music, and Dance.
Position Responsibilities
The successful candidate will:
- Teach courses in scenic design, lighting design, and related areas aligned with their expertise as part of a 4/4 teaching load.
- Design scenic and lighting elements for annual mainstage productions, with course release provided.
- Contribute to the development and growth of the Design and Technology BFA, including student recruitment and mentoring.
- Supervise student assistants in scenic painting and props for productions.
- Actively participate in all aspects of the production process, including technical rehearsals, strikes, and general production work.
- Collaborate closely with a full-time Technical Director and Assistant Technical Director.
Required Qualifications
- MFA in Theatre Design or a related terminal degree.
- Demonstrated scenic and lighting design experience in both professional and academic settings.
- Minimum of 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 effectively with faculty, staff, directors, choreographers, and designers.
- Excellent communication and organizational skills.
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.
Application Process
To apply, please visit: https://wilkesuniversitycareers.applicantpro.com/jobs/
Applicants should submit:
- A cover letter outlining qualifications and interest in the position
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- A statement of teaching interests and philosophy
- Names and contact information for three professional references
Review of applications will begin May 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled. Questions about the position may be directed 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.
Employment at Wilkes is contingent upon the results of a thorough background screening. PA Act 153 requires that persons working in positions with regular and unsupervised contact with minors complete additional clearances, including FBI fingerprinting and PA criminal and child abuse clearances.