Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre (scenic design)

THE COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON is now accepting applications for a full-time, nine-month Visiting Professor of Theatre position in the Department of Theatre and Dance, to begin August 15, 2025. The department is NAST-accredited and offers BA degrees in theatre and dance, a Musical Theatre certificate program, and an MAT in Theatre.

We seek a Scenic Design colleague to join our vibrant and diverse department. The successful candidate will 1) demonstrate excellence in collaboration, teaching, and mentorship in scenic design and related areas, 2) embrace a culturally responsive pedagogy, and 3) foster an innovative and dynamic learning environment through creative exploration.

Areas of secondary emphasis or specialization are open with preference in Scenic Painting and Properties, but may include: Video Design/Production, Sound Design/Engineering, Digital Media, or related topics.

Responsibilities include teaching courses in scenic design, scene painting, props design and construction, CAD and model-making, design fundamentals, introductory theatre courses, and related areas; production work including designing and mentoring student designers for our production season; service to the department/college, and continued professional activity/research.

Qualifications:

* MFA in Scenic Design or Theatre Production.

* Professional experience in theatre design.

* Prior undergraduate teaching experience is strongly preferred.

* Strong and effective teaching, organizational, collaborative, and interpersonal skills.

The newly renovated Simons Center for the Arts features an impressive design studio, updated costume and scenic shops, sleek conference and classrooms, art galleries, dramaturgical display cases, and performance venues, including our newest, state-of-the-art LED BlackBox Theatre. The city boasts a dazzling arts scene of professional dance, opera, and theatre companies, allowing for collaborations and professional opportunities for students and faculty. Charleston hosts the annual International Spoleto Festival USA, the largest performing arts festival in the country.

The College is located in historic downtown Charleston in a coastal metropolitan area of 750,000. Additional information about the institution and the surrounding area is available at https://www.charleston.edu/. The College of Charleston is a nationally recognized public liberal arts and sciences university in the heart of historic Charleston, SC. Since our founding in 1770, we have maintained a strong liberal arts curriculum. The College is a state-supported, comprehensive institution and ranks among the nation's top universities in providing quality education in the arts, sciences, education, and business. No other university has the unique combination of our exceptional faculty, diverse programs, historic campus, coastal location, modern facilities, and cutting-edge programs. The student body has over 10,000 students in undergraduate and graduate programs combined.

Apply online at JOBS. COFC. EDU. Submit through the online portal: letter of application, curriculum vitae, names and contact information for three references, link to an online portfolio, unofficial graduate transcripts (official transcripts will be required for hiring), and a statement of teaching philosophy.
Questions regarding the position can be directed to Dr. Gretchen McLaine, Department Chair, at mclaineg@cofc.edu. Review of applications will begin on May 15, 2025.

The College of Charleston is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group on the basis of sex, gender (including gender identity and/or expression), pregnancy, race, religion, color, national origin, age, disability, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, and other classifications protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. For more information, please visit eop.cofc.edu.