Assistant Professor of Theatre Design

Job Description

Job Description

Wilkes University invites applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Theatre Design (Scenic and Sound) in the Division of Performing Arts, beginning Fall 2027. The Division offers a BFA in Musical Theatre, a BA in Theatre Arts, and a BFA in Theatre Design and Technology, along with minors in Theatre, Music, and Dance.

The successful candidate is responsible for:

• Designing scenery and sound for the Division's four annual mainstage productions
• Teaching five courses per year in scenic design, sound design, and other areas of expertise
• Helping grow and develop the BFA in Theatre Design and Technology, including recruiting and mentoring students
• Supervising scenic painting, set dressing, and props assistants
• Leading and taking part in production processes, including technical rehearsals, strikes, and shop work
• Maintaining an active record of scholarly and creative work
• Contributing to university service

The position works alongside a full-time Technical Director and Assistant Technical Director, who provide production support. An MFA in Theatre Design or a related field is required. The ideal candidate will have prior scenic and sound design experience in both professional and university settings, as well as university-level experience teaching design. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

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 Please be sure to include a cover letter, curriculum vitae, samples of creative work (portfolio or website link), and contact information for three references. Review of applications begins December 1, 2026, and continues until the position is filled.

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.