Instructor, Assistant Technical Direction

Full Time • We offer a competitive salary & benefits package

University of South Carolina - Department of Theatre & Dance - Columbia, SC
https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/artsandsciences/theatre_and_dance/

Description

Department of Theatre and Dance
Instructor, Assistant Technical Direction

The faculty of the Department of Theatre and Dance at the University of South Carolina, Columbia campus, invites applications for a full time, professional-track position at the rank of instructor to begin January 1, 2026. The position is a 9-month appointment with a workload equivalent to teaching four courses per semester divided among traditional teaching and technical direction for theatre productions. This is an annual appointment that may be renewed contingent upon Dean’s approval, satisfactory performance, departmental needs, and the availability of funding.

Candidates must have an M.A. or M.F.A. in Theatre or comparable professional experience in technical direction for theatre by the start of the appointment. The primary duty of the Assistant Technical Director is to assist the Technical Director in the implementation of all scenic activities (scenery construction, painting, and props) for departmental mainstage productions. Applicants must have the ability to promote a collaborative, team-based environment while fulfilling artistic visions and production deadlines.

Job responsibilities will include serving as Assistant Technical Director for mainstage theatrical productions each year by helping faculty and staff achieve departmental production and educational goals. Under the direction of the Technical Director, the Assistant Technical Director oversees and constructs scenic elements that fulfill designers’ artistic visions. Duties include but are not limited to: maintaining equipment, inventory, and upkeep of shop and theatre spaces; interpreting construction drawings, building scenery, and purchasing materials and supplies for productions; managing projects, in collaboration with the Technical Director, to ensure the fulfillment of production vision, schedules, and deadlines; establishing and maintaining production budgets and expenditures; assisting with load into and load out of theatrical venues; teaching courses in stagecraft or related topics such as scenic design, advanced production design for theatre, elements of design, or special topics in theatre; and supervising part-time staff and/or students who are employed and/or completing experiential, laboratory placements in theatre production studios while ensuring proper training and adherence to safety procedures/standards. This position requires being comfortable with heights and working on ladders, possession of a valid driver’s license, and the ability to lift 50 pounds. Successful candidates will be proficient in scenic carpentry, welding and metal working, computer-aided drafting, basic computer skills, and theatrical rigging, and possess basic understanding/experience in scenic painting, and properties construction.

From the Upstate to the Lowcountry, the University of South Carolina system is transforming the lives of South Carolinians through the impact of our eight institutions and 20 locations throughout the state. More than 50,000 students are enrolled at one of eight institutions, including the research campus in Columbia and comprehensive four-year universities in Aiken, Upstate and Beaufort. In addition, our Palmetto College campuses in Salkehatchie, Union, Lancaster and Sumter enable students to earn associate or bachelor’s degrees through a combination of in-person, online or blended learning. All of our system institutions place strong emphasis on service — helping to build healthier, more educated communities in South Carolina and beyond.

The Department of Theatre and Dance

The Department of Theatre and Dance is a dynamic, collaborative community that includes two of the University's most vibrant and visible programs. Students pursue a strong liberal arts undergraduate education or highly specialized graduate degrees in Acting, Theatre Design and Technology, Theatre Education, and Directing. Students gain practical experience and develop artistic skills through annual public performance seasons, educational conservatories, workshops, film projects, and community-engaged performances.

The Theatre program is committed to high-quality productions as an essential component of preparing students for work in the profession. Our students perform in a range of unique venues, from historic, arena-style Longstreet Theatre to our intimate black box, all located across the University's downtown Columbia campus. Our venues include Longstreet Theatre (250 seat arena stage), Drayton Hall (404 seat proscenium theatre), The Lab Theatre (90 seat flexible black box), and 707 Catawba Studio Theatre (60 seat flexible space). 

The Department of Theatre and Dance is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST), National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD), and is a member of the University/ Resident Theatre Association (U/RTA). The department offers the M.F.A. (directing, acting, and design emphasis in scenery, costume, or lighting), M.A., M.A.T., and B.A. degree programs in theatre. For more information about our department, please visit our website at https://sc.edu/study/colleges_schools/artsandsciences/theatre_and_dance/.

The University of South Carolina is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution. Women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities or decisions for qualified persons on the basis of age, ancestry, citizenship status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender (including transgender), gender identity or expression, genetic information, HIV/AIDs status, military status, national origin, pregnancy (false pregnancy, termination of pregnancy, childbirth, recovery therefrom or related medical conditions, breastfeeding), race, religion (including religious dress and grooming practices), sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other bases under federal, state, local law, or regulations.

How to Apply

Review of applications begins October 15, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled. Applicants should submit the following materials:

•  Letter of Application (Cover Letter that includes teaching philosophy and how qualifications align with the position duties)
•  Curriculum Vitae
•  Contact Information for 3 references. Letters of Reference will be solicited after initial review.

Inquiries about the search and/or the position may be directed to the chair of the search committee, Senior Instructor, Sam Gross, at GROSSD@mailbox.sc.edu.

All applicants must apply online at USCJobs at https://uscjobs.sc.edu.

To apply for this job

Apply online at https://uscjobs.sc.edu/postings/192127