Job Information
Ohio University Visiting Professor of Lighting Design and Technology in Athens, Ohio
Job Description:
Ohio University’s School of Theater seeks a visiting faculty member in Lighting to join us as we prepare to move into the dynamic Patton Center for Arts Education, a new building designed with a focus on the next generation of multi-discipline artists. With alumni working in arts industries worldwide, the School of Theater has built its reputation on the development of individual artistic capacity. We strive to encourage our students to realize their own unique potential and vision. This faculty member would contribute to the delivery of the overall curriculum of the Production Design and Technology Area, and provide artistic and educational leadership for the MFA and BFA programs. With a balanced focus on both the theoretical/aesthetic phenomena of design and the practical applications of realized productions, the School of Theater values process-based methodologies that prepare students to be theater innovators for the 21st century.
The School of Theater is comprised of 26 faculty and staff who support over 200 undergraduates and 30 graduate students in BFA , BA, and MFA programs. We produce a full season of shows each academic year and are proud to host Tantrum Theater, Ohio University’s professional theater, as well as Vibrancy Theater.
This is a nine-month appointment beginning on August 16, 2026. This position maybe renewable up to three years.
Responsibilities:
Responsibilities include teaching lighting design and technology in MFA and BFA programs. Provide artistic, educational leadership and professional connections for the lighting design and lighting technician areas. Critically important is strong supervision and mentorship of student designers, electricians and programmers, including portfolio guidance and facilitating professional internships. Depending on student capacity, lighting design for productions may also be required. This position requires days, nights, and weekends, including, but not limited to, technical and dress rehearsals. Hours required as dictated by academic and production schedules.
The Production Design and Technology program is committed to a collaborative design process and professional training in theatrical design and technology, preparing students for careers in a full range of markets.
Minimum Qualifications:
MA or MFA terminal degree in Lighting Design, or closely related field by the start date of appointment or may request approval for consideration using the equivalent or tested experience outlined in Ohio University policy 18.001 (https://www.ohio.edu/policy/18-001) .
Preferred Qualifications:
High degree of interpretive, interpersonal, problem solving and communication skills.
Ability to teach theatrical lighting design in MFA and BFA programs; Introduction to Design, Introduction to Technology, three levels of Lighting Design, Programming with ETC consoles, Electrics, Vectorworks, Lightwright and any other associated software and/or paperwork.
Demonstrated skills in graduate and undergraduate-level teaching.
Electrician and Programming experience.
Experience and skills in Projection Design, and/or Performance Photography are an asset.
The ability to add to the diversity of perspectives within the School of Theater including through research, personal practice, and teaching philosophy.
Demonstrative ability to reimagine typical “Western canonical” curriculum by engaging with works that investigate many perspectives.
Ability to work in a collaborative relationship with faculty, staff, and students of all areas.
Strong background in professional theatrical design and/or entertainment industry, with connections to the New York or other significant professional theater market is an asset.
Planning Unit: College of Fine Arts
Department: School of Theater
Applicants may contact this person if they have questions about this position: Merri Biechler, biechler@ohio.edu
Employment Type: full-time term
QuickLink: 56490