Description:

The University of Houston's School of Theatre and Dance (SoTD) seeks candidates for a 9 month, non-tenure track Professor of Practice in Lighting Design and Technology, with an appointment beginning in the fall semester of the 2026/27 academic year. The role is designed for a highly qualified practitioner with a significant level of professional experience and teaching excellence at the university level. The successful candidate will teach courses in BFA Production and MFA Lighting Design, as well as serve as the head of that discipline.

Primary Responsibilities
• Teach classes in the BFA Production and MFA Design Areas
• Mentor BFA and MFA students whose focus is Lighting Design and Technology, including classroom instruction and throughout the design and tech process of SoTD productions.
• Recruit for BFA Production and MFA Design programs
• Attend regular SoTD faculty meetings and Production/Design Area meetings
• Service and committee duties as assigned by the Director of the School of Theatre and Dance.
• Design lights for a mainstage production as needed/desired.

Qualifications
• Master’s degree or equivalent significant professional experience in lighting design and technology
• Working knowledge of a wide variety of lighting equipment
• Outstanding communication skills
• Working knowledge of relevant software platforms
• Ability to adapt to new technologies

Applicants for the position are expected to exhibit the following core values and competencies:
• Passion, energy, equanimity and tenacity.
• Integrity, innovation and collegiality in all work.
• An ability to attract resources, including grants or other external sources of support that advance the school’s mission.
• An aptitude for building dynamic degree programs and recruiting top-tier students.
• An ability to find creative solutions to difficult problems.

The School of Theatre and Dance faculty are also committed to:
• Excellence in the arts, arts education and arts scholarship.
• Fostering student growth and success, both in the short term and in career trajectories.
• Collaboration with others, both within and across disciplines.

Application
Applicants will submit the following electronically: 1) cover letter; 2) CV; 3) list of at least three professional references. Additional materials may be requested later.

Review of applications will begin December 15, 2025, and continue until the position has been filled. Applications will begin to be reviewed on Jan. 20th, 2026. For primary consideration, please apply by that date. If you have questions, contact Search Committee Chair, Allison Pistorius, ampistor@central.uh.edu.

Salary
Salary and benefits package is competitive and commensurate with credentials. This appointment is for a Professor of Practice. The initial appointment is three (3) years, after which the faculty member is eligible for reappointment upon successful committee review.

Further information about the School of Theatre and Dance and the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts can be found at
https://www.uh.edu/kgmca/sotd/home.php and https://www.uh.edu/kgmca/.

Official transcripts are required for a faculty appointment and will be requested upon selection of the final candidates.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check. Individuals conducting research in critical infrastructure areas (i.e., communication infrastructure systems, cybersecurity systems, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment systems, and/or water treatment facilities) are subject to regular review to ensure the security and integrity of the research is maintained.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.