Assistant Professor of Scenic Design

Overview: Illinois Wesleyan University invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Scenic Design (Teaching Track) in the School of Theatre Arts. The start date for this position is August 15, 2026.

The School of Theatre Arts seeks industrious colleagues whose work in higher education, artistic or scholarly achievements, and professional service has prepared them to contribute to a legacy of thoughtful collaboration, rigorous creative training and pedagogy, and student-centered teaching. Our team culture embraces a multiplicity of backgrounds, worldviews, and expertise within its student, faculty, and staff constituencies. We welcome applications from any candidate whose experience, identity, and viewpoint might broaden and strengthen the quality of our work, ambition of our goals, and perspectives as storytellers.

About the Teaching Track: The teaching track focuses on developing and delivering innovative curricula as well as contributing to the success of students, the department, and the university. It is a renewable appointment built on consecutive six-year contracts. Typically initial appointments are at the rank of Assistant Professor, with the possibility of promotion to the ranks of Associate Professor and Professor. While not eligible for tenure, appointments on the teaching track are designed to support long-term engagement and professional growth. Teaching track faculty are eligible for sabbatical following the successful renewal of the initial six-year contract and every seven years thereafter. Additional benefits for the position include:

• three course releases to be taken in the first six years of appointment
• the possibility of modest start-up funds
• information about internal grant opportunities and external grant development support, which are available online: Faculty Development

About IWU: Founded in 1850, Illinois Wesleyan University (IWU) is a nationally ranked, small, private undergraduate liberal arts university with highly selective admission criteria and a tradition of teaching excellence emphasizing the integration of the liberal arts and professional education. We are strongly committed to fostering an environment that values varied perspectives and backgrounds.

Located in central Illinois, Bloomington-Normal is a metropolitan region with a small town feel, about two and a half hours from three major cities (Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis) and easily accessible via Amtrak, local airports, and major highways. Our proximity to other regional markets (Detroit, Cincinnati, Louisville, Madison, Milwaukee, Minneapolis) makes “Blo-No” a convenient home base for travel to short-term and seasonal contract opportunities.

About SoTA: The School of Theatre Arts (SoTA) trains well-rounded and enterprising storytellers who excel at creative problem-solving, collaboration, and communication. Our students engage deeply with theatre and creative media while developing skills that empower them to thrive in multidisciplinary professional contexts. The program serves a vibrant community of over 75 students across four unique degrees, as well as minors and certificates.

Description: This position requires substantial engagement with design curricula and student mentorship across the program. The successful candidate will teach a scaffolded sequence of introductory-through-advanced design, focusing on world building as it relates to material and visual cultures. The successful candidate is expected to collaborate across the season as a Scenic Designer and teach a biennial lecture course on the History of Décor. SoTA faculty also work together to fulfill our commitment to the university’s Shared Curriculum.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate will fulfill the responsibilities listed below, contribute to faculty governance through campus committee service and engage with appropriate professional development. Professional development funding is available, as is mentoring both within and outside of the department.

• An eight-course teaching load (4/4) per year, divided between production assignments, the core teaching described above, and other individualized areas of expertise: e.g. Drafting, Rendering, Properties, Scenic Painting, etc.
• Academic advising and student recruitment within the discipline
• Co-facilitation of professional development opportunities for students alongside other faculty
• Professional achievement and activity: Teaching track faculty are expected to maintain currency in the profession and pedagogy. While scholarly or artistic achievement is not mandatory, it may help with promotion.
• School and University service

Qualifications:

• MFA and/or Ph.D. in Scenic Design, Production Design, Design for Theatre and Entertainment, or other closely related fields and a strong commitment to excellence in undergraduate education. Preference will be given to candidates with prior teaching experience at the university level.
• Demonstrated artistic/professional development and design experience.
• Additional preferred qualifications may include membership with the United States Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT), the International Alliance for Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE), United Scenic Artists Local USA 829, and/or affiliations with the Association for Theatre in Higher Education (ATHE) and others.
• Individuals specifically equipped to further contribute to production pursuits as a Scenic Painter, Props Artisan, and/or Carpenter are encouraged to apply.

Compensation and Benefits:

• The salary range for this position begins at $58,000-$61,000 based on experience.
• This is a nine-month appointment.
• An overview of Employee Benefits is available online.

Application Information: Please submit the following as a single PDF:

1. a cover letter addressing qualifications
2. a curriculum vitae
3. a statement that:
4. explains your philosophy as both a teacher and collaborator
5. addresses how your practice in the classroom and production process fosters environments that value a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds
6. names and contact information for three professional references
7. unofficial copies of all academic transcripts
8. portfolio or website, if available

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position has been filled.

Applications and questions can be directed to the Search Chair: Anna Corvera (acorvera@iwu.edu)

No phone calls, please.

An overview of Employee Benefits is available online. Illinois Wesleyan University may offer H-1B or other work authorization visa sponsorship for this position. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and maintain work authorization throughout the employment term.

Illinois Wesleyan University is committed to recruiting, supporting, and fostering a community that values a wide range of perspectives and backgrounds among our outstanding faculty, staff, and students. We seek candidates who have a demonstrated commitment to contributing to and enhancing our community in these areas. Illinois Wesleyan University is an EEO Employer. Illinois Wesleyan University’s Sexual Misconduct Policy may be accessed online. Illinois Wesleyan University is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to promoting excellence through a variety of viewpoints; read our Statement of Non-Discrimination online.