Adjunct - Intro to Technical Theatre

ACU is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. This position requires the employee to be a professing Christian and to be willing to support the Christian mission of ACU.

‌

Duties

1) Serve as the instructor for Introduction to Technical Theatre, a foundational course introducing ACU Theatre’s first-year BFA students to the principles, practices, and vocabulary of theatrical design and production. The course will equip students from all BFA concentrations with the foundational technical skills necessary to participate effectively in ACU Theatre productions and understand the collaborative relationship among performance, design, and production.

2) Lead 31 BFA freshmen through hands-on training in costume construction, including:

• Costume and scenic-shop vocabulary

• Proper shop procedures and safety practices

• Hand-stitching and sewing-machine techniques

• Accurate measuring and introductory patterning

• Fabric identification, selection, and care

• Foundational principles of color and design

• Construction of basic costume pieces

• Proper use and maintenance of essential costume-shop tools and equipment

3) Provide clear demonstrations, supervise practical assignments, assess student progress, and foster a safe, collaborative, and professional shop environment.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this beginning-level course, students will be able to:

• Identify and correctly use foundational costume- and scenic-shop vocabulary.

• Demonstrate safe and responsible practices when working in theatrical shops.

• Identify, operate, and properly care for basic hand tools and sewing equipment.

• Perform basic hand-stitching and machine-sewing techniques.

• Take accurate body measurements and record them using professional terminology.

• Read, interpret, and use introductory commercial or theatrical patterns.

• Identify common fabric types and explain their basic properties and appropriate uses.

• Apply introductory principles of color, texture, shape, and visual storytelling to costume work.

• Construct or alter a basic costume piece using both hand and machine techniques.

• Follow instructions, manage materials, and complete assigned projects within established deadlines.

• Collaborate effectively with classmates, designers, technicians, and production personnel.

• Demonstrate an understanding of how costume and scenic departments contribute to the overall theatrical production process.

Qualifications

1) The successful candidate will possess an MFA in Theatre Design, Costume Design, Technical Theatre, or a closely related discipline. Candidates with an equivalent combination of graduate-level education, professional training, teaching experience, and significant professional standing may also be considered.

2) The candidate should demonstrate:

• Extensive knowledge of technical theatre and design, with particular expertise in costume construction, stitching, industrial and domestic sewing machinery, patterning, fabric selection, fitting, and draping.

• Experience working on large-scale theatrical productions in an academic, regional, or professional setting.

• A professional résumé demonstrating active engagement and recognized standing in theatre design and production.

• The ability to provide effective one-on-one instruction and lead large groups of students at both beginning and advanced skill levels.

• A broad appreciation for all areas of technical theatre and design, including the ways visual aesthetics support character, storytelling, and the overall theatrical experience.

• The ability to introduce students to safe and effective practices when using theatrical tools, machinery, materials, and equipment.

• Strong communication, organization, collaboration, and classroom leadership skills.

• A commitment to student learning and to supporting the Christian mission and educational values of Abilene Christian University.

ACU does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets. Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions. As a current employee, it will be determined if you need an additional background check upon your hire.