Lecturer in Immersive Arts & Production

POSITION:  Western Colorado University invites applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track Lecturer in Immersive Arts & Production in the School of the Arts. This faculty position supports Western’s commitment to experiential, interdisciplinary, and student-centered learning while providing instructional and production support for the Theatre program.   

The successful candidate will play a central role in developing and leading a School of the Arts immersive, public-facing learning experience that brings together students from Art, Theatre, Film, Music, Graphic Design, and Industrial Design. Theatre serves as the instructional home and a primary production laboratory for this position, grounding interdisciplinary collaboration in professional production practices and public performance.  This position reports to the Dean of the School of the Arts. 

Western supports its faculty by fostering a collaborative and innovative academic community. Our Teaching and Learning Center (TLC) actively engages faculty, staff, and administrators in cross-campus initiatives designed to reimagine WCU’s educational landscape, rooted in diverse expertise and committed to continuous growth. The Professional Activity Fund (PAF) provides financial support for faculty engaged in research, artistic projects, grant writing, and other scholarly or creative activities, with three application opportunities each year. 

Theatre Program Responsibilities (60%) 

• Typically teach 2-3 courses per year which could include stagecraft, stage management courses and introductory theatre or school of the arts courses.    

• Contribute to production planning to ensure Theatre productions remain educationally meaningful, achievable, and well-supported. 

• Provide ongoing design and technical support for 3–4 Theatre Program productions per academic year. 

• Support scenic realization, lighting coordination, and integration of sound, costumes for designated productions. 

• Supervise and mentor student crews, designers, and student leaders, emphasizing safety, professionalism, and collaborative practice. 

General School of the Arts Responsibilities (40%) 

• In collaboration with students and faculty: design, coordinate, and steward a cross-disciplinary immersive arts learning experience, engaging students in the fall and culminating in a public immersive experience in the spring. Intended initial launch, Fall 2027. 

• Specific duties will vary from year to year in support of interdisciplinary design and production needs across the school of arts. 

• Depending on interest and needs, teach a course in non-theatre program with the School of the Arts. 

• Develop and oversee upper division student leadership and mentorship roles that support first-year students through design, production, and execution of immersive experiences. 

• Support assessment, reflection, and ongoing improvement of immersive and experiential learning initiatives within the School of the Arts. 

Learn more about the department at: https://western.edu/department/school-of-the-arts/.   

Western is unable to sponsor work authorization for this position.    

QUALIFICATIONS:  

Required 

• Master’s degree in Theatre, Technical Theatre, Production Design, Scenic Design, or a closely related field.  Collegiality and professional flexibility are sought in the successful candidate. 

• Demonstrated experience supporting theatrical production, including scenic construction, lighting, and/or integrated production practices. 

• Ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines within a School of the Arts context. 

• Strong communication, organizational, and mentorship skills. 

• Ability to work effectively in a residential, undergraduate-focused university environment. 

      Preferred 

• MFA or terminal degree in Theatre, Technical Theatre, Production Design, Scenic Design, or a closely related field. 

• Demonstrated commitment to undergraduate, student-centered, experiential learning. 

• Experience teaching Stagecraft, Introduction to Theatre, or related courses. 

• Experience supporting multiple theatrical productions per academic year in an educational setting. 

• Experience with interdisciplinary, immersive, or public-facing arts projects, including devised theatre, installation-based work, or collaborative design/performance environments. 

• Experience mentoring student designers, technicians, or project leads. 

• Familiarity with project-based learning, peer mentorship models, or first-year learning experiences. 

• Proficiency with computer aided design (CAD) systems. 

SALARY/BENEFITS:$50,000 - $53,000 annualized salary. Western offers an excellent benefits package including shared premiums for a comprehensive health insurance plan, dental insurance, retirement plan, life insurance, and other insurance options. After one year of employment, Western provides free tuition for dependents enrolled full time in undergraduate programs for up to four years.  

START DATE:August 1, 2026  

APPLICATION:Apply online at www.western.edu/jobs.  Required attachments to the application include: letter of application, curriculum vitae, evidence of successful interdisciplinary collaboration and a reference list with names and contact information of three references, including one from a current supervisor. 

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information. 

Please direct questions to Dr. Ashley Carlson, Interim Dean of the School of the Arts acarlson@western.edu