Professor of Practice – Scenic Artist/Props Artisan (Finance)
Department: Theatre Salary: Commensurate with experience
Description:
The School of Theatre and Dance in the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts at the University of Houston is seeking applications for a full-time, non-tenure-track, Professor of Practice with expertise in Scenic Art and Properties, beginning in Fall 2025. This 9-month faculty appointment includes a 2/2 teaching load and significant production responsibilities in support of the school's theatrical season.
The successful candidate will lead all scenic painting and props work for productions and collaborate closely with the school's production faculty and staff, as well as the College's Venue and Production Services team. The faculty member will also teach courses in scenic art, properties, and related areas, and mentor undergraduate and graduate students in hands-on production roles.
Production Responsibilities
• Lead the planning, creation, and execution of all scenic paint and stage properties for the School of Theatre and Dance productions
• Manage the day-to-day operation of the paint and props shops, including maintaining inventories and sourcing materials
• Collaborate with the production staff and faculty to develop seasonal work schedules, coordinate shop space usage, and submit weekly work reports
• Consult with directors and designers on the visual appearance and functionality of scenic and properties elements
• Supervise and schedule student crews and over-hire labor for scenic painting and props fabrication. Advise student workers and crews involved in props and paint areas, providing training in shop procedures, tool usage, and safety
• Manage the acquisition and procurement of all paint, texture materials, supplies, and equipment; monitor budgets related to paint and props
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe paint and properties shops, including biannual updates of Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and enforcement of all safety policies
• Ensure daily shop operations run efficiently by maintaining appropriate inventory levels and tracking materials, tools, and supplies
• Research and incorporate new materials and techniques to keep shops aligned with current industry standards
• Maintain the props stock and inventory system; serve as liaison for outside organizations interested in renting or borrowing props
Teaching and Mentorship Responsibilities
• Teach a 2/2 load of courses that may include:
- Scenic Painting
- Properties Technology
- Production Practicum
- Additional courses in scenic or props areas based on expertise and departmental needs
• Advise student projects and contribute to recruitment and retention efforts for the production areas
• Mentor undergraduate and graduate students in scenic painting and properties, including providing feedback on techniques such as sculpting, carving, texturing, and surface treatment.
Qualifications
• Bachelor's degree in Theatre or a related field required; MFA or equivalent professional experience strongly preferred
• Minimum of two years of professional experience in scenic art and properties fabrication in academic or professional theatre settings
• Demonstrated experience supervising production workflows and mentoring student artists or technicians
• Knowledge of a range of scenic painting techniques, faux finishes, and prop construction methods
• Strong understanding of shop safety, tool use, and material handling
• Excellent organizational and communication skills
School of Theatre & Dance faculty are also committed to:
• Excellence in the arts, arts education, and arts scholarship
• Fostering student growth and success
• Collaboration with others, both within and across disciplines.
Additional employment may be available during the summer with the Houston Shakespeare Festival, which is a part of the School of Theatre and Dance. The city of Houston has an active arts and theatre scene for additional creative work.
Applicants must submit the following electronically: 1) cover letter; 2) CV; 3) portfolio; 4) a list of at least three professional references who may be contacted as needed by the committee; 5) statement of teaching philosophy. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled.
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.
The University of Houston System and its universities are an Equal Opportunity Institution.
