Music and Theatre, in the School of Visual and Performing Arts at Fort Hays State University, invites applications for a full-time, 9-month tenure-track Assistant or tenure-track Associate Professor of Technical Theatre and Design position, beginning August 2026. We seek an engaging, highly skilled instructor who, in collaboration with the Director of Theatre, will support and foster theatre programming and activities at FHSU. Primary responsibilities include teaching two classes a semester (e.g. Stagecraft, Scenic Design, Lighting Design, Intro to Theatre, or other area of specialization), mentoring students involved in technical theatre and overall production design, and designing and constructing one show a semester. The Technical Director will be responsible for the upkeep of Felten-Start Theatre and shop space and will recruit, train, and supervise student labor in support of Felten-Start Theatre programming.
The successful candidate will build collaborative partnerships with local, state, and regional professionals to create a job pipeline for technical theatre students. Strong skills in problem solving, interpersonal relationships, communication, creative thinking, and innovation, coupled with a readiness to think outside the box, will be essential to this position.
Physical labor is required; an ideal candidate must be able to lift 50 pounds and climb ladders.
Minimum qualifications:
- Masters in Theatre (M.F.A. or M.A.), or a Master’s in a related field with relevant professional experience in Theatre, or 6 years of experience in lieu of degree.
- Experience in designing, constructing scenery, and lights for shows
- Experience managing students in a scene shop, including teaching safety and maintenance
- At least three years of experience with scenic design, construction, installing, and strike processes
- At least one year of experience teaching at the college, university, or secondary level
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with projection design
- Experience with sound engineering/design
Responsibilities:
- Collaborate and work cooperatively as a team player with theatre faculty, staff, guest artist, students, and campus community
- Collaborate with the Director of Theatre in support of programming, scheduling and budgeting the theatre season
- Develop and engage in a creative scholarship agenda that supports and amplifies the discipline of technical theatre
- Engage in service at the program, college, and university levels
- Contribute through leadership and service to the shared governance of the program, school, college, and university
- Actively recruit participants to the program
- Pursue and implement opportunities for program growth and development, including possible interdisciplinary partnerships in areas such as art, design, and technology
- Maintain and coordinate all aspects of ongoing productions for the length of each show’s run, including rigging, lighting, audio, and scenic construction
- Maintain organized, clean, and safe workspaces
- Maintain equipment inventories
- Attend all meetings, technical rehearsals, dress rehearsals, and performances as requested
- Work with Director of Theatre and Chair of Music and Theatre on long-term projects and needs
- Work with Director of Theatre and Chair of Music and Theatre on the purchasing, borrowing, and renting of equipment and materials required for scenic plans, which includes maintaining relationships with vendors and local partners
- Adhere to and oversee proper safety guidelines and practices
FHSU Music and Theatre is committed to building a community of collaborative teacher-artists with diverse skills from a multitude of backgrounds. We are engaged in the process of discovering what a 21st-century music and theatre program can be and expanding access to students in western Kansas and around the globe. Music and Theatre treats community-engaged work in teaching, scholarship, and/or service as legitimate and important areas of faculty activity, of comparable value to high-impact classroom teaching and mentorship, the scholarship of discovery, and the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Rank: Assistant or Associate Professor, depending on experience and qualifications.
Appointment Date: August 2026
Benefits: To review our competitive benefit package, please visit
FHSU Benefits.
Application Deadline: Screening of applications will begin September 29, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.
Required Application Documents:
- Cover letter that addresses the candidate’s skills and qualifications for this position, no more than two pages in length.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Links/access to a design portfolio.
- Names and contact information for three professional references.
Applicant documents should be submitted in a single PDF.
If you have questions regarding the position, please contact:
Ben Cline, Chair, Music and Theatre Programs
About the Program:
Music and Theatre, in the School of Visual and Performing Arts, consists of 15 full-time-faculty and offers B.M. degrees in Music Education, Music Performance, and Music Composition, a B.A. in Music, and minors in music and theatre. The program offers a wide variety of performances to the public including music theatre, instrumental and vocal ensembles, chamber music, the Tiger Marching Band, the Hays Symphony, theatrical performances, and faculty artist and guest artist recitals. The program is housed in Malloy Hall and consists of two rehearsal halls, a theatre, several classroom spaces, practice rooms, and faculty studios. We are committed to discovering what a 21st century music and theatre program can be and expanding access to students in the region and around the globe. For more information visit
https://www.fhsu.edu/music-and-theatre/
School of Visual and Performing Arts Mission Statement:
The School of Visual and Performing Arts is a vibrant and diverse artistic community that fosters and inspires the creative potential of students, cultivating their artistic visions for the future as they prepare for meaningful and successful lives in the arts. We promote and respect creativity, expression, and diversity in all its forms.
School of Visual and Performing Arts Vision Statement:
The School of Visual and Performing Arts is dedicated to advancing human creativity and inspiring students to be change-makers within their communities.
Community of Hays
FHSU is located in Hays, a vibrant college town of approximately 20,000, located halfway between Kansas City and Denver on Interstate 70. Hays is the regional center for education, health care, professional services, shopping, culture, and recreation for the western half of Kansas. The community boasts excellent recreational programs and facilities, including the comprehensive Center for Health Improvement, Hays Aquatic Park, Smoky Hill Country Club, Hays Municipal Golf Course, and extensive walking, running, and biking trails. Hays is within 45 minutes of two large lakes that offer great opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Hays Municipal Airport provides connecting service to Denver with several flights daily. The Hays community is home to excellent Pre-K and K-12, public and private schools. With over 60 restaurants, major retail outlets, a low unemployment rate, and very short commute times, the city provides a safe, welcoming, low-cost, high-quality living environment for the residents who call "Hays, America" home.
Notice of Non-discrimination – Fort Hays State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, national origin, color, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability or veteran status.
Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check.
Notice to KPERS retirees applying for a position: Recent legislation changes working-after-retirement rules for both you and your employer if you go back to work for a KPERS employer. Please contact your KPERS representative or
www.kpers.org for further information on how this might affect you.
