Position Summary:

Job Description:

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

APPLICATION DEADLINE: March 16, 2026 at 11:59pm (MST.)

Additional Information on Western and Gunnison/Crested Butte

Western Colorado University is a public institution with an enrollment of ~3,700 students. 47% of students are undergraduates, 33% are graduate students, and 80% receive some form of financial aid. Western students represent 17 countries, 50 states, and almost every county in Colorado. With an average class size of 17, Western’s faculty and staff share a strong commitment to personalized, rigorous, and immersive education. Visit http://www.western.edu to learn more about the university.

Western Colorado University is located in Gunnison, Colorado, about 200 miles southwest of Denver amidst over 2 million acres of public land and a vibrant ranching community. The Gunnison valley provides robust cultural programming and exceptional outdoor recreation. A network of dedicated community organizations enrich the lives of many in the tight-knit community. Living in the valley, one appreciates a vibrant culture of festivals, exhibitions, performances, wellness activities, and more. In the winter, many enjoy skiing at Crested Butte Mountain Resort and along dozens of miles of cross-country trails. In the summer, bikers, hikers, and runners explore 750-plus miles of singletrack trails, while others delight in fishing, boating, and paddleboarding at Blue Mesa Reservoir or on the Gunnison River and its tributaries. Pre-K-12 students are served by the highly-ranked Gunnison Watershed School District.

Western Colorado University encourages qualified candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Western is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants in accordance with applicable law.

An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets.

Western Colorado University believes that equity, diversity, and inclusion drive our success, and we encourage candidates from all identities, backgrounds, and abilities to apply. Western is an equal opportunity employer committed to building inclusive, innovative work environments with employees who reflect our communities and enthusiastically serve them. Therefore, in all aspects of the employment process, we provide employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, medical condition related to pregnancy, creed, ancestry, national origin, marital status, genetic information, or military status (for state classified positions, with preference given to military veterans), or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. Please see our diversity statement, and our DEII Committee charge.

ADAAA ACCOMMODATIONS:

Western Colorado University is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Western will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or performing essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to the Office of Human Resources at HR@western.edu or (970) 943-3140.

WESTERN COLORADO UNIVERSITY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER INCLUDING DISABILITY/VETERANS

Lecturer in Immersive Arts & Production

Benefits

Job Description