Teaching Artist in Props and Scenic Art
University of Pittsburgh Department of Theatre Arts Start Date: Fall 2025
Term: One-year appointment, renewable for up to two additional years
The University of Pittsburgh’s Department of Theatre Arts is seeking a collaborative, organized, and dependable Teaching Artist with a dual specialization in Properties and Scenic Art. This is a hands-on position, ideal for an early-career artist looking to work closely with students in an educational setting.
Position Overview
The Teaching Artist in Props and Scenic Art will directly support the department’s production and educational missions in two primary areas:
•Properties: Serve as the Properties Supervisor for the department’s season, which currently includes four mainstage productions and two student-directed one-acts. Responsibilities include managing the prop shop, supervising student workers, and sourcing, building, or modifying props through purchases, rentals, loans, and fabrication.
•Scenic Painting: Work alongside faculty Scenic Charge Artists as one of two Paint Shop supervisors. This includes painting scenic elements under the direction of faculty or student scenic designers, mentoring student painters, and maintaining a safe, well-organized paint shop environment.
Design opportunities may be available for candidates interested in expanding their creative portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
•Oversee day-to-day operations of the prop shop and coordinate prop needs for departmental productions
•Supervise and mentor student workers in both the prop and paint shops
•Teach and model practical skills in props construction and scenic painting
•Contribute to the organization, cleanliness, and safety of all workspaces
•Foster a supportive and inclusive environment that promotes student learning
•Collaborate with faculty and production staff to meet production deadlines and artistic goals
Desired Qualifications
•BA, BFA, or equivalent professional experience in Theatre, Design, or related field
•Demonstrated skills in one or more of the following:
-Woodworking, metalworking, upholstery, sewing
-Mold making casting, paper-mâché, foam carving
-Scenic painting techniques, including texturing, color mixing, and surface treatments
•Experience managing or mentoring student workers
•Strong organizational and communication skills
•Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced educational theatre setting
•Capacity to lift 25 lbs, climb ladders, and engage in physical work as required
While prior teaching experience is a plus, it is not required. We are particularly interested in candidates who bring a willingness to mentor students and model professional standards in technical theatre and design.
Candidates will need to submit a CV, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references.
Candidates will need to submit a CV, cover letter, and contact information for three professional references.