Purpose of Position
The Department of Music, Theatre and Dance at Christopher Newport University invites applications for the position of Lecturer in Theater specializing in Scene Design, effective August, 2026. This position is a full-time, non-tenure-track appointment with a nominal teaching load of 4-4, and is eligible for appropriate releases for design/production assignments. The successful candidate will be expected to teach studio classes in scene design and drawing & drafting, intro to theater, and other areas of specialization for both majors and non-majors. Furthermore, the successful candidate will integrate technologies of 3D-visualization, 3D-printing, and be proficient with Vectorworks and/or AutoCAD. Production responsibilities include serving as Scenic Designer for four shows in our mainstage season. Supervising teams of students in properties and scenic painting is part of the Scenic Design load. All CNUTheater Faculty participate in departmental advising and recruiting, and actively assist in the theater program’s continued development. The successful candidate will be committed to undergraduate teaching within a liberal arts environment, and teaching in the Liberal Learning Core Curriculum is expected of all CNU faculty.

A terminal degree in Theatre, Scenic Design, Theatre Engineering or a closely related field, is required for appointment at the rank of Lecturer. Individuals who will not hold an MFA or Ph.D. by the time of appointment, but possess a master’s degree in a related field and/or who have extensive design experience, may be considered for appointment at the rank of Instructor.
Departmental Information
Theater & Dance at CNU is an energetic, production-driven program with 10 full-time faculty and 100 majors. The University offers a BA in theater with a choice of six concentrations and a popular dance minor. In addition to an ambitious production schedule, the program also offers an annual dance concert and various student directed performances. The Department is housed in the world-class Ferguson Center for the Arts boasting state-of-the-art studios and classrooms, fully equipped design labs and construction shops, and three distinct performance venues. The Theater and Dance faculty is comprised of highly credentialed theater professionals who maintain an atmosphere of collegiality and supportive collaboration. Candidates wishing to know more about the program and its exceptionally high production values are invited to visit http://www.cnu.edu/theatercnu.edu
CNU Information
Christopher Newport University is a public liberal arts and sciences institution dedicated to excellence in teaching, scholarship, research and student success. Our efforts are guided by our vision: “Anchored in excellence and focused on students, Christopher Newport University aspires to be the nation’s premier regional public university, offering an innovative education embedded in the liberal arts that advances the values of honor, service, scholarship, and leadership to empower graduates to lead lives of significance.”

Located in Newport News, Virginia, CNU enrolls approximately 4,500 undergraduate and graduate students in more than 90 areas of study. Our modern, walkable campus features world-class arts facilities, advanced technology, and a close-knit community that fosters collaboration and discovery. Just minutes from family neighborhoods, locally-owned businesses, historic sites, unique cultural attractions, and beautiful parks – and a short drive to beaches, Colonial Williamsburg, and Norfolk – CNU offers an exceptional place to advance your career, contribute to a community of scholars, and inspire the next generation.

Christopher Newport University is committed to ensuring that all people are welcomed, honored, and fully engaged in the life of our academic community. We recruit exceptional and diverse faculty and encourage applications from individuals who are underrepresented in their profession. For further details and information about Christopher Newport, visit http://www.cnu.edu.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number F262P
Posting Date
Review Begin Date 01/01/2026
Application Instructions
To apply, please visit https://jobs.cnu.edu/postings/ to upload a letter of interest, current curriculum vitae, graduate transcripts (photocopies acceptable for initial screening), statement of teaching philosophy, a one-page statement articulating how your teaching, scholarship and service would contribute toward fostering an inclusive learning environment on campus, evidence of teaching effectiveness, and three letters of recommendation. (Letters should be uploaded with application materials or emailed to [email protected]).

This position will be posted until filled, however for priority consideration, please apply by January 1, 2026.

Search finalists are required to complete a CNU sponsored background check.

Christopher Newport University (CNU) will make a reasonable effort to accommodate persons with disabilities in the application and/or interview process. Persons with disabilities who require accommodation should contact the CNU Human Resources Office by calling (757) 594-7145.
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