Position Summary
The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being subject to the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (SHRA). The Technical Director serves the School of Stage and Screen and supports the planning, budgeting, coordination, and execution of scenic construction for theatre and film productions. The position works collaboratively with faculty technical theatre specialists, production staff, and student crews to support the School’s educational and production mission.
This role provides day‑to‑day coordination of scene shop operations, student employees, scenic construction, and related production activities. The Technical Director collaborates with faculty responsible for other production areas, including film production, and assists with the upkeep and organization of theatre and production spaces. The position also supports safe working practices, provides student guidance, and helps develop efficient production workflows.
The position requires the ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects. Work includes hands‑on scenic construction, installation, strike, tool and equipment use, loading, unloading, and movement of scenic materials and production supplies in the shop, stage, theatre, and related production environments.
The School values creative problem solving, collaboration, innovation, and a willingness to learn and apply new production technologies and methods in support of student learning and production quality.
The School of Stage and Screen at Western Carolina University serves approximately 180 students across five degree tracks and a dance minor. The School offers a BFA in Theatre with concentrations in Musical Theatre, Acting for Stage and Screen, and Entertainment Design and Technology; a BA in Stage and Screen; and a BFA in Film and Television Production. Its experiential curriculum emphasizes storytelling across all degree tracks and includes opportunities to support songs, plays, a web series, and an annual film festival featuring student‑produced films.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities
- Scenic construction, technical drawings, and shop practices: Knowledge of construction methods, materials, theatrical production practices, shop operations, and technical documentation, with the ability to build scenery accurately from drawings and construction documents.
- Safety, rigging, equipment, and production technology: Knowledge of theatrical rigging, shop safety practices, safe equipment operation, and emerging production technologies.
- Physical production work and safe material handling: Ability to perform physically active production work, including standing, walking, bending, reaching, climbing, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, kneeling, crouching, grasping, and maneuvering scenic materials, tools, equipment, and supplies in shop, stage, theatre, and related production environments while following established safety practices.
- Training, communication, and work coordination: Ability to train and guide student employees and production crews; communicate effectively with faculty, staff, and students; organize assigned work; balance competing production needs; and support efficient production workflows.
- Resourcefulness, problem solving, and materials logistics: Ability to identify practical solutions to production challenges; obtain materials, equipment, and supplies through vendors and salvage resources; maintain a valid driver’s license; and operate university vehicles, including a 14‑foot box truck, to transport materials throughout the region as required.
Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree, preferably in theatre arts, and demonstrated possession of the competencies necessary to perform the work. All degrees must be received from appropriately accredited institutions.
Benefits
- Comprehensive benefits package including dental, vision, and health insurance plans – eligibility begins on the first of the month following hire.
- Retirement plan contributions beginning after eligibility date following election.
- Optional disability plans available.
- Tuition waivers for up to three courses per academic year; employees may enroll at any UNC System campus.
- Free group exercise classes multiple times per week.
- Discounted membership to the campus recreation center.
- Free vaccine and booster shots offered on campus.
- Pre‑tax flexible spending accounts.
- 12 paid holidays and 24 hours of paid community service leave each year.
- Accruing vacation and sick leave for employees who work at least half of the first month’s working days.
- Paid parental leave after 12 months of continuous service.
Application Instructions
Applicants must apply online. Include a cover letter, resume, and a list of references with complete contact information.
Complete all areas of the application. Incomplete applications may not be considered.
Applicants claiming veteran’s preference must upload a DD‑214.
Background / E-Verify
Final candidates are subject to criminal and sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.
Western Carolina University uses E‑Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E‑Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit .
Equal Opportunity Employer
Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, political affiliation, or National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227‑7218 or email at
Required Documents
- Cover Letter/Letter of Application
- Resume
- List of references
Optional Documents
- DD‑214
- NGB 23A (RPAS)
- DD256 or NGB22
Supplemental Questions
- * How did you hear about this employment opportunity?
- HigherEdJobs.com
- Inside Higher Ed
- HERC - Higher Education Recruitment Consortium
- Website - Jobs.wcu.edu
- Indeed.com
- Personal Referral
- Agency Referral
- Other