Associate Lecturer (AC.09.4) at University of the Witwatersrand

Brief Description

• The Department of Theatre and Performance in the Wits School of Arts seeks to appoint an Associate Lecturer to teach a curriculum embracing both practical and academic courses. This entry-level academic appointment is intended to support an emerging scholar-practitioner while they complete a higher degree and develop a sustainable academic career. We seek a dynamic individual with both practical and theoretical expertise to teach and supervise across undergraduate and honours levels. The successful candidate will contribute to senior Design and Theatre and Production courses in the BA and BA Honours programmes. Candidates must be able to deliver both conceptual and practice-based courses in theatre design and related disciplines.

Detailed Description

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with undergraduate Design teaching (tutorials, studio support, demonstrations, occasional guided lectures).
• Research development toward a higher degree.
• Co-develop course outlines, compile reading materials, and support curriculum design.
• Monitor and report on student attendance, engagement, and academic progress.
• Provide student consultations related to assigned courses.
• Contribute to course assessments, including exams and submission of final marks.
• Supervise research at Honours levels.
• Participate in the department’s creative practice and scholarly culture (e.g., showings, workshops) in ways that complement the appointee’s study trajectory.
• Contribute minimal administrative/service duties directly tied to assigned courses.

Qualifications and Requirements: 

• MA in Theatre Design or a closely related discipline by the start date.(or, in exceptional cases, a strong Honours with an MA in progress). 
• A demonstrated trajectory toward MA or PhD (for candidates currently registered), evidenced by a clear study plan and supervisor endorsement.
• Strong theoretical and practical grounding in theatre design, including set and costume design.
• Proficiency in technical drawing, ground plans, elevations, perspective drawing, costume drawing, and digital rendering software.
• A portfolio of creative work in set and costume design.
• Interest in curriculum development aligned with Wits’ decolonial and inclusive teaching commitments.

Advantageous:

• Completed MA with current PhD registration.
• Prior tutoring/teaching or studio facilitation at tertiary level.
• Prior industry experience as a theatre designer, including collaboration with production teams.
• Ability to manage small production budgets and basic procurement/quotations, with sound organisational and record-keeping skills.
• Competence in drawing/rendering (manual or digital) and willingness to upskill in departmental toolsets.

Appointment type & workload

• Fixed-term developmental appointment (up to 3 years, with possible 1-year extension subject to progress and recommendation).
• Indicative distribution: ~40% teaching & learning support, ~10% service (course-linked), ~50% higher-degree research/professional development.

Closing Date : 8th December 2025