Lecturer, Drama & Production Studies at Durban University of Technology

Minimum Requirements:

Lecturer

• A completed Masters’ degree in Performing Arts (with specialisation in set design/scenography/stage craft) or an appropriate associated field. However, a candidate with a Doctorate qualification would be given preference.
• A minimum of 3 years teaching experience at tertiary level or 3 years’ experience in a relevant professional field.

Additional Requirements

• Applicants must have relevant teaching experience in the field of theatre and/or a proven record of training industry professionals. Familiarity with the tertiary education environment is essential.
• Applicants must be computer literate and demonstrate proficiency in both the theoretical and practical aspects of Performing Arts education. The ideal candidate will be equipped to lecture across multiple areas of the curriculum, with a focus on design, technical production, and applied stagecraft.
• Applicants must demonstrate a strong industry track record in scenic/set design and construction, with specialist skills in carpentry, set building, and props fabrication. Experience in creating design work for professional theatre productions is essential and must be supported by a portfolio of evidence. The candidate will be expected to mentor students in set and prop design, scenic construction techniques, and applied technical theatre.
• The ability to teach both theory and practice in theatre-making is essential. Applicants should be able to supervise practical productions and facilitate applied learning through studio, workshop, and lecture-based teaching.
• Experience in lighting and/or sound design will be a strong advantage. Candidates with cross-disciplinary technical abilities (lighting, sound, set, and props) will be preferred.
• The successful candidate must be committed to flexible working hours, which may include long hours, late nights, weekends, and holiday periods, in line with rehearsal and production schedules. 

Further Requirements:

Expertise in the following areas:

• Mentorship experience within the industry 
• A working knowledge of Theatre History, Production Management, Lighting and Sound and Stage Craft
• A background in at least 3 academic years of general Performing Arts coursework or/and Experience in the tertiary Performing Arts field
• Some experience in working in a festival environment will be an advantage
• A comprehensive understanding of the articulation of subjects within a Performing Arts training environment

Summary of Duties:

The successful candidate will be expected to:

• Teach and examine course work, as assigned by the HOD
• Be willing to develop coursework and curriculum for departmental programmes, as well as mentor students in Project-based Learning.
• Assist in developing professional Diploma and higher degrees programmes in Performing Arts.
• Complete all administrative duties related to the teaching of the courses and mentorship of the programme, as well as specific administrative duties as allocated by the HOD.
• Must be prepared to work after hours, holidays and weekends, in preparation for productions
• Attend all Departmental functions, productions, staff meetings, etc.
• Be prepared to engage in or conduct research activities
• Participate in research development and curriculum development activities
• The incumbent will also need to work closely with both staff and students during production work and must be able to supervise students during rehearsals.
• Take initiative, communicate and collaborate creatively with Drama staff as well as work collegially in support of academic and administrative goals.