Part-time Lecturer - Lighting Design (TFDP 132)

The Department of Theatre, Film, and Digital Production seeks a highly qualified Lighting Design Lecturer to teach one course in the Spring 2026 quarter on location at the University of California, Riverside.

Course Name

TFDP 132 - Lighting Design for Theatre, Film, and Television

Course Format

3-hour Lecture, 1-hour Discussion

Course Description:

TFDP 132 introduces students to the principles, practices, and technical production methods of lighting design for theatre, film, and television. The course examines key topics such as lighting equipment and technology, color theory, lighting control systems, drafting and visualization, and the artistic and narrative use of light in performance and media. Students will explore how light shapes mood, focus, and storytelling, and will develop practical skills for creating and executing lighting designs across multiple entertainment formats. Through lectures, discussions, and hands-on demonstrations, students will learn to merge creative vision with technical expertise.

Key Responsibilities:

* Prepare and deliver engaging lectures and discussions focused on both the artistic and technical aspects of lighting design.

* Develop and update course materials, including syllabi, readings, assignments, and project guidelines.

* Provide individual and group feedback on student work, including lighting design projects, plots, and paperwork.

* Grade assignments and projects using established rubrics and provide constructive feedback.

* Facilitate class discussions and foster an environment that encourages critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.

* Stay updated on developments in lighting technology, industry standards, and design trends for theatre, film, and television.

* Ensure compliance with academic policies, including grading, attendance, and accessibility requirements.

* Collaborate with other faculty members, as necessary, to align course content with the broader goals of the Theatre, Film, and Digital Production department.

The salary is approx. $7886.33 per course, per quarter. Positions are contingent upon funding and enrollment.

Required Qualifications:

* MFA or equivalent experience in a relevant field.

* Teaching experience at the college or university level.

* Professional experience in lighting design for theatre, film, and/or television.

* Knowledge of lighting design software (e.g., Vectorworks, Lightwright, ETC EOS family software) and visualization tools.

* Strong understanding of lighting theory, equipment, and control systems.

* Proven ability to engage students in both theoretical and practical aspects of lighting design.

* Demonstrated ability to provide constructive feedback and create a collaborative, inclusive classroom environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

* Preference will be given to applicants with a demonstrated track record of hands-on experience in one or more aspects of film and TV production.

* Experience teaching at the college level, particularly in lighting design or related fields.

* Familiarity with emerging technologies and trends in lighting design.

Application Instructions:

Applicants must apply online at https://aprecruit.ucr.edu/JPF02155

Review of applications will begin November 10, 2025. Please submit the following:

* Letter of application

* Curriculum vitae

* Three current letters of recommendation (Letters must be confidential. Please use the AP Recruit system to have your recommenders upload them directly.)

* Evidence of Teaching Experience: 1-3 sample syllabi of previously taught courses or a sample of student evaluations (narrative and numerical)

* Statement of Teaching

Selection Criteria:

Relevant Experience/Expertise

Teaching Experience at the University Level

Potential to contribute to UCR's mission

Selection Plan:

The search committee will convene at a set date to evaluate the candidate pool and decide who will be invited for interviews. After a shortlist is determined for the interviews, the committee will schedule interviews via Zoom with the shortlisted candidates. After the interviews, the committee will share their evaluations of the shortlisted candidates with the department and will recommend a candidate to be hired. The department faculty will then vote on the appointment of the recommended candidate(s).

* MFA or equivalent experience in a relevant field.

* Teaching experience at the college or university level.

* Professional experience in lighting design for theatre, film, and/or television.

* Knowledge of lighting design software (e.g., Vectorworks, Lightwright, ETC EOS family software) and visualization tools.

* Strong understanding of lighting theory, equipment, and control systems.

* Proven ability to engage students in both theoretical and practical aspects of lighting design.

* Demonstrated ability to provide constructive feedback and create a collaborative, inclusive classroom environment.

* Preference will be given to applicants with a demonstrated track record of hands-on experience in one or more aspects of film and TV production.

* Experience teaching at the college level, particularly in lighting design or related fields.

* Familiarity with emerging technologies and trends in lighting design.

• 3 letters of reference required

Letters of recommendation must be confidential. Please use the APRecruit system to have your recommenders upload them directly.

The University of California, Riverside is a world-class research university with an exceptionally diverse undergraduate student body. UCR is a member institution of the American Association of Universities (AAU) as well as the Alliance of Hispanic Serving Research Universities (HSRU). A commitment to the UCR mission (https://apro.ucr.edu/mission-statement) is a preferred qualification.

We seek to hire scholars who will both advance our research directions and effectively educate our undergraduate and graduate students, while also engaging with University and Professional service activities. Research and teaching statements that are included with application materials are opportunities for candidates to share knowledge, experience, and goals that support the mission of UCR. For more information on UC's criteria for successful faculty, refer to the Academic Personnel Manual (APM) 210 - Criteria for Appointment, Promotion, and Appraisal (https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-210.pdf).

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected categories under state or federal law. It is the policy of the University of California to undertake affirmative action and anti-discrimination efforts, consistent with its obligations as a Federal and State contractor.

As a University employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, State, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct.

"Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment or discrimination, as defined by the employer. A Misconduct Disclosure Survey will be completed through Truescreen, which is the vendor that administers this process for the campus.

For the University of California's Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy please visit:

https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH.

For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students, and Third Parties, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

For the University of California's Affirmative Action and Nondiscrimination in Employment Policy, please visit: https://www.ucop.edu/academic-personnel-programs/_files/apm/apm-035.pdf.