Careers at TAPS
Assistant Professor of Theater and Performance Studies
The Department of Theater and Performance Studies (TAPS) at Stanford University seeks applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor. The area of specialization is open.
Applicants should exhibit the potential for excellence in scholarship, teaching, and, where relevant, creative practice, in line with the Department’s mission to train scholar-artists. The successful candidate must have a Ph.D. in a related field by 1 September 2027 and will be expected to teach and advise students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. The term of appointment is expected to begin on 1 September 2027.
Candidates should apply through Stanford Faculty Positions and submit
- a cover letter
- curriculum vitae (including a complete publication list)
- a teaching statement (no more than 300 words)
- a research statement (no more than 500 words)
- if applicable, an artistic statement (no more than 300 words; please note that this statement is optional)
- the names and contact information of at least three referees.
The TAPS Department, School of Humanities & Sciences, and Stanford University value faculty who will help foster an open and respectful academic environment for colleagues, students, and staff with a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. Candidates may choose to include as part of their research and teaching statements a brief discussion about how their work and experience will further these values.
The salary range for this position is $115,133 - $135,388 for the academic year 2027-2028.
Stanford University has provided a pay range representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for the position upon hire. The pay offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors including (but not limited to) the qualifications of the selected candidate, budget availability, and internal equity.
Further information about Stanford’s Department of Theater and Performance Studies may be found at taps.stanford.edu. Inquiries may be directed to Matthew Smith, Chair of the Search Committee, tapsteachingandfacultyaffairs [AT] stanford.edu.
The application process will close on 15 October 2026.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Stanford welcomes applications from all who would bring additional dimensions to the University’s research, teaching and clinical missions.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process should contact disability.access [AT] stanford.edu.
VSO (Voluntary Student Organization) Technical Director
→ APPLY HERE ←
Job Description
This position has been deemed critical by the School of Humanities and Sciences Dean’s Office and is exempt from the hiring freeze.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid work schedule (at least 4 days per week on-site).
Budgeted Salary: The budgeted base salary range for this position is $87,000-$91,000 per annum.
The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the foundation of a liberal arts education at Stanford. The school encompasses 24 departments and 25 interdisciplinary programs. H&S is home to fundamental and applied research, where free, open, and critical inquiry is pursued across disciplines. As the university’s largest school, H&S serves as the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world-renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day.
Department/Program Description
STANFORD UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF THEATER & PERFORMANCE STUDIES (TAPS)
At TAPS, theory and practice are inextricably linked and mutually reinforcing. We prepare our students to become scholar-artists fluent in both of these languages. The integration of the practical knowledge of theater-making with the humanistic knowledge of the history and theory of performance is central to our department’s vision.
Brief Position Summary
The Department of Theatre and Performance Studies (TAPS) is seeking a Technical Director to oversee the Voluntary Student Organizations (VSOs). This position advises VSOs on design, budget, and build schedules and oversees Build Supervisors and build sessions. The role attends VSO load-ins and strikes, provides on-call support during tech and performances and is a backup Space Supervisor as needed. This position reports to the TAPS Production Manager, with Office of Student Engagement oversight.
It is critical that this position exhibit the abilities to practice sound judgment and decision-making, strong attention to detail, and respectful relationship management. This position is heavily student facing and a dedication to creating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for everyone is of the utmost importance.
This is a 100% FTE, 3-year fixed term exempt position. This position will be based on the Stanford campus and will be considered for an option of telecommuting (hybrid of working on-site and off-site), subject to operational need.
Preferred Qualifications
Additional highly preferred qualifications for this position include:
- Strong understanding of theatrical settings, technologies, and timelines.
- Head Carpenter or Technical Director experience.
- Knowledge of and ability to teach Vectorworks, AutoCAD or other drafting software.
- Experience working with students.
- Experience with budgeting or managing finances.
- Strong experience with AV systems in live entertainment.
Ability to prioritize and multi-task.
Responsibilities
Core Duties
Production
- Collaborate with other members of the production team i.e., directors, designers, stage managers, to ensure that technical aspects of production are aligned with the artistic vision of the program.
- Communicate the features, benefits, and advantages of the production/program to contractors and vendors.
- Execute a tactical plan to meet the technical production/program objectives.
- Keep track of logistical and scheduling details. Track production/program progress against project goals and schedule.
Relationship Mgmt
- Coordinate with vendors to ensure timely delivery of production/program elements (lighting, video rental, etc.).
Reporting & Improvements
- Gather, analyze, and report on production/program data for technical components such as sound levels.
Partnership/Team Dynamics
- Provide oversight and partner with stage technicians and contingent crew to execute program/product. Orient and teach new contingent staff.
- Review and audit vendor contractor invoices for accuracy and submit for approval and processing.
- May provide administrative support to Production/Program team.
Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree and two years of related experience or a combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Proficient understanding and knowledge of technical equipment and machinery used in production.
- Able to communicate effectively with other team members.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
- Outstanding attention to detail.
- Experience with managing projects/programs.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently meeting expected deadlines and schedules.
- Good written and oral communication skills.
Notice to Applicants
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Stanford University provides job pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a particular job. The specific pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to geographic work location, relevant knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, years of relevant experience, depth and breadth of relevant experience, and performance; further including but not limited to other business and organization needs such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the university, school/ unit, department, as well as job reporting relationships.
VSO (Voluntary Student Organization) Production Manager
→ APPLY HERE ←
Job Description
This position has been deemed critical by the School of Humanities and Sciences Dean’s Office and is exempt from the hiring freeze.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid work schedule (at least 4 days per week on-site).
Budgeted Salary: The budgeted base salary range for this position is $87,000-$91,000 per annum.
The School of Humanities and Sciences (H&S) is the foundation of a liberal arts education at Stanford. The school encompasses 24 departments and 25 interdisciplinary programs. H&S is home to fundamental and applied research, where free, open, and critical inquiry is pursued across disciplines. As the university’s largest school, H&S serves as the foundation of a Stanford undergraduate education no matter which discipline students pursue as a major. Graduate students work alongside world-renowned faculty to pursue and shape foundational research that leads to breakthroughs and discoveries that shed new light on the past, influence the present, and shape the future. Together, faculty and students in H&S engage in inspirational teaching, learning, and research every day.
Department/Program Description
STANFORD UNIVERSITY DEPARTMENT OF THEATER & PERFORMANCE STUDIES (TAPS)
At TAPS, theory and practice are inextricably linked and mutually reinforcing. We prepare our students to become scholar-artists fluent in both of these languages. The integration of the practical knowledge of theater-making with the humanistic knowledge of the history and theory of performance is central to our department’s vision.
Brief Position Summary
The Department of Theatre and Performance Studies (TAPS) is seeking a Production Manager to oversee the Voluntary Student Organizations (VSOs). This position oversees VSOs throughout their production process ensuring the meeting of deadlines and completion of deliverables. The role manages the props and costume loan-out programs; hires, schedules, and trains Space Supervisors (stepping in for coverage gaps or emergencies). The VSO PM maintains calendars for VSO programming as it pertains to TAPS and processes financial transactions for loan-outs and space usage. This position reports to the TAPS Production Manager, with Office of Student Engagement oversight.
It is critical that this position exhibit the abilities to practice sound judgment and decision-making, strong attention to detail, and respectful relationship management. This position is heavily student facing and a dedication to creating a welcoming and inclusive learning environment for everyone is of the utmost importance.
This is a 100% FTE, 3-year fixed term exempt position. This position will be based on the Stanford campus and will be considered for an option of telecommuting (hybrid of working on-site and off-site), subject to operational need.
Preferred Qualifications
Additional highly preferred qualifications for this position include:
- Strong understanding of theatrical settings, technologies, and timelines.
- Experience working with students.
- Production, Company, and/or Stage Management experience.
- Experience with budgeting or managing finances.
- Experience with theatrical costumes including proper care and maintenance.
Responsibilities
Core Duties
Production
- Collaborate with other members of the production team i.e., directors, designers, stage managers, to ensure that technical aspects of production are aligned with the artistic vision of the program.
- Communicate the features, benefits, and advantages of the production/program to contractors and vendors.
- Execute a tactical plan to meet the technical production/program objectives.
- Keep track of logistical and scheduling details. Track production/program progress against project goals and schedule.
Relationship Mgmt
- Coordinate with vendors to ensure timely delivery of production/program elements (lighting, video rental, etc.).
Reporting & Improvements
- Gather, analyze, and report on production/program data for technical components such as sound levels.
Partnership/Team Dynamics
- Provide oversight and partner with stage technicians and contingent crew to execute program/product. Orient and teach new contingent staff.
- Review and audit vendor contractor invoices for accuracy and submit for approval and processing.
- May provide administrative support to Production/Program team.
Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree and two years of related experience or a combination of education and relevant experience.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Proficient understanding and knowledge of technical equipment and machinery used in production.
- Able to communicate effectively with other team members.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
- Outstanding attention to detail.
- Experience with managing projects/programs.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
- Ability to work independently meeting expected deadlines and schedules.
- Good written and oral communication skills.
Notice to Applicants
The job duties listed are typical examples of work performed by positions in this job classifications and are not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, tasks and responsibilities. Specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on department or program needs without changing the general nature and scope of the job or level of responsibility. Employees may also perform other duties as assigned.
Consistent with its obligations under the law, the University will provide reasonable accommodation to any employee with a disability who requires accommodation to perform the essential functions of their job.
Stanford is an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Stanford University provides job pay ranges representing its good faith estimate of what the university reasonably expects to pay for a particular job. The specific pay offered to a selected candidate will be determined based on a wide range of factors that are unique to each candidate, including but not limited to geographic work location, relevant knowledge, skills and abilities, relevant education, years of relevant experience, depth and breadth of relevant experience, and performance; further including but not limited to other business and organization needs such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, the minimum qualifications, departmental budget availability, and market and internal equity across the university, school/ unit, department, as well as job reporting relationships.