Abstract
This essay examines the persistent challenges facing designers and theatre technologists in achieving tenure within academic theatre programs. Drawing on administrative experience, the authors argue that attrition among design and technical faculty is not inevitable but rather the product of systemic undervaluation and misunderstanding of their artistic and pedagogical roles. They advocate recognizing these specialists as creative collaborators rather than subservient technicians, urging departments to adopt accurate professional terminology and to treat design and technology as equal to directing, acting, and playwriting. The discussion differentiates among three types of theatre programs: professional training, liberal arts based, and comprehensive, and contends that most institutions operate within the liberal arts model where excessive production demands often undermine faculty sustainability. The authors recommend limiting production schedules, emphasizing quality over quantity, and aligning program goals with institutional missions to prevent burnout and improve retention. For research universities, they affirm that tenure should rest on demonstrable professional achievement and publication. The essay concludes that improving the status and survival of design and technical faculty requires administrative integrity, professional respect, and adherence to realistic academic and creative standards.
Recommended Citation
Staub, August W. and Hillyard, Sylvia J.
(1986)
"Tenuring Our Designers and Theatre Technologists,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 57, Article 20.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol57/iss1/20
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