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Tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of Theater (Design and Technology)
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Position Number: 2503381
Location: Worcester, MA
Position Type: Fine and Applied Arts - Theatre and Dance

JOB TITLE
Tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of Theater (Design and Technology)

LOCATION
Worcester

DEPARTMENT NAME
Humanities & Arts Department

DIVISION NAME
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - WPI

JOB DESCRIPTION SUMMARY
Worcester Polytechnic Institute's Humanities and Arts Department invites applications for an advanced Assistant or Associate Professor in the area of Theatre Design and Technology (tenure track) to begin in August of 2022 with expertise in lighting as well as the ability to teach other design disciplines (projections, sound, scenic, costumes, etc.). We are seeking an individual with experience managing/directing an academic or disciplinary unit in Theatre, designing a new curriculum, and experience with cross-disciplinary Art/Science collaboration. Desirable additional specializations include stage management, production management, and arts administration.

WPI students may study theatre as part of the six course Humanities and Arts undergraduate requirement and may also continue to pursue a Minor or a Major Concentration in Theatre. WPI Theatre presents 1-2 faculty directed productions per year and facilitates student productions (both plays and musicals). In addition to performance and design opportunities, the Theatre division offers a small number of academic courses, including a new Introduction to Theatrical Design course. In their application materials, the successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to teach this core course and related practicums and should discuss how they would develop additional design, production, and management courses to complement courses in drama, playwriting, and acting. The candidate should be able to create structured classes with projects that bring students through basic and advanced skills and concepts in theatrical design and technology. The candidate should also address their experience with DEI-centric pedagogy, curriculum, and program development.

The position requires teaching excellence, versatility, and strong evidence of professional engagement as well as the ability to contribute to an evolving culture of diversity and inclusion at WPI. Candidates must have an MFA or relevant terminal degree in hand before August 2022.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Job responsibilities will include:

teaching courses and practicums as assigned, including Intro of Theatrical Design
developing additional courses in individual design/tech disciplines (lighting) and other areas of specialization (e.g. stage management)

serving as resident designer for WPI Theatre productions and other live entertainment events, designing as needed
serving as Production Manager in theatre, as needed
experience setting up and managing a light/design lab
participating in mentoring and supervision of student design and technical practicums and projects
coordinating with theatre faculty and resident technical director about the general operation of the program including curriculum development, equipment inventory, and coordination and supervision of student workers

participating in initiatives conducted by the Humanities and Arts Department

Qualifications:

MFA in theatrical design (lighting highly preferred) or terminal degree in a relevant field
Minimum of five years of professional design/technology experience

Minimum of five years and evidence of successful teaching at the university level
An understanding of current design and area-specific theatrical technology (e.g Vectorworks, QLab)
The ability to work creatively and collaboratively with faculty across disciplines

Materials:

As part of your application, please submit:

cover letter that addresses your teaching philosophy and experience; your professional experience; how you would teach Intro to Theatrical design and which courses you would develop; and how you see yourself adding to WPI's efforts to build more diverse, equitable, inclusive learning and working environments
current C.V. that contains academic and professional experience
materials that show evidence of professional design/tech experience (e.g. portfolio, link to professional website, etc) contact information for three professional references

FLSA STATUS
United States of America (Exempt)

WPI is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or disability. We are seeking individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences who will contribute to a culture of creativity and collaboration, inclusion, problem solving and change making.

To apply, visit: https://wpi.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WPI_External_Career_Site/job/Worcester/Assistant-or-Associate-Professor-of-Theater--Design-and-Technology-_R0001551

About WPI
WPI is a vibrant, active, and diverse community of extraordinary students, world-renowned faculty, and state of the art research facilities. At WPI, we have competitive and comprehensive benefits, including health insurance, long-term care, retirement, tuition assistance, flexible spending accounts, work-life balance and much more.

Diversity & Inclusion at WPI
WPI is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected; a place where every student, faculty and staff member can be themselves, so that they can study, live, and work comfortably, to reach their full potential, and make meaningful contributions in order to meet departmental and institutional goals. WPI thrives on innovative practice and welcomes diverse perspectives, insight, and people from diverse lived experiences, to enhance the community environment and propel the institution to the next level in a competitive, global marketplace.