Assistant Professor of Theatre and Performance Studies: Applied Theatre

Position Details

Position Information

Position Type
Faculty, Tenure Track

Classification Title
Unit A

Position's Functional Title
Assistant Professor of Theatre and Performance Studies: Applied Theatre

Position Start Date
08/16/2023

Position End Date (if temporary)

Position Summary

Governors State University (University Park, IL) is a minority-serving institution inviting applications for a tenure-track, Assistant Professor position of Applied Theatre in Theatre and Performance Studies ( TAPS ), in the Division of Arts and Letters, to begin in the Fall 2023 semester. This position is a 10-month contract with a teaching load of 21 credit hours (7 courses) in the fall and spring semesters; summer teaching is available but not required.
The successful candidate will complement existing faculty strengths in our evolving Theatre and Performance Studies program by 1) teaching courses in applied theatre, performance and social change, theatre appreciation, the junior seminar, capstone, and courses in area(s) of specialization; 2) overseeing a curricular focus in applied theatre, including creation of related coursework; and 3) creating performance opportunities where students engage the campus and local surrounding communities.
We seek a teacher-practitioner-scholar who is committed to enhancing our culture of diversity, equity and inclusion. We seek candidates with outstanding teaching skills, evidence of a distinguished record of creative activity/professional credits, as well as service to the institution, discipline, and/or community. Women, people of color, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, and first-generation college graduates are especially encouraged to apply.
Governors State University is the only regional public comprehensive university in Chicago’s south suburban area, serving approximately 5500 students annually. Since its founding in 1969, GSU has offered accessible, high-value educational opportunities to a culturally diverse student body of first-generation students, returning adults, and veterans. Among the lowest undergraduate tuition in Illinois, GSU offers accredited programs that have earned high praise from national accrediting agencies. In 2014, GSU accepted its inaugural class of first-year students as it transitioned from an upper-division and graduate institution into a regional comprehensive university with a state-of-the-art general education program. New faculty at GSU must demonstrate enthusiasm and ability to work with students at all levels, from first-year to graduate.
Through its strategic planning, GSU emphasizes excellence, access, and innovation. Students benefit from the university’s academic quality, range of convenient class times, increasingly numerous hybrid and online offerings, and outstanding educational value. Our innovative lower-division program uses high-impact practices to foster student engagement with ethics, citizenship, and innovative thinking. Every first-year class is taught by a full-time faculty member to ensure that students have a strong foundation for their studies. GSU is a national leader in successful transfer of community college students to universities, and is leading through the Kresge-supported Dual Degree Program, with features such as tuition lock-in at GSU for academically eligible community college students who commit to earn an Associate Degree and attend college full-time. GSU offers a wide variety of master’s programs and several applied doctoral degrees in health, counseling fields, and Interdisciplinary Leadership.
GSU’s 750-acre campus encompasses the award-winning Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park yet is conveniently located within easy reach of Chicago and surrounding communities with a wealth of cultural and natural attractions. The highly diverse region GSU serves has a number of high-performing schools and engaged communities as well as struggling urban, suburban, and rural communities. GSU serves as a public square, working to foster educational opportunities for all populations.
It is the policy of Governors State University, in its role as educator, employer, and purchaser of goods and services, to provide equal opportunity and affirmative action. Discrimination based on race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status is strictly prohibited.
Salary and benefits package are commensurate with education and experience.

Minimum Qualifications

1. M.F.A., Ph.D., or terminal degree in Applied Theatre, Theatre Studies, Performance Studies, or a closely related discipline by August 16, 2023; A.B.D. in the final stages of completion will also be considered.
2. Knowledge and ability to teach undergraduate courses in theatre and performance studies, specifically applied theatre.
3. Documented record of teaching and scholarly success.
4. Passion for the program’s socially conscious mission.
5. Ability to complement the program’s strengths.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Ability and interest to teach courses in adjacent areas, such as storytelling, devised theatre, improvisation, dramaturgy, and/or playwriting.
2. Experience with first-generation, culturally diverse, bilingual, and non-traditional students and performers.
3. Demonstrated ability to infuse course content with scholarship related to underrepresented and marginalized groups.
4. Evidence of teaching excellence.
5. Ability to successfully mentor undergraduate students.
6. Experience teaching online.
7. Bilingual language proficiency (Spanish or Arabic preferred).

Posting Date
01/19/2023

Closing Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Posting Number
FA0548P

Type of Search
External

Quicklink for Posting
https://employment.govst.edu/postings/7776

Employee ID

Department

Special Instructions to Applicants

To apply, applicants should submit a curriculum vitae, cover letter, teaching philosophy, sample syllabi, unofficial transcripts, and a list of professional references. References will only be contacted prior to candidate interviews.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. Do you currently have a Ph.D. or do anticipate defending your dissertation by the job start date?
   • Yes
   • No

Required Documents
Required Documents

1. Cover Letter
2. Transcripts
3. Curriculum Vitae
4. Teaching Philosophy
5. List of Three Professional References

Optional Documents

1. Other
2. Other2