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Assistant or Associate Professor of Theatre Arts

Employer
University of North Dakota
Location
Grand Forks, North Dakota
Salary
Competitive and commensurate with experience.
Date posted
Oct 14, 2022

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Position Type
Faculty Positions, Arts, Performing Arts
Employment Level
Tenured/Tenured Track
Employment Type
Full Time

Description

The Theatre Arts Department in the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of North Dakota seeks a full-time Assistant or Associate Professor who specializes in acting/directing. The duties of the position will involve teaching theatre arts courses, directing two shows for a 4-show annual production season, and contributing to the educational and creative activities of the department. This may be a tenure-track position or an offer of tenure may be made based on a candidate’s documented record of achievement and subject to approval from the department, college, university, and North Dakota State Board of Higher Education. This 9-month position is contingent upon the availability of funding.

The University of North Dakota Department of Theatre Arts offers a Bachelor of Arts degree with tracks in acting, technical theatre, and theatre generalist, and a BFA in Musical Theatre. The department seeks to inspire its students and the local community through education, performance, and scholarship. The Department of Theatre Arts provides a rigorous course of study that cultivates the highest degree of artistry, innovative teaching, professionalism, and critical inquiry. The University of North Dakota is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre.

Established in 1883, the University of North Dakota is the oldest research university in North Dakota. It is the state’s flagship university and is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as having high research activity. Founded with a strong liberal arts foundation, UND has grown into a prominent scientific research university and was recently ranked among the top 100 public and top 25 most innovative universities in the country by U.S. News and World Report, and is widely regarded as among the top universities in the American Northern Plains region. UND offers degrees in more than 225 fields of study with nearly 14,000 students. It is the home of the state’s only School of Law. The School of Medicine has major initiatives in rural and public health, and Aerospace is home to one of the first and largest unmanned aerial vehicle programs in the world.

UND is located in Grand Forks, North Dakota, a vibrant college town of over 57,000 people located on the border of North Dakota and Minnesota. Short commutes, a great public school system, high quality medical facilities, low crime, ample parks and theaters, and a cost of living below that found in large American cities are some of Grand Forks’ advantages. Ranked as one of the top 5 Best Small College Towns, and America’s Best Hockey Town, Grand Forks offers stellar quality of life without the metropolitan hassles.

Position Benefits

Benefits include single or family health care coverage (UND pays the full premium), $12,000 in basic life insurance, an employee assistance program, and a retirement plan with a generous employer contribution.

Optional benefits include supplemental life, dental, vision, flexible spending account, and supplemental retirement plans.

UND also offers an employee tuition waiver and a variety of professional development opportunities.

Find out more about UND's great benefits and perks here!

Duties & Responsibilities

The successful applicant will typically teach 2-3 courses per semester. Creative activity includes directing 2 shows per year, acting as choreographer and movement coach, and student mentorship and supervision of senior projects. In addition, all faculty are expected to contribute service within the department, college, university, and community. Courses to be taught, include THEA 120/220 (Voice & Movement I/II; 3 credits each), THEA 271 (Acting II; 3 credits); THEA 330 (Contemporary Theatre; 3 credits); and THEA 471 (Advanced Acting: Shakespeare; 3 credits).

Specific aspects to this position include:

  • Contribute to the development of annual production seasons through selection of plays and musicals that will develop the performance skills of students
  • Oversee the acting track of the BA in Theatre Arts degree program, including advising and mentoring students
  • Direct two shows annually, as well as contribute as necessary to other departmental productions as choreographer and/or movement coach
  • Participate in departmental governance, including oversight of the curriculum and selection of production season offerings

Required Competencies

  • Demonstrated ability to direct performances in a variety of styles, including musical theatre
  • Ability to choreograph for musical theatre
  • Ability to teach an array of theatre arts courses, including those in acting/directing
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills, including evidence of the ability to teach, inspire, and mentor students
  • Effective interpersonal skills, including the ability to collaborate effectively with faculty, staff, and students Ability to work with and engage diverse students and colleagues within and outside the Department of Theatre Arts

Minimum Requirements

  • Master of Fine Arts in Acting and/or Directing by August 15, 2023, an equivalent degree, or equivalent professional experience
  • Successful completion of criminal history records check

In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the US and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form upon hire. Official transcripts from the highest awarding educational institution must be provided upon hire.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Two or more years of experience teaching college-level theatre arts courses, including the use of innovative pedagogies
  • An existing record of creative activity and experience, including as a director and/or actor in professional settings
  • Training and/or certification in stage combat
  • Demonstrated experience managing the efforts of individuals contributing to a collaborative project

Minimum Hiring Salary

Competitive and commensurate with experience.

Work Period/Start Date

Position is full-time, benefitted and exempt. Initial contract extends from August 16, 2023 to May 15, 2024. Summer teaching may be available, but is neither guaranteed nor required.

To Apply

For full consideration, applications must include the following materials:

  • Letter of application
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • A digital portfolio of work that provides a visual documentation (photos and videos preferred) of professional, teaching, and/or creative practice
  • A list of three current references, including names, addresses, phone numbers and email addresses
  • Academic transcripts (unofficial copies acceptable for initial application)

Applicant review will begin on November 8, 2022. Position is open until filled.

Questions can be directed to the Department Chair, Ryan Zerr, at ryan.zerr@und.edu.

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