Instructor of Theatre

The School of Performing Arts at South Dakota State University invites applications for an Instructor of Theatre. The School seeks a dynamic teacher/performer with the ability to mentor students through directing plays, teaching acting classes, and other courses and activities related to the candidate’s areas of expertise or needs of the program.

The candidate will have the opportunity to work in a collegial, vibrant, and supportive environment.  The program is housed in the new, state-of-the-art Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center which includes the Oscar Larson Theatre, the Fishback Studio Theatre, and several outstanding support spaces. South Dakota State University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre to provide curricula leading to undergraduate degrees in theatre, and is the home of Prairie Repertoire Theatre, a regional summer theatre program now in its 51^st season.

This is a 9-month, full-time, benefit eligible position with an anticipated date of employment of 22^nd August 2023. The position is supervised by the Director of the School of Performing Arts. 

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant mission of access.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Teach courses in theatre. Teaching assignments will include a combination of the following: courses in the acting sequence, directing theatrical productions, and other courses as assigned by the Director of the School based on the candidate’s areas of expertise and curricular needs.
• Willingness and ability to teach courses face to face on-campus and through emerging modes of content delivery.
• Work closely with other faculty in the program to provide content that addresses contemporary and emerging trends in theatrical performance. 
• Serve as a leader in the recruitment of theatre students to the program. 
• Mentor through their teaching those who are interested in entering the theatrical industry.
• Support undergraduate research and creative activity through the preparation of students entering competitions and other activities.   
• Develop positive relationships with students, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
• Engage in professional development opportunities with affiliated professional organizations as appropriate and supported financially by the program. 

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• A completed masters degree in the discipline by the date of application.
• Evidence of working in at least three varying theatrical styles.  May include musical theatre, children’s theatre, devising, classical and contemporary works.
• One to two years experience in the teaching of acting in a higher education setting and/or acting in a professional theatre setting.
• Evidence of strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Effective written communication skills.
• Sponsorship is not available for this position, must be authorized to work in the U.S.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• MFA in acting, directing, or musical theatre performance.
• Evidence of a clearly articulated philosophy of teaching.
• Demonstrated success in the ability to recruit and retain theatre students in a higher education setting.   

SALARY:

Commensurate with qualifications.

BENEFITS:

South Dakota State University offers a wide range of benefits including medical, dental, and flexible benefits, retirement plans, compensation packages, paid holidays, and vacation leave.  Employees also have access to internal and state-sponsored training as well as reduced tuition for state-supported courses at all State of South Dakota academic institutions.

UNIVERSITY AND THE BROOKINGS COMMUNITY:

South Dakota State University is the state’s largest, most comprehensive university with more than 200 academic programs, an enrollment of approximately 12,000 students, and over $60 million annual research expenditures.

South Dakota State University offers a rich academic experience in an environment of inclusion and access through inspired, student-centered education, creative activities and research, innovation and engagement that improve the quality of life in South Dakota, the region, the nation and the world. Its employees embrace the university’s core values of being people-centered, expanding knowledge through creativity, embracing organizational and personal integrity, commitment to diversity of thought, and excellence through continuous improvement.

As the state’s 1862 Morrill Act land-grant institution, the work of the university is carried out on its main resident campus in Brookings, at sites in Sioux Falls, Pierre, Rapid City, and Aberdeen, and through Extension offices and Agricultural Experiment Station research sites across South Dakota.

Jackrabbits Athletics competes as an NCAA Division I member with membership in the Missouri Valley Football Conference, the Summit League and the Big XII for wrestling.

Brookings is home to approximately 24,000 residents and is located 60 miles north of Sioux Falls and 200 miles west of Minneapolis. Livability.com rates Brookings as an ideal community for families, students, young professionals and retirees. It considers Brookings among the safest and most vibrant cities in South Dakota.

The Brookings Public School District educates approximately 3,300 K-12 students and ranks among the state’s highest academic achieving school districts. The district includes three elementary schools, an intermediate school for fourth and fifth grade, one middle school and a high school.

The city also boasts an abundance of attractions and activities, including the Children’s Museum of South Dakota, Dakota Nature Park, South Dakota Art Museum, McCrory Gardens, South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum, Outdoor Adventure Center and the Brookings Summer Arts Festival.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 

Position is open until filled with full consideration given to applications received by November 7, 2022.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

SDSU accepts applications through an on-line employment site.  To apply, visit:  https://yourfuture.sdbor.edu, search by the position title, view the job announcement, and click on “apply for this job.”  This system will guide you through the electronic application form. This employment site will also require the attachment of a cover letter, which should specifically address how the candidate meets the qualifications as outlined in the advertisement, Curriculum Vitae, a letter of application that speaks directly to the candidate’s abilities and experiences in each of the required and desired qualifications and contains a statement on teaching philosophy (attached as Other), and a reference page with the contact information for three professional references.  Email applications will not be accepted.  Please contact SDSU Human Resources at (605) 688-4128 if you require assistance with this process. 

Any offer of employment is conditioned upon the university’s verification of credentials and other information required by law and/or university policies, including but not limited to, successful completion of a criminal background check.  

South Dakota State University is a tobacco free environment. It is university policy to maintain a drug-free environment and to thereby establish, promote, and maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment for employees and students.  This position is subject to South Dakota State University’s Drug and Alcohol Testing Policy 4:14. 

For questions on the position, contact Corey Shelsta at 605-688-5188 or Corey.Shelsta@SDSTATE.EDU.

South Dakota State University promotes access to and opportunities for all to receive the benefit of and participate in education, research, and service and is especially interested in candidates that can contribute to this land-grant access mission. SDSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to, and SDSU prohibits discrimination on, the basis of sex, race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, gender, gender identification, transgender, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status that may become protected under law against discrimination in the offering of all educational programs and employment opportunities. Arrangements for accommodations required by disabilities can be made by emailing HR@sdstate.edu. Individuals with concerns regarding discrimination should contact: Equal Opportunity Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Human Resources, Morrill Hall 100, SDSU, Brookings, SD 57007, 605-688-4128.