HEAD OF THEATRE DESIGN

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts

HEAD OF THEATRE DESIGN

In a city renowned for its international outlook and connectivity, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts plays a unique and influential role in developing future generations of performing artists that include performers, practitioners, designers and technicians. The Academy’s six Schools: Chinese Opera, Dance, Drama, Film & Television, Music, and Theatre & Entertainment Arts create a vibrant centre of practice, production, teaching and practice-as-research. Its outstanding reputation is reinforced by the quality of its performers and its partnerships with other centres of excellence locally, regionally and internationally. With international residencies, visiting artists and alumni, who include some of the most respected professionals in their disciplines, the Academy is committed to the training of future world-class performers and practitioners. HKAPA is ranked number 1 in Asia and number 10 in the World for Performing Arts by the QS Rankings.

The School of Theatre and Entertainment Arts offers a dynamic range of production-related courses in performing and entertainment arts. From theatre to theme parks and live events, the School’s professionally-oriented programmes are designed to prepare students for exciting careers in entertainment and cultural industries.  The School offers Certificate, Diploma, BFA and MFA programme in Theatre Lighting, Theatre Sound, Audio Arts, Media Scenography, Projection Design, Interactive Media, Technical Direction Stage Management, Arts and Event Management, Costume Technology, Property Making, Scenic Art, Set and Costume Design, Wearable Art and Spatial Design, recognizing today’s and tomorrow’s needs for top production people by local and regional entertainment companies.

The postholder will be responsible for overall running of a large and dynamic Theatre Design Department which includes the specialised areas of Set and Costume Design, Scenic Art, Property Making and Costume Technology. In addition to teaching courses in the postholder’s area of specialisation, he/she will be expected to lead curriculum development and long-range planning, manage budgets and Departmental recruitment and personnel.  

Required Qualifications:
(a)    A relevant MFA degree and/or extensive professional training/experience to an equivalent level.
(b)    Extensive professional experience in the postholder’s area of theatre specialisation, preferably in set and costume design for theatre/dance/opera.
(c)    A minimum of eight years’ experience of full-time teaching in a Performing Arts conservatoire context, preferably to Master’s level.
(d)    At least four years’ leadership and administrative/management experience in a Performing Arts conservatoire context or equivalent.
(e)    Experience in curriculum design, writing and implementation according to established quality assurance Frameworks.
(f)    Ability to contribute to the MFA in Theatre and Entertainment Arts programme.
(g)    A good understanding of developments of design within the local/regional and international arena.
(h)    Fluency in spoken and written English.

Additional Desirable Criteria
(i)    Experience in teaching in a multi-cultural context.
(j)    Fluency in spoken and written Chinese.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment will be on a two-year contract with possibility of renewal, subject to mutual agreement.  A gratuity payment equal up to 15% of basic salary earned during the contract period will be payable upon satisfactory completion of contract.  Fringe benefits include leave, medical, and dental benefits. Housing subsidy will be provided to the eligible appointee.  Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.  Expected commencement date will be in February 2023. The current standard rate of income tax in Hong Kong is 15%.

APPLICATIONS
To apply, please complete an Application Form (https://www.hkapa.edu/file/content_block/124/P-21%20(2017-09_01).pdf)  and submit together with a covering letter, curriculum vitae and copies of academic qualifications, to the Human Resources Office, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, No.1 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong, or email (hro@hkapa.edu) on or before 25 November 2022.  Please quote reference code 'H(ThDe)' in the Application Form.

HKAPA is an equal opportunity employer.

Personal data collected will be used for recruitment-related purposes only.