Assistant Professor - School of Theatre and Dance, College of Creative Arts

The College of Creative Arts at West Virginia University and the School of Theatre and Dance, an active NAST-member school that maintains URTA membership, invites applications or nominations for the position of Assistant Professor of Scenic Design.

Job Description: Nine-month, tenure-track appointment. Primary duties would include:
• Teaching undergraduate and graduate students in scenic design and related courses.
• Design season productions for the School of Theatre & Dance.
• Mentor students in designing scenery, props and paints for season productions.
• Supervising Properties and Paint departments.
• Participate in activities that attract and maintain graduate and undergraduate students.

All faculty in the School of Theatre & Dance are expected to maintain an active creative-research agenda and professional development sufficient to meet the expectations of an R1 Doctoral Research, land-grant institution. Participation in curriculum development, academic advising and involvement in University/School committee activities and faculty governance is required of all faculty members. Opportunities to design for West Virginia Public Theatre are possible.

The School of Theatre & Dance ( theatre.wvu.edu ): The School of Theatre & Dance is a NAST-accredited training program with an enrollment of approximately 200 undergraduate and graduate students. The School offers MFA degrees in acting, design and technical direction, BFA degrees in acting, creative dramatics & puppetry, design & technology and musical theatre, BA degrees in dance and theatre studies, and minors in theatre and in dance.

As part of its mission, the School educates students in the traditions and practices of the arts of theatre and dance by challenging them to engage in the many processes used and valued by collaborative artists. To do so, the School employs 20 full-time and 2 part-time faculty and 3 professional staff, and annually produces 5-7 mainstage and 2-4 lab theatre productions in three theatres supported by well-equipped production facilities. The School of Theatre & Dance provides an exceptional classroom education supported by live production experiences.

The College of Creative Arts ( ccarts.wvu.edu ) is one of 15 colleges within the university, includes the Schools of Music, Theatre & Dance, and Art & Design, and offers the state’s premiere training in the visual and performing arts. Each of these units has a national profile of excellence and all programs are nationally accredited (NASM, NAST and NASAD).

The College of Creative Arts is housed in WVU’s Creative Arts Center and has more than 90 full-time faculty and 32 professional staff whose mission is to educate succeeding generations of artists, teachers, and scholars through an experiential student-centered approach to learning. The College advocates the Arts as a medium through which the diversity of human experience is understood and valued. Exemplifying excellence and innovation in performance, exhibition, scholarship, and creative research, the College offers artistic and cultural opportunities for the citizens of West Virginia and the global community.

WEST VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY ( wvu.edu ) is classified as an R1 or Highest Research Activity institution, and is the state’s only comprehensive doctoral-granting, land grant institution. WVU has a current enrollment of approximately 28,000 undergraduate and 5,500 graduate students enrolled in more than 184 graduate and undergraduate programs. The university community is committed to student- centered priorities, academic excellence, research, creative activity and service to the state.

The city of Morgantown has 55,000 residents and has been ranked as the “#1 Small City in America,” the “Best Small City in the East,” and the “3rd Best Small Town” in the nation. Boasting a strong economy and an unemployment rate well below the national average, the area also offers a wide variety of cultural and recreational activities.

West Virginia University has created a dual career program to help faculty partners or spouses find employment in and around the university ( dualcareer.hr.wvu.edu ).

West Virginia Public Theatre ( www.wvpublictheatre.org ) is a professional theatre company located in Morgantown, WV, and is affiliated with West Virginia University’s College of Creative Arts. Founded in 1985, West Virginia Public Theatre (WVPT) yearly produces a three-show summer season, a holiday production and various showcase and special events. The theatre has full non-profit status and is governed by its Board of Directors along with its Artistic Director, Director of Operations, and permanent and seasonal staff. Currently using the Guest Artist Agreement with Actors’ Equity Association as well as recognizing all industry union affiliations, West Virginia Public Theatre serves a tri-fold mission of presenting Broadway-style musicals, family-friendly fare, and socially-conscience plays about issues affecting the local and global community.

Qualifications :

Required Qualifications: At the time of appointment, the successful candidate will have:
• Terminal degree (MFA/PhD) in Theatre or related arts discipline
• 2-4 years teaching experience at the college/university level
• Professional Scenic Design experience
• Enjoy working collaboratively and collegially in a fast-paced educational environment
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and a dedication to teaching
• Desired skills include technologies relevant to Scenic Design in the 21st century
• Affiliations with USA/IASTSE are desirable.

Date of Appointment: August 12, 2022

Application Deadline: Review of applications will begin November 1, 2021 and continue until the position is filled.

Application: For a complete application, interested candidates should submit the following:
• Letter of application
• Current curriculum vitae
• Philosophy of teaching statement
• Names of three (3) references including complete contact information (email, phone and mailing address)

Apply online at https://wvu.taleo.net/careersection/faculty/jobdetail.ftl?job=17890

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity employer and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. The University values diversity among its faculty, staff, and students, and invites applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.