Post-MFA in Applied Performance

As part of an applied theatre initiative in the Theatre program in the School of Performing Arts at Virginia Tech, two 2-year Post-MFA Teaching Fellowships will be awarded. Each fellowship recipient will teach three or four participatory performance-based courses each semester—Introduction to Acting and/or Introduction to Applied Collaborative Techniques. Each course taught by a Fellowship recipient is limited to non-major students (cap of 20) and is intended to serve students across the broadest possible range of academic disciplines. The teaching challenge is to apply principles of acting and of collaborative theatre performance within the context of a non-theatre focus.

About our theatre program: The theatre program at Virginia Tech is committed to education, training, and experience in the transformative power of the performing arts for students across the university. Our work, in the classroom and in practice, develops professional competencies for students and builds character and community spirit while catalyzing conversations about relevant issues in society. Each course taught by a Fellowship recipient is limited to non-major students (cap of 20) and is intended to serve students across the broadest possible range of academic disciplines. The teaching challenge is to apply principles of acting and of collaborative theatre performance within the context of a non-theatre focus.

Stipends and Benefits: Each of the two Fellowship recipients will be expected to be in residence for two academic years (approval for the second year depends upon a satisfactory performance review in March of the first academic year) to develop pedagogical skills in the discipline through teaching introductory performance-based courses (approximately 12 contact hours per week). In addition to an annual academic year salary, and health and retirement benefits throughout the full employment period, additional support may be provided for workshop activities and summer employment in the Center for Communicating Science: The Art of Connecting Across Difference. The Center for Communicating Science uses the tools of theatre practice to support colleagues in non-arts disciplines develop their abilities to communicate and connect. Engagement with the work of the Center for Communicating Science is expected as part of this transdisciplinary applied theatre initiative. Recipients of Fellowships should plan to be in residence from August 10 – May 9 for two academic years, except for holiday breaks.

Eligibility and Qualifications: We believe that representation is important and we seek applicants who can serve as role models for our increasingly diverse student population. Applicants can be current MFA acting or directing students who will receive their degree before August 2022, or recent graduates with no more than 3 years since the date of their terminal MFA degree (May 2019 – May 2022). Preference will be given to applicants with experience as an instructor of record teaching acting, applied theatre, devising, collaboration and/or improvisation. Applicants will need to have completed their MFA degree by the appointment date of August 10, 2022.

Application Deadline/Review Timeline: The position will remain open until filled. However, for full consideration applications should be received by June 19, 2022.

How to apply: Qualified applicants should electronically submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, and a list of three references to jobs.vt.edu . Apply to posting #520802. The cover letter should discuss your particular qualifications relative to the position, and your commitment to a career that combines creative activity and teaching. Please address how you would plan to create opportunities for your continuing creative activity during your teaching experience at our institution. Please limit your letter to 2 pages, single-spaced.

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

About Virginia Tech

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands-on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem-solvers. A comprehensive land-grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges , a school of medicine , a veterinary medicine college, Graduate School , and Honors College . The university has a significant presence across Virginia, including the Innovation Campus in Northern Virginia; the Health Sciences and Technology Campus in Roanoke; sites in Newport News and Richmond; and numerous Extension offices and research centers . A leading global research institution, Virginia Tech conducts more than $500 million in research annually.

Virginia Tech does not discriminate against employees, students, or applicants on the basis of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or otherwise discriminate against employees or applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose their compensation or the compensation of other employees or applicants, or on any other basis protected by law.

If you are an individual with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Natasha Staley at snatasha@vt.edu during regular business hours at least 10 business days prior to the event.

Advertised: June 10, 2022
Applications close: