Full Time Faculty: Assistant Professor of Theatre, Scenic Designer
Full Time Faculty: Assistant Professor of Theatre, Scenic Designer
The Performing Arts Division at DeSales University, a Catholic, Salesian institution, seeks applications for a full-time, tenure track Assistant Professor of Theatrical Scenic Design. The position requires candidates with a terminal degree in design or an outstanding professional career (Assistant Professor of Professional Practice). Candidates should also possess a wide skill-set and a recognized body of work as a theatre artist, and demonstrate a successful record of teaching experience. This position is an annual nine-month appointment. Salary is commensurate with experience, plus a strong benefits package. Appointment to begin August 2024.
Responsibilities include a 4/4 teaching load, concentrated in the following areas:
- Designing the Scenery and serving as the Scenic Artist for 4 productions per year (2 in the Fall semester and 2 in the Spring semester). Each Design qualifies as a single teaching load. An Assistant Scenic Charge staff position will also be available to assist in the scenic painting.
- Teaching 2 courses in the Design/Technology track each semester (Courses may include: Scenic Design, Scenic Painting, Stagecraft, Technical Drawing, CAD Drafting for the Theatre, Elements of Design, Introduction to Theatre Technology, Projection Design).
Additional Job Requirements:
- Training and overseeing the scenic painting practicum student crews in conjunction with the Assistant Scenic Charge.
- Mentoring scenic design students in their design processes, this includes up to two additional student designed productions per year.
- Ability to support the University’s mission and core values.
Other Desirable Skills (not required):
- Ability to teach additional courses in other design areas, stage management, or production management.
- Membership in United Scenic Artists Local 829.
The position also involves academic advising of Theatre majors in the Design and Technology Track, recruitment and service to the department, as well as serving on university committees. The ideal candidate will also support and promote diversity in the Theatre Department. Candidates from groups underrepresented in theatre are encouraged to apply.
DeSales University’s Theatre Department offers a BA degree in Theatre with 110 majors in four tracks (Acting for Stage and Screen, Musical Theatre, Design and Technology, and Theatre Education) and 8 full time faculty members. The Design and Technology Track has three full time faculty members (Scenic Designer, Costume Designer, Lighting Designer), four full time staff members (Technical Director, Costume Shop Manager, Sound Designer, Props Designer/Assistant Scenic Charge) and one part time staff member (Head Electrician). There is also opportunity for collaboration with the Dance and TV/Film departments within the Division of Performing Arts. During the summer months the Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival is in residence at The Labuda Center for the Performing Arts and is a possible venue for additional faculty development.
For more information about the Theatre Department, please go to: https://www.desales.edu/academics/ academic-programs/detail/theatre
For more information about our course offerings, please go to: https://catalog.desales.edu/content.php? catoid=10&catoid=10&navoid=202&filter%5Bitem_type%5D=3&filter%5Bonly_active%5D=1&filter% 5B3%5D=1&filter%5Bcpage%5D=9#acalog_template_course_filter
For more information about our productions please go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eI6Q6Lx4QY4&list=PLidZqfw-wqH3gSxktINiFFHfCRqOn8m75
Applications need to be complete to be considered for review. To apply, please submit electronically (PDF preferred) the following material to Victoria Kopishke, Program Administrator of the Division of Performing Arts (victoria.kopishke@desales.edu). In the subject line of the email, please only include your Last Name-Scenic Designer:
- Letter of Application (outlining interest and qualifications)
- Diversity and Inclusion Statement*
- Curriculum Vitae
- Three Professional Letters of Recommendation
- Photocopies of all Transcripts (official transcripts will be required, if hired)
- Link to an online Portfolio.
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, but priority considerations given to candidates who apply by November 1, 2024.
*As a Catholic, Salesian institution committed to creating and enhancing our diverse and inclusive campus environment, we request applicants to submit a diversity & inclusion statement: please share in one page or less, how you will add value to our diversity, equity and inclusion commitment at DeSales University by articulating examples of action based on incorporating diverse and inclusive practices in your professional engagements.
DeSales University, in Center Valley, PA, is a private, coeducational four-year liberal arts Salesian, Catholic university, under the leadership of the Oblates of Saint Francis de Sales. Founded in 1965, the 550-acre suburban campus is located 50 miles north of Philadelphia and about 90 miles southwest of New York City. A total enrollment of nearly 3,500 includes undergraduate day and evening students, and graduate students. DeSales has approximately 135 full-time faculty members and offers more than 40 bachelor’s degrees, twelve graduate programs, and over 20 certificate programs in a wide range of disciplines; many of these can be completed fully online. For further information, please visit our website, www.desales.edu. E.O.E.
