Assistant Professor of Scenic Design

Position Title:

Assistant Professor of Scenic Design

‌

Position Type:

Regular

‌

About the Role:

The Theatre & Dance Program is seeking an active, professional artist to join our collaborative, diverse, and vibrant program located in the artistically rich greater Cincinnati area. The School of the Arts at Northern Kentucky University offers a wide array of degree programs in the visual and performing arts. The Theatre & Dance Program within the School of the Arts offers a BFA in Theatre Performance (with tracks in Acting, Musical Theatre, Dance Performance, Dance Pedagogy, and Playwriting), a BFA in Theatre Design, Technology, or Stage Management (with tracks in Theatre Design or Technology, and Stage Management), a BA in Theatre Arts, a Dance Minor, and a Theatre Minor. See the Theatre & Dance website at theatre.nku.edu for additional information.

‌

Primary responsibilities include teaching design courses for the program, designing scenery, projections (including control and mapping), and/or props for mainstage season productions, scene painting, participating in production strikes, providing leadership and mentorship of students in the design area, recruiting and mentoring majors within the design area of the program, active participation/mentoring of students during scene shop lab, and shared oversight of paint/props/projection studio. Possible teaching responsibilities may include scenic design, projection design, control and mapping, properties design, scenic painting, drafting, Vectorworks, rendering, fundamentals of design, and special topics in design. Other duties will be assigned based on the candidate’s strengths, interests, and the needs of the program. Responsibilities also include the development of a scholarly/creative agenda in research, performance, and/or professional creative activities. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree (MFA) required
• Record of excellence in Scene Design with strengths in conceptual design, rendering and/or modeling, drafting and scenic painting.
• Candidate should also have a breadth of professional creative activity.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Evidence of potential for a successful career in teaching. 
• Working knowledge of projection design and control for theatre/ entertainment. 
• Experience cultivating positive and collaborative relationships in the industry and region.
• Ability to work effectively with students of varied backgrounds, abilities, and goals for access and opportunity.
• Strong organizational and communication skills to support the operation of a growing theatrical design and technology program. 
• Demonstrated success in recruiting and retaining students. 
• Ability to work collaboratively and cultivate a positive working environment with both students and colleagues.
• Candidates who have additional positive attributes/expertise/skills beyond the above qualifications are desirable and should reference these additional attributes in application materials.

Application

For primary consideration for this position, a complete application must be received by midnight on Friday, November 2. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until filled. Applications received after the deadline will only be considered if additional qualified candidates are sought. Selected candidates must successfully pass a background check. Applicants who enrich the diversity of the campus community are strongly encouraged to apply. Finalist candidates should expect to give a creative/scholarly portfolio presentation, teaching demonstration, and committee interview during an on-campus interview.

Required materials to include: (All materials can be submitted in the same documents box)

• A 1–2-page cover letter that describes how well the applicant satisfies the qualifications, experience, and teaching effectiveness needed for this position and how the applicant will specifically contribute to the success of the Theatre & Dance Program at NKU. 
• A Curriculum Vitae. 
• A 1-2-page statement of your personal philosophy regarding hands-on collaboration/mentorship in the production and design process and why they are important in higher education. Please also include specifics regarding your commitment and/or experience promoting and fostering a learning environment that is supportive of individuals from diverse backgrounds. 
• A one-page personal teaching philosophy statement reflecting your approach in the classroom.  
• A document with the names and contact information (phone and email) for at least three (3) professional references who can speak to your teaching, mentorship, and collaboration in the production process as well as leadership in their assigned areas of production. 
• A document with unrestricted links (please use online platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, etc., and test all links to ensure they are working correctly) to your design portfolio. 
• Unofficial transcripts. 

Questions 

Questions regarding the use of this website should be directed to the Human Resources Department at [email protected]. Questions regarding the nature of the position should be directed to the search committee chair, Michael Hatton, [email protected]. Candidates should submit materials electronically at: Assistant Professor of Scenic Design.  

‌

Work Environment & Physical Demands: