Description

Position Summary

Adams State University invites applications for a full-time/tenure-track position in Technical Theatre at the Assistant or Associate Professor level. Duties will include:

• Teaching courses in stagecraft, set design, lighting design, and sound design, as well as production management;Serving as Technical Director for productions;
• Serving as set and lighting designer for three faculty-directed productions each season and/or overseeing advanced student designers in these roles;
• Overseeing work-study students in multiple areas of theatre production;
• Mentoring and supervising undergraduate set, lighting, properties, digital, sound designers, and stage managers;
• Other duties as assigned.

This position will teach 2 courses per semester (6 credit hours), with technical direction duties and work-study supervision comprising the other half of the position's load. Faculty members participate fully in department and college activities, including serving on committees and advising students after the first year of employment. Excellence in teaching, scholarship /creative projects, and service are required for promotion and tenure.

We offer two degrees: a BA in Theatre with four areas of emphasis and a unique BA in Theatre Education that has proven highly successful for our teaching students. We have a faculty of four full-time tenured or tenure-track faculty.

Mission of the Department

With a state-of-the-art theatre building, innovative productions, and dynamic community outreach, Adams State Theatre is redefining the role of live theater on a university campus. From the classics to devised works, comedy improv to social change, our goal is to prepare our students for a lifetime of opportunity while creating exciting and relevant entertainment for our community.

We recognize that women and people of color are often less likely to apply to a position if they don't match 100% of the job qualifications. Don't let that be the reason you miss out on this opportunity We encourage you to apply if you can demonstrate many of these skills and competencies.

Minimum Qualifications

An MFA in technical direction or set design. A strong focus on teaching. An ability to perform position description. Demonstrates knowledge of, sensitivity to, and ability to work effectively with, the educational needs of individuals and groups with a diverse range of identities, cultures, backgrounds, and abilities. Evidence of responsiveness to and understanding of the racial, socioeconomic, academic, and cultural diversity of Adams State University's student population, including students with different abilities (e.g. physical and or learning) as these factors relate to the need for equity-minded, inclusive practices within the classroom. Demonstrated commitment to honesty, efficacy, and collaboration.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior professional or educational experience in either technical direction or design. Evidence of successful prior university-level teaching is desirable. Experience integrating new technology into theatre production. Additional areas of expertise such as make-up design, and projection design, are desirable. Ability or experience working with historically under-served and/or underrepresented populations, and first-generation college students. Ability or experience in the recruitment and/or retention of underrepresented students, including students of color. Commitment to professional development, scholarship, and service to the university and community. Demonstrated self-awareness of one's own cultural beliefs, perspectives, and privileges as a part of one's orientation toward teaching. Demonstrated decision-making that is informed by research, data, and theory and that leverages students' unique cultures, experiences, and backgrounds as strengths.

Salary and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $46,350-59,000 range for a traditional 9-month academic-year appointment, commensurate with experience and education. The salary range reflects the level of the highest degree attained and assumes the minimum for an entry-level Assistant professor position to the maximum for an experienced Associate Professor level position.

In addition to salary, Adams State University offers a competitive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, disability insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, and retirement savings plans. For detailed benefits information please visit Opportunities for supplemental contracts may be available.

Required Documents (details below):

• Cover letter.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Teaching statement.
• Diversity statement.
• Evidence of creative design and technical work (either electronic portfolio materials or a link to an online portfolio).
• Graduate transcripts ( Copies accepted. Official transcripts required upon hire.)
• Three professional references.

Completed applications should include the following:

• A detailed cover letter of application addressing teaching interest/experience as well as how professional interests and goals align with Adam's vision and values.
  • We encourage applicants to discuss their commitment to scholarly and/or creative excellence.

○ Additionally, we seek to learn how scholarly excellence is interwoven with their approach to service, teaching, mentoring, and affirming diverse perspectives.

• Teaching Statement: (include sample course syllabi) in addition to describing your approach to teaching in general, please address the following questions:
  • What do you feel are the best strategies for supporting students who have been historically marginalized in theatre?

○ What role should faculty play in student success?

○ Philosophy of and approach to educational theatre in a BA degree program

● Diversity Statement: please address the following questions:

○ Describe how your life experiences, identities, and/or professional commitments have shaped your approach to enacting Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)?

○ How does teaching at a small HSI with a sizable population of first-generation university students set in a rural environment align with your teaching interests/experience and professional goals?

• References: name, job title, and contact information (email, phone).

Basic applications (resume, cover letter, transcripts) must be submitted at:

However, additional materials may be sent directly via email as needed to:

Charise Mixa, Administrative Assistant to the Department of Theatre,

Inquiries: Prof. Jenna Neilsen, Chair, Theatre Search Committee,

Only complete applications will be considered. Review of completed applications will begin immediately and continue until closed. Priority is given to applications received before February 9, 2024. This appointment begins in August 2024.