School Of Theatre & Dance

  • Full-Time
  • Fullerton, CA
  • California State University
  • Posted 3 years ago – Accepting applications
Job Description
Department of Theatre and Dance
College of the Arts
Assistant Professor of Scenic Design
Fall 2021

The Department of Theatre and Dance at California State University, Fullerton, invites applications for a full-time tenure track Assistant Professor of Scenic Design with appointment to begin Fall 2021.

California State University, Fullerton is a minority-serving institution, and an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer with a strong commitment to increasing the diversity of the campus community and the curriculum, and fostering an inclusive environment within which students, staff, administrators, and faculty thrive. Candidates who can contribute to this goal through their teaching, research, advising, and other activities are encouraged to identify their strengths and experiences in this area. Individuals advancing the University’s strategic diversity goals and those from groups whose underrepresentation in the American professoriate has been severe and longstanding are particularly encouraged to apply.

CSUF faculty are committed teacher/scholars who bring research and creative discovery to life for students in classrooms, labs, studios, and individually mentored projects. They teach broadly in the curricula of their departments, advise students, and serve on departmental and university-wide committees. The primary responsibilities of the person in this position will include the development and teaching of introductory to intermediate courses in Scenic Design, mentoring students in their departmental production-based activities, and the development of courses in their area(s) of specialization. This person will also be responsible for producing scholarship / creative work commensurate with the requirements for tenure. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to and participate in the life and development of the department, advise students, serve on committees, and participate in the broader university and disciplinary communities.

Position:
The CSUF Department of Theatre and Dance is seeking a dynamic new colleague who is a committed artist-educator and active scenic designer with a diverse perspective; one who will share their professional experience and their sense of creative discovery with graduate and undergraduate students both in the classroom and through production-based educational experiences. The primary responsibilities of this position include the development and teaching of introductory to intermediate courses in Scenic Design and mentoring students in their departmental production-based activities. Core responsibilities include: co-supervise the Scenic Design area in the design and technical production program; mentor and advise students in design and technical productions and projects; mentor current students in academic and career planning; recruit promising students, staff, and faculty; and contribute to department and university equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives.

Required Qualifications:
  • MFA in Scenic Design, Scenography, or Theatrical Design by the time of appointment, or a terminal degree other than MFA with a significant national/international professional career in the Scenic Design field

  • Evidence showing the ability to or potential to mentor and teach Scenic Design students at both undergraduate and graduate levels

  • A strong record of professional Scenic Design accomplishments

  • Evidence of leadership, communication, organizational, and management skills as demonstrated through completion of successful professional theatrical projects

  • Experience in working collaboratively with colleagues and communities

  • Demonstrated commitment to and excellence in undergraduate teaching of a very diverse student population, including first?generation college students


  • Preferred Qualifications
    The ideal candidate will have experience that demonstrates:
  • Mastery of traditional and contemporary scenic design practices for live and/or recorded theatrical productions

  • Commitment to experiential learning and dynamic pedagogical practice

  • Engagement in additional research and teaching interests such as media and/or projection design, AR/VR/XR immersive technologies, art direction, and/or production design is also looked on favorably but is not required.


  • Application Procedure
    A complete on?line application must be received by electronic submission to be considered. To apply, please visit http://hr.fullerton.edu/careers/Faculty.php to apply for requisition #498518, and provide the following required materials:
  • Letter of application responding to your experience related to the required and preferred qualifications in addition to discussing your teaching philosophy and pedagogical practices with Scenic Design students.

  • Curriculum Vitae

  • Candidate Diversity Statement:

  • o Diversity, Inclusion and Equity are fundamental to the mission of CSUF. Diversity, as reflected in our student body, refers to the variety of personal experiences, values, and viewpoints that arise from differences of culture and circumstance. Such differences include race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, religion, language, differing abilities, socioeconomic status, geographic region, and more. Please discuss how you would include anti-racist and inclusive policies in your teaching and pedagogy, to create a just and equitable classroom. Explain how your experiences and/or qualifications enhance your ability to contribute to the students, faculty, and staff who are members of our diverse CSUF community.
  • A list of three references with relevant contact information (name, preferred contact number and email)


  • Semi-Finalists:
    Semi-Finalists may be asked to submit additional information such as:
  • Digital scenic design portfolio or website link.

  • Additional materials such as current course syllabi and outlines, course assignments, and rubrics may also be requested.


  • Finalists:
    Finalists will be asked to submit three letters of recommendation. Please have these ready for the referents to submit should you move forward to this phase of the search. On the References page of the online application, enter information and email addresses for three referents who will provide a confidential letter of reference for your application. A request via email along with information on uploading the letter will be sent. You will be able to verify that each letter has been received by CSUF by logging back into the recruitment system. Please do not submit letters of recommendation until asked to do so.

    Please do not send additional materials until requested to do so. The semi-finalists and finalists for the position will be contacted when to submit and are required to submit all materials for full consideration.

    Review of applications will begin on February 8, 2021 and will continue until the position has been filled. The anticipated appointment date is August 16, 2021.

    Please direct all questions about the position to: Dale A. Merrill, Dean, College of the Arts at dmerrill@fullerton.edu with “Scenic Design Search” in the subject line or call 657-278-3256.

    The Department
    The Department of Theatre & Dance serves approximately 535 Majors, with 18 Full-time and 30 Part-time Faculty and 9 Full-time Professional Staff, and offers BFA Degrees in Acting and Musical Theatre; BA Degrees in Theatre, Design & Production, and Dance; and MFA Degrees in Directing and Design & Production. The yearly season consists of up to 10 Main Stage and 8 Studio Series (productions performed, designed, and staffed by students). The Department of Theatre and Dance at California State University, Fullerton, is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre and the National Association of Schools of Dance, and is a member of the University Resident Theatre Association and United States Institute for Theatre Technology. For more information about the department, please visit: http://www.fullerton.edu/arts/theatredance/

    Additional Information
    Multiple positions may be hired from this recruitment based on the strength of the applicant pool.

    Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications, and is subject to budgetary authorization and any California State University System faculty contract increases. Summer research grants, moving expenses, start?up funds, and a reduced teaching load may be available. An excellent comprehensive benefits package is available that includes: health/vision/dental plans; spouse, domestic partner and dependent fee?waiver; access to campus child?care; and a defined?benefit retirement through the state system along with optional tax sheltering opportunities. For a detailed description of benefits, please visit https://hr.fullerton.edu/total-wellness/.

    The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

    A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be formally offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

    Reasonable accommodations will be provided for qualified applicants with disabilities who self?disclose.

    Notice of Non-Discrimination on the Basis of Gender or Sex and Contact Information for Title IX Coordinator (http://www.fullerton.edu/titleix/about/notice.php)
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