Assistant Professor of Acting/Directing - Theatre Arts

Job Summary

The Theatre Arts Department at Central Washington University (Ellensburg, WA) invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position in Theatre, with an emphasis in Performance at the rank of Assistant Professor, beginning September 2022.

The CWU Theatre Arts Department offers a BFA with tracks in Performance, Musical Theatre, and Design and Production, as well as BA in Theatre Studies and MA in Theatre Production. The newly redesigned BFA Performance has a focus on consent-based, inclusive, and social justice practices. The department has a strong commitment to teaching and creating theatre via student-centered pedagogies and to advancing equity, diversity, inclusion, and belonging across our programs. In addition to practical courses in performance and theatre-making, teaching duties might include courses that investigate race, gender, disability, and/or foreground performance traditions of the global majority; and general education courses such as Introduction to Theatre or Foundations of Acting (for non-majors).

We eagerly seek a forward-looking artist/scholar committed to equitable and inclusive education and acting training for BFA Performance students as well as interdisciplinary, non-major/general education students to join our community of educators and professional theatre artist-scholars.

The ideal candidate demonstrates an existing record or potential for a robust body of creative work. Additionally, the candidate shares a passion for mentoring a diverse student community. A successful candidate has a record of innovative performance and teaching, especially with an eye toward creating just, equitable, sustainable communities and will be able to contribute to a dynamic, collaborative team of faculty & students who are invested in on-going antiracist & consent-based practices across theatrical areas. The successful candidate will serve as the co-coordinator of the BFA Performance program as well as will teach courses in the BFA Performance, BA Theatre Studies, and MA Theatre Production programs.

Who we are:

We are a team of individuals committed to Changing Students' Lives. No matter what job, each of us plays a part in supporting and empowering our students to fulfill their dreams.

Working in higher education provides career growth and career choice. Think of a university campus like a mini city, operating across 380 acres. You'll find diverse academics, libraries, athletics and sporting events, full service and quick serve dining, conferences and events from small to large, recreation centers, housing for ~10,000 students, health services, police and public safety.

For the seventh time in eight years, CWU is a recipient of the prestigious Higher Education Excellence in Diversity (HEED) Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine. Come join us on our journey to encourage, inspire, and create spaces where all identities thrive on campus.

Tour our campus in Ellensburg here. www.youtube.com/watch?v=HjdhOegDa9A

What we offer:

Our investment in you begins the day you join our team, a healthy and successful future for you is important to us. We offer medical, dental, life and disability insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, tuition assistance for you and your dependents, discounts across town, an employee assistance program for individualized counseling, and a wellness incentive program. Learn more: www.cwu.edu/hr/benefits-perks-discounts .

Minimum Qualifications

MFA in performance discipline (acting/directing) or terminal degree in theatre.
Scholarship/Creative Activity and teaching interests in Acting/Devising/Directing.
Demonstrated ability to teach practice-based courses in performance (acting, directing).
Demonstrated training and work in antiracist theatre practices and consent-based pedagogies.

Preferred Qualifications

Three or more years of collegiate level teaching experience
Demonstrated teaching and scholarship/creative activity in Acting, Devising, and Directing
Documented experience as a director, acting coach, or deviser.
Expertise in one or more of the following: devised theatre, theatre movement (such as Chekhov), theatre for young audiences, neurodivergent theatre, community-based theatre.
Documented experience working with diverse students, including neurodivergent, LGBTQ+, and students of the global majority.
Experience in curriculum design and work as a teaching artist and/or teaching in K12 theatre education.
Demonstrated ability to collaboratively lead the BFA Performance program.
Experience in recruitment.
Ability to facilitate conversations and practices regarding race, representation, accessibility, and consent in the acting studio and theatre space.

Competencies

Accountability/Dependability: Accepts responsibility for quality of own work; acknowledges and corrects mistakes. Shows up on time, meets standards, deadlines and work schedules.
Judgement: Makes timely, informed decisions. Analyzes options and determines appropriate course of action.
Teamwork: Promotes cooperation and mutual support to achieve goals. Encourages participation and mutual support.
Adaptability/Flexibility: Responds positively to changing business needs and responsibilities. Adapts approach and methods to achieve results; recovers quickly from setbacks and finds alternatives.
Commitment to Diversity: Recognizes the value of diversity and helps create environment that supports and embraces diversity.

Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule

Salary : Commensurate with education and experience

Appointment : Full-Time, Tenure-Track, 9 Month Appointment. Additional Summer teaching may be available.

Benefits : CWU offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement and optional savings plans, life and disability insurance. http://www.cwu.edu/hr/benefits

Additional Information: For additional information about the University, visit : http://www.cwu.edu
For additional information about Ellensburg, visit: http://www.myellensburg.com
OR http://www.kittitascountychamber.com

How To Apply

To apply for this position, you must complete the on-line application and attach:

A detailed cover letter clearly demonstrating how your education and experience: (a) meet the required (and, as applicable, preferred) qualifications, and (b) demonstrate the ability to perform the responsibilities as described by the posting; and (c) detail how teaching, service and/or scholarship has supported students from racial, ethnic, and gender backgrounds that are underrepresented in their academic fields (applicants who have not yet had the opportunity for such experience should note how their work will further CWU's commitment to diversity);
Curriculum Vitae including work history, education, training and contact information for three professional references;
Statement of teaching philosophy that delineates commitment to equity, diversity, and access in higher education; and
Copies of transcripts for the highest degree held.

Screening Begins: December 15, 2022

**NOTE: Although copies of transcripts are acceptable for application purposes, all job offers are contingent upon verification of highest degree. Priority will be given to applications received by the screening date. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Contact Information

Name: Christina Barrigan
Title: Chair, Department of Theatre Arts
Email: Christina.Barrigan@cwu.edu
Phone: 509-963-1273
Website: cwu.edu/theatre/

Please contact Human Resources at hr@cwu.edu or 509-963-1202 if you require technical assistance with the on-line application process.

Conditions of Employment

Prior to employment, final candidate(s) will be required to sign a Sexual Misconduct disclosure in pursuant to RCW 28B.112.080and submit to a background check. All information obtained through background investigations will be strictly confidential and revealed only to those required to have access.

The conditions of employment with Central Washington University are set forth in the Collective Bargaining Agreement between Central Washington University and United Faculty of Central, University policies and procedures, and applicable state and federal laws.

The Collective Bargaining Agreement may be found here: http://www.cwu.edu/hr/labor-relations/ufc.