Assistant Professor of Scenic Design
Illinois Wesleyan University invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor
of Scenic Design (Teaching Track). The teaching track focuses on developing innovative
curricula as well as contributing to the success of students, the department, and
the university. It is a renewable, nine-month appointment built on consecutive six-year
contracts. Typically initial appointments are at the rank of Assistant Professor,
with the possibility of promotion to the ranks of Associate
Professor and Professor. While not eligible for tenure, appointments on the teaching
track are designed to support long-term teaching engagement and continued professional
growth. Teaching track faculty are eligible for a sabbatical following the successful
renewal of the initial six-year contract and every seven years thereafter. Additional
benefits for the position include
the possibility of modest start-up funds and two-course releases to be taken in the
first five years of appointment. Professional development funding is available, as
is mentoring both within and outside of the department. Salary commensurate with qualifications
and experience. The start date for this position is August 15, 2024.
The School of Theatre Arts seeks candidates whose artistic achievement, teaching,
and service has prepared them to contribute to our commitment to diversity and inclusion
in higher education. Diversity in our environment embraces the acceptance of a multiplicity
of diverse backgrounds and worldviews. We translate these values into action by seeking
individuals who have experience and expertise working with diverse students, colleagues,
and constituencies. We believe that such experiences are both institutional and service
imperatives. We encourage applications from individuals with demonstrated knowledge
of and relevant abilities working with diverse communities.
This position combines teaching and production responsibilities. Teaching can be in
rotation and may include any of the following: fundamentals of design, scenic design,
Vectorworks drafting, history of decor and architecture, props, paint/faux finishes,
visual concepts, special topics related to areas of expertise, and the ability to
develop and/or teaching writing in the major. Design responsibilities include: designing
or supervising student designers for our Mainstage or Laboratory season (a total of
six productions) and shared supervision of undergraduate students enrolled in Theatre
Laboratory. Independent study courses and special topics courses connected to student
designers and their projects will be part of this appointment’s design
responsibilities.
More specifically, the position includes:
● Eight-course teaching load per year divided between assignments of production and
curriculum
● Academic advising in the discipline
● Professional achievement and activity: Teaching track faculty are expected to maintain
currency in the profession and pedagogy
● School and University service
Qualifications:
● MFA and/or Ph.D. in Scenic Design
● Experience teaching at the undergraduate level
● Professional design experience
● Additional preferred qualifications may include membership with:
-
- USITT
- USA 829
- IATSE
Founded in 1850, Illinois Wesleyan University is a nationally ranked, small, private
undergraduate liberal arts university with rigorous admission criteria and a tradition
of teaching excellence emphasizing the integration of the liberal arts and professional
education. We are located in Bloomington, IL, a metro area of 170,000 people, which
is about a two or three-hour
drive from Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis. We are strongly committed to fostering
a diverse and inclusive community of outstanding faculty, staff, and students. Illinois
Wesleyan University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. An overview of IWU’s benefits
can be found here: https://www.iwu.edu/human-resources/current-employees.html.
All applications should be sent electronically. Please include in your cover letter
a statement describing your perspectives on and, preferably, experience with promoting
inclusion; teaching statement; curriculum vita; graduate school transcripts; names
and contact information for three or more references, or three letters of reference;
portfolio or website address by January 15, 2024:
Jean Kerr, Director, School of Theatre Arts,
Illinois Wesleyan University,
Bloomington, IL 61702-2900.