Assistant or Associate Professor of Scenic Design

Universities of Wisconsin•Madison, WI

About The Position

The Department of Theatre and Drama at the University of Wisconsin – Madison invites applications for an Assistant/Associate Professor faculty position in the field of Scenic Design. We seek visionary candidates who aspire to shape the future of theatre by integrating traditional design techniques with digital design methodologies in theatre and the wider field of entertainment design. The faculty scenic designer plays a critical role in the academic culture of the Department of Theatre and Drama. We seek an instructor who is passionate about student training, involvement, and mentorship. Faculty are expected to contribute meaningfully to the intellectual and artistic life of the Department. The Department expects the Scenic Design faculty member to work with our design faculty to build an undergraduate design program by fostering growth through collaborative leadership in design. The Department values an equally collaborative world-building process in design. The Scenic Designer works within the processed-based design team in a true collaborative process. The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic collaborator with a multifaceted understanding across specialties of scene, paint, props, light, media, and costumes. The University Theatre is the producing structure of the Department whose mission is to provide opportunities for students to learn through live production experiences. The Scenic Designer mentor student designers in University Theatre productions. Faculty design roles for University Theatre are assigned by the Department Chairperson in consultation with the University Theatre Artistic Director. The School of Education and the Department of Theatre and Drama is home to talented students learning and training alongside faculty with diverse experiences in the performing arts. Part of the vibrant arts community at UW–Madison, the Department is home to a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Theatre, with specializations in “Acting” or “Design and Technology”. The Department also hosts a growing Certificate in Theatre, the UW-Madison equivalent of an undergraduate minor. The Department of Theatre and Drama resides in the UW-Madison School of Education, which is regularly ranked as one of the top Schools of Education in the nation. The School is proud of the outstanding breadth of its programs, with departments in Education, Health, and the Arts. The School views this broad range of programs as a tremendous strength. Typical responsibilities of this tenure/tenure-track position are to: Expand knowledge in the field of theatre through creative and/or scholarly research Publish research findings or exhibit creative works in venues appropriate to areas of scholarship Seek external research funding as appropriate for the area of study Teach courses in areas of expertise Mentor undergraduate students Contribute to undergraduate program development in the department Develop courses inside areas of expertise for major and non-majors populations Participate in interdisciplinary and collaborative efforts within the department and with other departments, schools, and colleges Participate in department, school, university, and professional service appropriate to the faculty rank

Requirements

Evidence of potential for developing and directing a significant research program and creative practice in Theatrical or Entertainment Design.
3 years of professional design experience (not affiliated with home educational institution).
3 years of teaching experience.
Evidence of ability to adapt to change and meet deadlines.
Demonstrated understanding of scenic design process and digital deliverables, art treatments, including providing paint elevations to scenic artists, an understanding of scenic art treatments, and ability to produce design documentation in scale.
Associate Professor candidates must possess experience and scholarly credentials that meet the tenure standards of the Department of Theatre and Drama and the Divisional Committee at UW-Madison. These credentials are demonstrated by a distinguished body of professional work at the highest national level.
Central to the role is a deep and sustained commitment to teaching, mentoring, and inspiring students.
Successful candidates have a sustained record of commitment to departmental, institutional, and national service.
MFA (or other terminal degree) in Theatre and Drama or closely related field with emphasis in Design

Nice To Haves

5 years of professional design experience
3 years of classroom teaching experience in Higher Education
Evidence of Grant Writing Experience
Digital Environment Design in Unity, Unreal, or similar video game engine
Professional connections in the theatre/entertainment industry
Design experience in more than one theatrical design discipline (lighting, costumes, sound, media, etc.)
Member of professional organizations like USITT and/or USA 829
Established National Profile
Ability to apply student-centered teaching techniques in a laboratory setting
Demonstrated leadership capacity in various roles
Demonstrated commitment to working with majors and non-majors of various abilities
Interest in experimental learning with products, materials, and processes

Responsibilities

Expand knowledge in the field of theatre through creative and/or scholarly research
Publish research findings or exhibit creative works in venues appropriate to areas of scholarship
Seek external research funding as appropriate for the area of study
Teach courses in areas of expertise
Mentor undergraduate students
Contribute to undergraduate program development in the department
Develop courses inside areas of expertise for major and non-majors populations
Participate in interdisciplinary and collaborative efforts within the department and with other departments, schools, and colleges
Participate in department, school, university, and professional service appropriate to the faculty rank

Benefits

generous paid time off
competitively priced health/dental/vision/life insurance
tax-advantaged savings accounts
participation in the nationally recognized Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) pension fund

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