University of Connecticut, Dramatic Arts

Position ID:UConn-Dramatic Arts-495940 [#20941, 495940]
Position Title: Assistant Professor of Costume Design, Tenure Track
Position Type:Tenured/Tenure-track faculty
Position Location:Storrs, Connecticut 06269, United States [map] sort by distance
Subject Area: Theatre / Performance Design (Costume and Set)
Appl Deadline: finished (2022/01/12, finished 2022/07/15, listed until 2022/02/18)
Position Description:    

*** this position has been closed and new applications are no longer accepted. ***

INTRODUCTION 

The University of Connecticut (UConn) School of Fine Arts is pleased to invite applications for a faculty position in the Department of Dramatic Arts at the rank of Assistant Professor of Costume Design, tenure-track for both the MFA and BFA Design Program. 

The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to creative research and scholarship through extramural funding, high-quality productions, and impact as measured through national recognition, reviews, or award nominations. In the area of teaching, the successful candidate will share a deep commitment to effective instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels, development of innovative courses and mentoring of students in research, outreach and professional development.  Further, successful candidates will be expected to broaden participation among members of under-represented groups; demonstrate through their research, teaching, and/or public engagement the richness of diversity in the learning experience; integrate multicultural experiences into instructional methods and research tools; leadership in developing pedagogical techniques designed to meet the needs of diverse learning styles and intellectual interests.  Candidates will also be expected to participate in departmental and university service to support curricular and program development and advise undergraduate students in the department.  

The University of Connecticut's Department of Dramatic Arts offers BFA degrees in Design/Technical Theatre, Acting, and Puppet Arts, and a BA degree in Theatre Studies. The Department offers an MFA in Theatre with concentrations in Scenic Design, Costume Design, Lighting Design, Technical Direction, Acting, Puppet Arts, and Arts Leadership and Cultural Management. Its MFA programs in performance and design/tech are rated among the top six by the University/Resident Theatre Association. The unique, internationally acclaimed MFA Program in Puppet Arts offers training and experience for students across the department in innovative puppet and object performance. There are twenty-five members of the full-time faculty and an additional 7 staff members.

The Department of Dramatic Arts is resolutely committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible, and equitable environment for all members of our community. With that affirmation in mind, historically underrepresented and/or marginalized groups of all held identities, including but not limited to, individuals with disabilities, women, candidates of color are actively encouraged to apply, and your offerings of continued accountability are welcomed.

The Connecticut Repertory Theatre prepares students by blending education and industry. Created as a training ground, and modeled on a stand-alone LORT/regional theatre, CRT produces four Main Stage productions per academic year (two in the 486-seat, proscenium-stage Harriet Jorgensen Theatre and two in the 241-seat, thrust-stage Nafe Katter Theatre) and two Studio productions in the 116-seat Studio Theatre. The CRT has a professional staff of ten, several of whom also teach periodically. Also housed within the School of Fine Arts are the Department of Art & Art History, the Department of Music, the Department of Digital Media and Design, the William Benton Museum of Art, the Jorgensen Center for the Performing Arts, and the Ballard Institute and Museum of Puppetry.

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state's flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

The UConn Storrs campus is in a beautiful area of New England, with a moderate cost of living and proximity to major cultural, recreational, and urban centers of the Northeast. The University community provides residents with a rich diversity of cultural, artistic, athletic, and historic experiences. UConn is ranked as the top public university in New England, and among the top 25 public universities nationwide.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Serve as the faculty leader and GA Supervisor for the MFA Costume Design Program, and collaborate on the curriculum for the BFA Design/Technology Program. 
  • Teach a 3/2 course load.
  • Serve as the Costume Design Advisor for all productions.
  • Helm a robust annual recruitment and admissions process for new costume student cohorts.
  • Support the Department’s commitment to a collaborative community and a dedication to ongoing curriculum development. 
  • Participate in initiatives to promote a de-siloed and dynamic educational experience, with a specific eye towards professional work that can incorporate educational opportunities for our students in the industry.    
  • Engage in applicable mentoring, advising, and administrative duties, as well as broader university service and research typical of a tenure-track position, at the request of the chair.
  • Further the Department’s commitment to an inclusive, accessible, and equitable community for all.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

  • MFA, DFA, Ph.D., or equivalent terminal degree in Costume Design or closely related field.
  • Significant experience both working professionally as a Costume Designer and teaching at a university level. 
  • A demonstrated history of practices promoting IDEA - Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

  • An active and robust professional design career that brings with it a network of significant individuals and/or institutions.
  • Evidence of experience in recruiting, retaining, and supporting students, faculty/staff, and guest artists, including from historically underrepresented populations.
  • A demonstrated history of and a commitment to collaboration and shared governance. 
  • Experience in at least one area beyond Costume Design for live performance, such as Hair/Wig Design, Production Design, TV/Film, etc.

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 9-month, tenure-track position with an anticipated start date of August 23, 2022. The successful candidate’s academic appointment will be at the Storrs campus. Faculty may also be asked to teach at one of UConn’s regional campuses as part of their ordinary workload. In addition to a robust benefits package, the salary will be commensurate with qualifications, ranging between $60,000-65,000.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment at the University of Connecticut is contingent upon the successful candidate’s compliance with the University’s Mandatory Workforce COVID-19 Vaccination Policy.  This Policy states that all workforce members are required to have or obtain a Covid-19 vaccination as a term and condition of employment at UConn, unless an exemption or deferral has been approved. 

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/20941 and submit the following application materials:

  • Cover letter
  • Curriculum vitae
  • A portfolio or website of professional work that showcases both your design process and product.
  • Teaching statement: including teaching philosophy, teaching experience, commitment to effective learning, and/or concepts for new course development. (one page)
  • Demonstrated Commitment to IDEA - Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (examples of actionable implemented work);(one page)
  • Names and contact information for three references to be contacted by the search committee.

Evaluation of applicants will begin immediately. Preference will be given to applications received by February 8, 2022. For more information regarding the Department of Dramatic Arts please visit the Department website at [https://drama.uconn.edu]. For questions, please contact Nisha Hardnett at nisha.hardnett@uconn.edu.

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

This position will be filled subject the budgetary approval.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.

The University of Connecticut is committed to building and supporting a multicultural and diverse community of students, faculty and staff. The diversity of students, faculty and staff continues to increase, as does the number of honors students, valedictorians and salutatorians who consistently make UConn their top choice. More than 100 research centers and institutes serve the University’s teaching, research, diversity, and outreach missions, leading to UConn’s ranking as one of the nation’s top research universities. UConn’s faculty and staff are the critical link to fostering and expanding our vibrant, multicultural and diverse University community. As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer, UConn encourages applications from women, veterans, people with disabilities and members of traditionally underrepresented populations.


Application Materials Required:
Submit the following items online at this website to complete your application:
And anything else requested in the position description.

Further Info:
email address
 
School of Fine Arts
Suite 201
1295 Storrs Rd. Unit 1128
Storrs, CT 06269-1128