Assistant/ Associate Professor of Theatre (Costume Design)

Assistant/ Associate Professor of Theatre (Costume Design)

Location:
Rock Hill, SC.
Open Date:
Nov 18, 2022
Description:

WINTHROP UNIVERSITY seeks a full-time, nine-month, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Theatre, specializing in Costume Design. Responsibilities include teaching Costume Design, History of Dress and Decor, Stage Makeup, Costume Production, and other courses based on special skills or interests. The candidate is responsible for 12 credit hours or 18 contact hours a semester, comprised of a combination of coursework, designing costumes for main-stage productions in both theatre and dance, and supervising/mentoring undergraduate designers in costume, and makeup design. This position will collaborate with the part-time costume shop supervisor, as well as student workers. The start date is August 14, 2023.

Salary and rank are dependent upon qualifications. This position requires daily contact with students, faculty, and staff on campus. Additionally, the successful candidate may be expected to occasionally participate in events in the evenings and on weekends. Winthrop enrolls a diverse student body, which closely mirrors the racial and ethnic diversity in the state, and has recently received accolades for its success in graduating students of color.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate Theatre courses
• Design costumes for Theatre and Dance productions
• Supervise/mentor undergraduate designers in costume, and makeup
• Maintain creative/scholarly activity as demonstrated by an active research profile
  • See Departmental Creative and Scholarly Statement
• Participate in curriculum development, accreditation, assessment, and program planning
• Engage in professional stewardship and academic responsibilities to the department, college, university, discipline, and community, as appropriate
• Participate in recruiting as well as other service and professional activities, and professional organizations related to the field
• Assume other responsibilities according to departmental needs and the candidate's qualifications

About the Department of Theatre and Dance
The Department of Theatre and Dance fosters individual students’ aesthetic, intellectual, and creative development within the context of a liberal arts education as they pursue a Bachelor of Arts in theatre or dance. The Department offers BA degrees with emphases in Theatre Performance, Musical Theatre, Theatre Design/Tech, Teacher Certification in Theatre (K-12), Dance, and Teacher Certification in Dance (K-12). Through class instruction, private coaching, mentoring, and performance, the department advocates both theoretical and creative exploration to achieve an understanding of the social, political, historical, and technological aspects of theatre and dance. The department offers minors in theatre and dance and welcomes all students to enroll in courses and audition for productions. The department presents four main stage productions (three in theatre, one in dance), a student choreography showcases, and as many as five studio dance/theatre productions and other informal performances each year.  The department also regularly hosts festivals, and students join faculty in travel to professional conferences. The department employs twelve full-time faculty and ten adjunct faculty to work with 130+ theatre majors and 40+ dance majors. Winthrop is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre and the National Association of Schools of Dance.

 https://www.winthrop.edu/cvpa/theatredance/.

About Winthrop University

Founded in 1886 and located in Rock Hill, South Carolina, Winthrop University offers its 4,400-plus undergraduate and graduate students an educational experience that blends liberal arts, professional programs, global awareness, and civic engagement. In its degree-granting Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Education, and Visual and Performing Arts, Winthrop embraces only those programs and activities that can be delivered at an exemplary level.

Winthrop is well known for its inclusive and supportive campus environment, with University College supporting programs in both academic and student affairs. Winthrop University is achieving national stature as a competitive and distinctive co-educational, public, residential, comprehensive, values-oriented institution. The values of service, excellence, diversity, community, and leadership provide the foundation for the University’s continuing development and shape Winthrop’s continuing success. Numerous national accolades reflect the sustained high quality and value of the Winthrop Experience, including the most recent U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Winthrop as one of the top 10 public comprehensive universities in the South. Winthrop is an active member of the Rock Hill community and is recognized as a key component of the region’s economic resurgence. Approximately 20 minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina, Winthrop has direct access to and is engaged in a broad and expansive regional arts and business community. Winthrop’s beautiful campus encompasses a rich architectural blend of neo-Georgian buildings and is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The attractive recreational and research complex area that surrounds Winthrop Lake is home to Winthrop’s 17 Division I men’s and women’s sports.

Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications

• Master of Fine Arts in theatre (completed by contract start date)
• Evidence of effectiveness in teaching undergraduate costume design and production classes at the undergraduate level, including current design practices, hand and digital drawing and painting
• A record of scholarly/creative activity in costuming for plays, musicals, and dance
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Preferred Qualifications

• Three or more years of post-secondary teaching experience
• Experience working with diverse student populations
• Willingness to collaborate, communicate, and contribute to the growth of the department
• Commitment to a liberal arts tradition of undergraduate education

Application Instructions:

Application Deadline:  January 9, 2023; application materials received after the deadline date may be considered if an acceptable candidate has not been found.

• Cover letter addressing interest in and qualifications for the position
• Curriculum vitae
• A statement on the candidate's commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion
• A one-page statement of teaching philosophy
• The names, email and phone numbers of three references familiar with the candidate’s qualifications
• Transcript and evidence of highest degree achieved (unofficial transcripts acceptable at this stage)
• Digital Portfolio or link to website

Questions about the position and nominations should be directed to Daniel Gordon, chair of the search committee: [email protected].

Position is pending funding availability

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

Winthrop University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group of individuals on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.