Assistant Professor of Theatre

Friends University invites applications for a full-time Assistant Professor of Theatre for the 2023-2024 academic year. This renewable appointment is for 10 months, non-tenure track, and reports to the Fine Arts Division chair. This individual will oversee Theatre degrees (B.A. Theatre and B.A. Speech/Theatre Education - Secondary Education Grades 6-12), teach classes in support of these degrees, and serve as the Technical Director for stage productions at Friends. The Technical Director is integral in coordinating set design, lighting, costumes, and other ancillary support for Fine Arts productions at Friends University. The ideal candidate will have an MFA, 3-5 years of teaching experience, and significant professional theatre experience outside of academia. Friends seeks applicants whose background and experience reflect a commitment to supporting diverse communities. Applicants must also be able to articulate a vision for the program that aligns with our values as a Christian educational institution.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY & THE COMMUNITY

Friends University offers a complement of traditional undergraduate majors, non-traditional adult degree-completion programs, and professional graduate programs.  Founded in 1898, the University is situated on a beautiful park-like campus in the heart of Wichita, Kansas.  Wichita is a vibrant urban city with all the charms of a small town.  Our great community offers something for everyone and is rich in arts, education, leisure, and commercial resources.

Friends University seeks to hire faculty who will embrace our mission and celebrate our commitment to equipping students to honor God in their personal, professional, and spiritual lives by adhering to the University’s RISE Core Values (Respect, Inclusion, Service and Excellence).  The mission of the University is:

Friends University, a Christian University of Quaker heritage, equips students to honor God and serve others by integrating their intellectual, spiritual and professional lives.

EXPECTATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES

Teaching assignments are based upon the candidate’s credentials and the division’s curricular needs, which may include the following:  

·        Direct and Produce at least one Theatre production (as assigned) in Friends’ annual fine arts performance season  

·        Courses in technical theatre and design, acting, and assignments for speech or theatre education on rotation 

Additional duties include:            

·      Oversee technical production of theatrical events in Friends’ annual fine arts performance season (theater, music theatre, opera, etc.)  

·       Recruiting students for the Theatre program  

·       Develop a summer theatre intensive for high school students  

·       Advising and mentoring students in internship placement and career planning  

·       Overseeing the budget and production schedule of the Theatre program  

·       Overseeing adjunct and production-related contract work in the theatre department  

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

The successful candidate will hold a terminal degree in Theatre or equivalent professional experience. Prior teaching experience and a record of artistic/scholarly achievement is desired.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

The university prefers to hire a candidate who holds a terminal degree in Theatre with 3-5 years college teaching experience, a record of artistic/scholarly achievement and professional experience in acting or directing.  

Rank and salary are commensurate with education and experience.  

Applications should include a:   

·       Cover letter   

·       Curriculum vitae   

·       Vision and Diversity Statement  

·       Contact information for three professional references.  

Review of applications begins April 10, 2023, and continues until the position is filled. If selected, you will be requested to submit up to three (3) video samples of recent teaching, performance, or production. Employment begins on August 14, 2023.  

Salary range $50k - $57k

Please visit our website, www.friends.edu/employment, to apply.  Only applications submitted through the Friends University website application process will be accepted.