Schenectady, NY, 12307, USA
9 days ago
Lecturer of Performance Design
The Department of Theatre and Dance at Union College in Schenectady, NY, invites applications to fill a Lecturer position (three-year, renewable contract). We are looking for a teaching artist and practitioner in the field with overlapping specialties in two or more areas of video/projection and sound design/technology, scenic design, and/or lighting design/technology, who can serve as designer in those roles for departmental theatrical, dance, and movement productions. Applications must be received by March 7th for consideration. Union College invites applications for the position of Lecturer of Performance Design, beginning September 1, 2025. Applications must be received by March 7th for consideration. Position description: The Department of Theatre and Dance at Union College in Schenectady, NY, invites applications to fill a Lecturer position (three-year, renewable contract). We are looking for a teaching artist and practitioner in the field with overlapping specialties in two or more areas of video/projection and sound design/technology, scenic design, and/or lighting design/technology, who can serve as designer in those roles for departmental theatrical, dance, and movement productions. The ideal candidate would partner with other Union College departments and programs such as computer science, engineering, film studies, the maker lab, or other interdisciplinary programs. The ability to serve as sound, projection/video, scenic, or lighting designer on faculty productions would be required. There would be an option to serve as production manager or stage manager in rotation with other faculty or adjuncts if qualified. A successful candidate with sufficient previous directing experience may also have the opportunity to work as a creator/collaborator to devise or direct productions as part of the department's season. The successful candidate should hold an MFA in an area of performing arts design or an equivalent terminal degree (ABD considered); other degrees may be considered if the candidate also demonstrates exceptional professional experience. The candidate should demonstrate teaching experience in and/or commitment to a liberal arts context and provide evidence of teaching effectiveness and professional accomplishment. We seek an artist/educator looking to help create a diverse, collaborative, and inclusive community, and spark student investment in, and enthusiasm for the study of interdisciplinary practices of performing arts design and technology. Responsibilities include teaching six courses per academic year (usually two courses in each of three 10 week academic terms) with an expectation that the faculty member will design for one or more department productions each year, with corresponding course releases. A candidate with interest and experience may also be assigned a release for directing or devising a production. Primary courses will include design, technology, or creative collaboration classes for majors and non-majors. The successful candidate should demonstrate a desire to incorporate a variety of teaching methodologies, particularly those that prioritize anti-racist, decolonized, or non-eurocentric practices. In addition, all Lecturers have co-curricular duties which support programmatic activities for the department. The duties for this position include: being active in season selection and student thesis approvals, student mentorship and advising, internship guidance as well as support and management of equipment and materials as well as production mentorship and support in the candidate’s area/s of specialty. About the Theater & Dance Department (https://www.union.edu/theater-dance) : The Theatre and Dance Department at Union College encourages community engagement, academic excellence and guiding student inquiry and experiences to develop artistic exploration, collaborative skills, and critical thinking. We offer our students hands-on training with a foundation of scholarly investigation by fostering the integration of a liberal arts education and an anti-racist, global perspective of their artistry. The department fully supports three faculty- or guest artist-directed theater productions in each academic year, one faculty-directed dance concert, two faculty-led dance showcases, and a number of presentations of student-led performances as part of the production season in both dance and theater (three-six+ in each academic year). The department regularly invites guest artists to campus for performances, workshops, master classes in theater and dance, and produces a yearly Dance Residency with a co-produced performance at a local performing arts venue. More information may be accessed at https://www.union.edu/theater-dance Union College is located in Schenectady, NY. The surrounding Capital Region and nearby Hudson Valley and Berkshires region of Massachusetts offer a variety of cultural opportunities and a thriving community of performing arts organizations, from the professional to community-based. Located in the metropolitan area surrounding Albany, Schenectady is three hours from major cities such as Boston, Montreal and New York City, with easy access to train, bus, or air transportation. Application instructions: Please submit all application materials as a single pdf file. Only the materials listed below will be considered. + Cover letter outlining your interest in the position and your qualifying artistic and teaching experience. + Curriculum vitae that includes realized production experience; + Teaching statement that also addresses how you incorporate equity, diversity, and inclusion practices within your pedagogy; + Examples of creative work or portfolio materials. Please send questions and other inquiries to Brittney Belz at theaterchair@union.edu. Applicants invited to the first round of interviews will receive a request for the contact information for three professional references who can speak to their abilities in effectiveness of teaching, professional and/or academic collaboration, and design experience. Compensation The annual salary range for this position is $68,500-$70,000. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting. Location: Schenectady, NY We offer exceptional benefits including: + Healthcare, Dental, and Vision Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts) + Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for On-Campus Wellness Programs + Employee Scholarships toward Certifications, Seminars, Training and Professional Development + Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan + Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability + Tuition Assistance Program for Employee, Spouse and/or Dependents Background Checks: In accordance with our background check policy (http://www.union.edu/human-resources/background-check-policy?\_ga=2.164769983.1635496244.1717465945-1000516401.1717465945) , finalists for hire will undergo a background check that includes education, employment, and criminal convictions. E-Verify Participation: Union College participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify (https://www.e-verify.gov/) and your Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar) (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER\_RightToWorkPoster%20Eng\_Es.pdf) . Union College Officially chartered in 1795, Union College is the fifth-oldest liberal arts college in the country. Located in the Capital District of New York State, Union is a highly selective residential and undergraduate college, home to 2,200 students and 220 faculty, and offering 44 majors. Union was the first liberal arts college to rethink the traditional liberal arts education and adopt an engineering curriculum. That pioneering approach continues today with an education that encourages students to work beyond the limits of disciplinary boundaries, allowing them to think globally and lead innovatively in a world where problem-solving requires breadth across humanities, arts, social sciences, science, and engineering. Accommodations If you require an accommodation throughout the interview process, please don't hesitate to contact our Human Resources department at hr@union.edu or 518-388-6108. We are committed to ensuring that all candidates have equal access to opportunities and can participate in a fair and inclusive hiring process. Diversity at Union College Union College is an equal-opportunity employer and is strongly committed to student and workforce diversity. Increasing diversity on campus is a critical priority for Union, one that is integral to our mission of preparing students for a globally interconnected world. Union provides a blend of intellectual, social, and cultural opportunities to facilitate the integrated academic, social, and personal development of a diverse community. We value and are committed to a host of diverse populations and cultures including, but not limited to, those based on race, religion, disability, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, and veteran status. Union College is committed to providing access and will provide reasonable accommodation in its application process to individuals with disabilities who request such accommodations. Non-Discrimination Policy Union College will not discriminate in the recruitment or selection of faculty and employees, or in any other area of employment, on the basis of age, sex, race, national origin, religion, religious belief, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, and veteran status. In this regard, opportunities for advancement will be made available without bias. The College is also subject to state and federal laws and supports efforts to attract and retain fully qualified women and other minority group members for faculty and other positions. Union College will comply with the letter and intent of all State and Federal laws and applicable orders pursuant to Equal Employment Opportunity and Affirmative Action.
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