What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant/Associate Professor of Theatre position at Bennett College?
ABOUT BENNETT COLLEGE:
Bennett College is a historically Black liberal arts college for women in Greensboro, NC. With a 7/1 student/faculty ratio, Bennett is an intentional micro-college providing an intimate, engaging learning community that centers on the experiences and achievements of women of color. Bennett College seeks to hire new faculty who can contribute to the development of innovative programs and curricula that prepare students for impactful civic engagement and leadership roles in their personal and professional lives.
GENERAL SUMMARY:
This is a full-time (9-month) non-tenure-track faculty position starting no later than August 2025 with the opportunity to move into a tenure-track position. Courses are taught in minimesters, with three minimesters per traditional semester. The teaching load is 12 credit hours per semester. Bennett College currently offers a minor in theatre.
The successful candidate will teach theatre/performing arts courses, including performance and production, directing, stagecraft, acting, theatre history and literature, public speaking and theatre and culture. Candidates should have an established portfolio of scholarly and creative activity in the theatre arts and experience teaching and mentoring at the post-secondary level. Candidates should have a record of success in securing outside funding or be able to demonstrate the potential to do so. Ideal candidates should also be qualified to serve as Director of the on-campus Little Theatre and producer of campus events. The administrative responsibilities of the theatre director include managing instructional programs, budget management, and facility oversight. M.A. or M.F.A. in the field is required, Ph.D. in field preferred.
GENERAL SUMMARY:
This is a full-time (9-month) non-tenure-track faculty position starting no later than August 2025 with the opportunity to move into a tenure-track position. Courses are taught in minimesters, with three minimesters per traditional semester. The teaching load is 12 credit hours per semester. Bennett College currently offers a minor in theatre.
The successful candidate will teach theatre/performing arts courses, including performance and production, directing, stagecraft, acting, theatre history and literature, public speaking and theatre and culture. Candidates should have an established portfolio of scholarly and creative activity in the theatre arts and experience teaching and mentoring at the post-secondary level. Candidates should have a record of success in securing outside funding or be able to demonstrate the potential to do so. Ideal candidates should also be qualified to serve as Director of the on-campus Little Theatre and producer of campus events. The administrative responsibilities of the theatre director include managing instructional programs, budget management, and facility oversight. M.A. or M.F.A. in the field is required, Ph.D. in field preferred.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
- Teach face-to-face and hybrid courses in and about the performing arts.
- Use innovative teaching methods and technologies to engage students and ensure their success.
- Use Canvas for course delivery and record-keeping; submit grades and attendance reports in a timely manner.
- Collaborate with faculty, students, and community members in developing contemporary productions and programming such as improv/open-mic events, readings, and workshops.
- Advise theatre minors with a focus on gaining skills and experience in the performing arts.
- Serve as faculty advisor to performing arts-related student organizations.
- Perform administrative duties and record-keeping for the Little Theatre and the theatre program.
- Serve as producer for campus events such as Baccalaureate, Honors Convocation, and other events as required by the College President and/or VP of Academic Affairs.
- Serve on College committees and participate in shared governance and the general administrative work of the College.
- Attend monthly faculty meetings and College events (such as Baccalaureate, Commencement, Convocations, and Faculty/Staff Institutes).
- Participate in recruitment, professional development workshops, and other programming as assigned by the Dean of Faculty or VP of Academic Affairs.
- Develop original works and performances &/or contribute to the published scholarly literature in the field.
- Actively pursue outside funding.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Knowledge of pedagogical techniques in the performing arts
- Knowledge of works of African American playwrights
- Skills in coaching and directing student actors and supervising student productions
- Ability to keep accurate records
- Ability to work cooperatively with all College constituencies
- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Required Qualifications
- MA or MFA in theatre, performing arts, or related field with at least 18 graduate hours of theatre courses as of start date.
- A record of effective college teaching.
- Experience teaching within a culturally and ethnically diverse community.
- Experience mentoring undergraduate students.
- Experience teaching in different modalities (face-to-face, hybrid, &/or online).
Preferred Qualifications
- A doctoral degree in theatre, performing arts, or a closely related field as of start date.
- Demonstrated record of scholarship and artistic productivity/impact.
- Leadership and management/administrative experience in the performing arts.
