School of Drama Hiring for Professor of Scenic Design, Carnegie Mellon University (full-time, tenure track, open rank) at Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Full Time

The School of Drama within the College of Fine Arts at Carnegie Mellon University invites applicants for a full-time tenure-track faculty position in the Scenic Design Program. The Scenic Design Program prepares students for careers in theater, television and film, opera, dance, and emerging forms of entertainment. Under the mentorship of world-class faculty, emphasis is placed on developing the individual artist as the foundation for collaborative creation.

We combine established practice and innovative pedagogical and technological advancement across all subject areas with an intensive student-centered school production season.  Our graduates commit to the enrichment of diverse art practices, champion interdisciplinary collaboration, explore new forms of creative expression and promote community and diversity. We are the first drama degree-granting  institution, having been established in 1914, and have a long, rich history of nurturing inventive artists at the forefront of the industry.

This position is an integral part of the dynamic, drama conservatory at the College of Fine Arts, specifically located within a three-person scenic design faculty team.

The successful candidate will teach specific courses determined in collaboration with other area faculty and leadership.  This will be based on the candidate’s expertise and interest.  These courses will be taught to graduate and undergraduate students. 

Part of our curricular expectation is mentoring and active advising of student designers on their production responsibilities.  With few exceptions, the work on our productions is organized, managed and created by our students. 

We are looking to hire a vital partner in building the next generation of the program.  This person will be an instrumental voice in an ongoing forward-facing curricular review; a passionate and essential contributor to the future of conservatory education.

Base salary is $70k plus benefits, with negotiation based on rank and commensurate experience.

On going professional engagement is expected, encouraged and supported.

Location:  This position requires being physically based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania throughout the academic year.  

Position Type:  This position is open rank, tenure track in Scenic Design.  The position begins in academic year 2023-24, with a commitment of nine months per year for an initial appointment of three years.  

Qualifications:

• An open and collaborative individual engaged with creating collegial teams within and across disciplines
• MFA or equivalent terminal degree is desired.  Candidates without a terminal degree are encouraged to apply if they have equivalent professional and demonstrated teaching experience (even in non-traditional settings) that prepares them for the responsibilities of a tenure track position
• Ongoing professional practice
• Teaching and mentoring experience
• Portfolio exhibiting diverse practices (both traditional and non-traditional), genres, and work in analogous fields representing you as an engaged artist and educator

To apply, please submit the following:

• A Cover Letter describing your qualifications and interest in the position; summarizing your experience, what you might bring to the program and how your growth as an artist and educator can continue to evolve as part of our community.  Please include examples of how you address diversity, equity and inclusion in your practice.
• A comprehensive Digital Portfolio or Website link.
• A detailed Curriculum Vitae
• A list of at least three current References with contact information.

The application review process:

• Review of applications will begin immediately. 
• The application process will close on December 9, 2022.
• Early application is encouraged. Interested in this opportunity? Apply today!

The search committee is interested in attracting a diverse pool of applicants; if you have questions about your qualifications for this position, please contact the search committee chair Brian Russman.  Send such inquiries and any administrative questions to Joyce Dellovade at [email protected].

Carnegie Mellon University, School of Drama is the first degree-granting drama institution in the US. Founded in 1914, we combine established practice with innovation and pedagogical and technological advancement across all disciplines. Our graduates commit to the enrichment of diverse art practices, champion interdisciplinary collaborations, explore new forms of creative expression, and promote community and diversity. The school’s conservatory program within the university is one that prepares students intellectually, artistically, and practically to be leaders in their chosen professions, whether it be on stage, in film, television, or within the rapidly growing realm of new media.

Carnegie Mellon University is an AA/EOE employer and is committed to increasing the diversity of its community on a range of intellectual and cultural dimensions. We welcome faculty applicants who will contribute to this diversity through their research, teaching and service. We seek to meet the needs of dual-career couples and is a member of the Higher Education Recruitment Consortium (HERC) that assists with dual-career searches. Carnegie Mellon University makes every effort to provide physical and programmatic access to individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation to participate in any part of the employment process, please contact Equal Opportunity Services by emailing [email protected] or calling 412-268-3930.