Director of the School of Theater

Department: College of Visual & Performing Arts (CVPA)

Web Announcement:

Director of the School of Theater, College of Visual and Performing Arts, George Mason University

Due to COVID-19, we have extended the search for the Director of the School of Theater. Applicant review will begin in Spring 2021 with the intent to hire for the 21-22 Academic Year. All previous applicants are still under consideration.

George Mason University's School of Theater, one of seven academic units in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (CVPA), seeks an experienced artist-educator, committed to the importance of theater in our culture and our community, to serve as its next academic unit Director. We seek an individual who demonstrates integrity, possesses strong collaborative leadership skills, and has a track record of innovative practice as an artist and educator. The successful candidate will be appointed to a 12-month tenured position at the rank of Associate or full Professor, and will report directly to the Dean.

The School of Theater offers a BA and BFA in Theater, with concentrations in Performance, Design & Technical Theater, Musical Theater, General Theater Studies (including Playwriting and Dramaturgy), and Theater Education; four minors, in Theater, Theater Performance, Audio Production, and Event Technical Production; and an MFA in Visual and Performing Arts with concentrations in Theater Performance, Design and Directing. The School currently has 158 majors and 40 minors, and a small number of MFA candidates. The faculty includes nine full-time and around a dozen adjuncts, with a staff of three and production assistance from the college's interdisciplinary Arts Support Umbrella. The College of Visual and Performing Arts operates five performance venues on two campuses, all of which are utilized by School of Theater programming, over seasons of six to seven play productions of varied styles and genres, and multiple special projects and events.

The successful candidate will possess the following required qualifications:

• Terminal degree in theater;
• Clear evidence of research in the discipline, to include artistic work and/or traditional academic publications;
• Experience commensurate with initial appointment at full professor or associate professor rank;
• Established record and continued engagement as an active theater professional;
• Season planning experience, preferably in a university setting;
• Experience with university or professional recruitment;
• Commitment to collaborating across arts disciplines; and
• Commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion, and building a program that reflects and serves the interests of Mason's student population.

The following additional qualifications are desirable:

• Administrative experience at a Carnegie Tier 1 Research (R1) Institution;
• Ability to teach in a variety of subject areas;
• Considerable directing experience in a variety of dramatic genres, including musicals;
• Teaching expertise or research interest in an area that will expand our current offerings and complement our current strengths; and
• Experience in conducting academic program reviews.
  
  

Responsibilities of this position include:

Leading a faculty of Theater professionals at a time of growth, regeneration and change, and interacting with faculty from throughout the College and University. The Director will teach courses within the School of Theater, mentor faculty, and serve as the face and voice of the School of Theater in the regional community. The Director will perform the duties of Artistic Director of The Mason Players, Mason’s student producing organization. They will also participate in Mason Players productions in rotation with other faculty artists in their field(s) of expertise.

Mason is a Carnegie Research 1 (R1) institution enrolling about 38,000 students across three campuses in Northern Virginia and Mason Korea, with a strong institutional commitment to ensuring access to excellence and innovation. Mason is committed to diversity and inclusion, and is regularly recognized as one of America's most diverse universities. The School of Theater strongly encourages candidates to apply who will enrich Mason’s academic and culturally inclusive environment.

Salary: Commensurate with education and experience.

Location: Fairfax, VA

Mason Ad Statement:

Great Careers Begin at Mason!

George Mason University is an innovative, entrepreneurial institution with national distinction in both academics and research. Mason holds a top U.S. News and World Report “Up and Coming” spot for national universities and is recognized for its global appeal and excellence in higher education.

Mason is currently the largest and most diverse university in Virginia with students and faculty from all 50 states and over 135 countries studying in over 200 degree programs at campuses in Arlington, Fairfax and Prince William, as well as at learning locations across the commonwealth. Rooted in Mason’s diversity is a campus culture that is both rewarding and exciting, work that is meaningful, and opportunities to both collaborate and create.

If you are interested in joining the Mason family take a look at our current opportunities and catch some Mason spirit at jobs.gmu.edu/!

George Mason University, Where Innovation is Tradition.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

This position is open until filled. For priority consideration, complete and submit the online application at https://jobs.gmu.edu/ and upload a cover letter, CV, and a list of three professional references with contact information, and submit nominations c/o thtrdir@gmu.edu by Dec. 1, 2020.

Equity Statement:

George Mason University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, committed to promoting inclusion and equity in its community. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.