Working/Functional Title

Ast Inst/Inst/Ast Prof Fixed Term - Dance

Position Summary

The Department of Theatre at Michigan State University seeks to hire an Assistant Instructor/Instructor/Assistant Professor-Fixed Term, academic year (9 month), in the field of dance, position to begin August 16, 2023. The ideal candidate is an inspiring educator who is passionate about dance, dance training and incorporating inclusive pedagogies in the classroom. This person would join the Dance Minor area under the umbrella of the Department of Theatre.  The Dance Minor students are comprised of Musical Theatre Minor students from Theatre and a dynamic array of passionate dance students from all possible areas of study across the University.

Principal duties and responsibilities include instruction of various dance technique and styles courses (DAN 351, DAN 352), facilitating practicum courses in dance studies and performance (DAN 451, DAN 452), choreographic and composition classes (DAN 354), choreographing for various productions in the Department of Theatre and with our New Musical Theatre Lab collaboration with the Wharton Center, and advising the student led contemporary group Orchesis and our Dance Minor Showcase Production. As a full-time member of the Theatre faculty, the candidate will also serve on departmental and university committees, advising dance minor and musical theatre minor students in their dance studies while also engaging in departmental service and recruitment efforts.

The candidate should be comfortable to teach in both small and large settings (i.e. choreographing small group lessons as well as larger dance classes typically 25 – 30 students).  Our dance studio in the IM Circle building is one of the largest dance studios in the Big Ten with wall to wall mirrors and fully sprung floors.  They should also have a strong respect for and an ability to work well with colleagues.

Michigan State University’s Department of Theatre is committed to increasing the diversity of our students and inclusive practices in our performances and curriculum. Candidates should have experience in, or a commitment to, working with diverse student populations. Women, BIPOC individuals and those from historically underrepresented groups, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We encourage applications from qualified candidates with a range of interests and experience in theatre.

Review of applications will begin on April 7, 2023.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Doctorate

Minimum Requirements

• Individuals hired at the rank of Assistant Professor require a Doctorate degree.
• Individuals hired at the rank of Instructor require a Master's degree.
• Individuals hired at the rank of Assistant Instructor require a Bachelor's degree. 
• Proof of professional experience in dance, technique training, choreography, or closely related field; recent experience preferred.
• Ability to teach a wide variety of student skill levels in the same classroom.
• Evidence of commitment to antiracist and inclusive pedagogy in dance practice.

Desired Qualifications

• Terminal degree (typically an M.F.A.) in dance, choreography/composition, dance pedagogy, performing arts or related field; May consider professional experience in lieu of a terminal degree.
• College-level teaching experience.
• A broad knowledge of dance techniques, preferably some of the following: Ballet, Modern, Contemporary, Tap, Hip Hop, Dance on Film/Commercial Dance, etc.
• Knowledge of dance health, anatomy, injury prevention, etc.
• Ability to create, edit, promote media materials to highlight dance area work.

Required Application Materials

Qualified applicants should submit the following along with the application:

1. a cover letter showcasing skill sets and reason for applying.
2. a current curriculum vitae/resume.
3. a written summary of the candidate’s experience with diversity in past or planned creative endeavors and an explanation of how the candidate will advance CAL goals of inclusive excellence.
4. the names and email addresses of 3 potential references.

Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin on April 7, 2023 and will continue until the position is filled. Applications must be submitted electronically to the Michigan State University Human Resources website http://careers.msu.edu. Posting number 852632.

For more information, contact Brad Willcuts, Chair of the Search Committee at willcuts@msu.edu

Persons with disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodation.

Review of Applications Begins On

04/07/2023

Website

https://theatre.msu.edu

Department Statement

The College of Arts & Letters recognizes that only an academic and organizational culture, which actively seeks out and strengthens diverse voices and perspectives among its members results in true excellence. The College of Arts & Letters is particularly interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that intellectual leadership is achieved through open access and pro-active inclusion.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.

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About Michigan State University

Spartans work every day to advance the common good in uncommon ways.Together, we tackle some of the world?s toughest problems to find solutions that make life better?from alternative energy to better food safety to breakthrough medical and environmental applications achieved through rare isotope research.We teach. We explore and we discover. We collaborate and lead. We innovate, inspire, and empower. We achieve our potential and create circumstances that help our students and others achieve theirs.We're good at it, and we've been at it for more than 150 years.The nation?s pioneer land-grant university, MSU began as a bold experiment that democratized higher education and helped bring science and innovation into everyday life. The revolutionary concept became a model for the nation.Today, MSU is one of the top research universities in the world?on one of the biggest, greenest campuses in the nation. Home to nationally ranked and recognized academic, residential college, and service-learning programs, we?re a diverse community of dedicated students and scholars, athletes and artists, scientists and leaders.In ways both practical and profound, we work to create a stronger, more sustainable, and more hopeful future for all.

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