Theatre/Drama Program Head - University of Michigan Residential College

The Residential College in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts at the University of Michigan http://www.rc.lsa.umich.edu/ is seeking applicants for a full-time Lecturer III to teach courses in the Drama Program and to serve as the head of this program. This is a full time, non-tenure track position with a university-year appointment period beginning January 1, 2024.

The Residential College (RC) Drama Program (https://lsa.umich.edu/rc/current-students/curriculum/drama.html) offers introductory and advanced courses in the history, theory, and practice of theatre. The program offers a major and a minor, in which students learn about and practice many aspects of play production from devising and design to acting and directing. Class sizes tend to be small. The successful candidate will serve as head of this program and faculty advisor to the Drama major and teach five courses throughout the academic year (fall and winter terms). These courses will contribute primarily to the Drama Program but could also contribute to other RC programs, such as the Arts and Ideas Program (the RC humanities major) or the First-year Seminar Program (intensive writing courses that satisfy the first-year writing requirement). Additional duties include participation in college- and program-wide activities.
The RC Drama Program differs from other performance programs on campus in its commitment to socially engaged theatre, social justice, and community engagement. Some courses enable students to explore theatre in collaboration with local schools, prisons, or public-housing communities. RC Drama courses often integrate textual analysis and performance practices and teach theatre history by staging previously written texts and exploring applied theatre by devising original performances.
Candidates in all areas of performance research or practical theatre are welcome to apply. We strongly encourage those with expertise in African American, Native American, Arab American or Muslim performance and those with ties to theatre makers in Detroit or other nearby Midwestern communities to apply.

Administrative Responsibilities
The responsibilities of the program head for the Drama Program are listed below; these extend throughout the academic year.
- Hold regular meetings of the faculty in the program to review and revise the Drama major and minor.
- Oversee the course offerings and curriculum management of the program each year, including review of syllabi and course descriptions.
- Provide academic advising to students enrolled in the Drama major and minor.
- Interact with the RC Academic Services office to coordinate advising of students in the RC Drama Program.
- Advise the RC Administrative team and Executive Committee on program needs and accomplishments.
- Attend meetings of the RC Curriculum Planning Committee as a representative of the Drama Program.
- Serve as faculty mentor to the student organization, RC Players.

Expectations
The successful candidate will have expertise and background in theater performance, including acting and/or directing. Established expertise in academic disciplines and performance appropriate to the years in the candidate’s field is expected, as well as expertise and background in teaching undergraduates in a wide range of dramatic literature.

Requirements
Minimum: MFA in a theatre or performance field; MA in Drama, Performance Studies or Theatre Studies, or advanced degree in an interdisciplinary arts program relevant to theatre. Additional experience in directing, acting, playwriting, design or dramaturgy is preferred.

Union Affiliation
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third-party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act. This should not exclude people with criminal records from applying.

How to Apply
Applicants are required to submit their materials electronically via Interfolio at (http://apply.interfolio.com/128632) 

Applications should include the following: a cover letter, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy, evidence of teaching excellence, and contact information for three references. Additionally, please provide a diversity statement that describes your demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through teaching/mentoring, and/or service/engagement. There may be some overlap with your teaching statement. The application deadline is September 15, and we anticipate notifying the successful candidate by November 3.
Contact Information

For questions, email rcpositions@umich.edu

U-M EEO/AA Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.