Assistant/Associate Professor of Theatre History
General Summary
To demonstrate its commitment to our core values, ISU has committed $4.5 million over a five-year period (2022-2027) to develop an incentive program with the goal of attracting candidates who advance our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment characterized by cultural understanding and engagement, ethical behavior, and a commitment to social justice.
The School of Theatre and Dance invites applications for a tenure-track position in theatre history and historiography beginning August 16, 2023. We are seeking candidates whose research and teaching focuses on U.S. theatre, with expertise in African-American or Indigenous theatre. The candidate will primarily teach theatre history, theory, and research methods courses for both undergraduate and graduate students (M.A. and M.F.A.).
Responsibilities include scholarly research/publishing, effective undergraduate and graduate teaching, and service. The normal teaching load is nine credit hours per semester. The individual in this position is thus expected to teach 3 courses each semester in the School of Theatre and Dance.
The School of Theatre and Dance and the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts are committed to attracting faculty who promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in their teaching, research, and service. ISU recognizes that a diverse faculty, staff, and student body enriches the educational experiences of the entire campus and greater community. Candidates must have a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in teaching, research, and service. ISU is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Women, veterans, persons with disabilities, people of color, and members of underserved/underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply.
The position is a nine-month, tenure track appointment with the possibility of summer teaching. The locus of annual evaluation, tenure, and promotion in rank will be in the School of Theatre and Dance. A comprehensive benefits package is included.
Additional Information
The School of Theatre and Dance: The School of Theatre and Dance is one of three schools within the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts. The School has 30 faculty, 10 staff, and 320 students enrolled in the B.A./B.S. (Acting, Dance, Dance Teacher Education, Film and Digital Media, Production Design and Technology, Theatre Studies, and Theatre Teacher Education), M.A./M.S. (Theatre Studies), and M.F.A. (Directing, Costume, Lighting, and Scenic Design) degrees. Its annual production season consists of eight theatre productions and two dance concerts in two facilities, a 525-seat proscenium space and a flexible space that can be adapted to a 125-seat thrust or 150-seat arena. The School is also home to the Illinois Shakespeare Festival and maintains membership in URTA, with programs accredited by NAST. See https://finearts.illinoisstate.edu/theatre-dance/.
Illinois State University: Illinois State University http://www.illinoisstate.edu, founded in 1857, is the oldest public university in Illinois. There are approximately 21,000 students in the six colleges of Illinois State University. In our most recent strategic plan Educate ∙ Connect ∙ Elevate, we have committed our resources to realizing seven core values: Learning and Scholarship, Diversity and Inclusion, Respect, Collaboration, Individualized Attention, Civic Engagement, and Integrity. By acting on these values, we create a learning environment that results in our University being the first-choice public university in Illinois for high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized educational experience combined with the resources of a large university. Also visit the University’s metrics of excellence at (http://illinoisstate.edu/pointsofpride/).
Bloomington-Normal Community: Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a metro population of approximately 172,000. The community is also home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, COUNTRY Financial, State Farm Insurance’s International Headquarters, Central Illinois Regional Airport, and electric truck manufacturer Rivian Motors. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems and its citizens’ high level of educational attainment, as well as its parks and recreation, health care, vibrant fine arts scene, job growth, economic opportunity, historic sites, and low crime rates. SmartAsset ranked Bloomington IL, in the top 20 of the most livable cities in the U.S. (2022). Zippia named Bloomington, IL, as #1 on their “Happiest Cities” list (2020), and Best Choice Schools listed the area on its “30 Small College Towns with Great Quality of Life” (2020). Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about three hours from Indianapolis, two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis, and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield; many of these locations are accessible from Bloomington-Normal via the Amtrak located 1 block from ISU’s campus. For more information on our community, please visit (http://visitbn.org/).
Required Qualifications
1) Hold a Ph.D. or equivalent in theatre and/or performance studies or closely related field; however, A.B.D. candidates may also be considered with an expected completion of their doctoral degree before May 15, 2024.
2) Have a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion in their teaching, research, and service through: a) the ability to work with, and be sensitive to, the educational needs of students from a diverse population including prior experience teaching and/or mentoring students from diverse cultural backgrounds; b) intellectual contributions in the areas of diversity, inclusion and education of culturally diverse and underserved populations; c) demonstrated ability to work collegially with a campus community from diverse cultural backgrounds.
3) Be able to demonstrate oral proficiency in the English language as a requirement for this position, as mandated by state law.
Salary Rate / Pay Rate
Commensurate with experience and qualifications
Required Applicant Documents
1) Letter of application
2) EDI statement: Describe your approaches to addressing discrimination and/or EDI issues in the field of theatre with regard to the history of the discipline and, based on your experience and/or ability, opportunities for shifting towards inclusive excellence-based practices in teaching and mentoring
3) Research sample (chapter/article)
4) Curriculum vitae
5) The names and contact details of 3 references
PLEASE NOTE: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"
Special Instructions for Applicants
Review of applications will begin November 15, 2022 and continue until the position is filled.
Contact Information for Applicants
Ann Haugo, School Director
ahaugo@ilstu.edu