The
Department of Theatre & Dance at the University at Buffalo, State University of New York (UB), invites applications for a
Clinical Assistant Professor, Scenic Design and Stage Properties. This is a full-time (10 month) non-tenure-track faculty position with an emphasis on teaching, undergraduate recruitment and artistic service. The initial appointment will be for a three-year term with opportunity for renewal.
This position will have a 3-3 teaching load and service to the Design and Technology program and Department of Theatre and Dance.
- Course 1: One of the following:
- TH106 - Intro to Technical Theatre
- TH199 - UB Seminar
- TH203 - Visual Imagination
- TH230 - Theatre Crafts
- TH303 - Scene Design
- TH439 - Studies in Design
- Course 2: Director of Scenic Art and Stage Properties - TH349 (technical studio) each term
- Director of Scenic Artist; 6 productions with intensive requirements
- Director of Stage Properties; 16 productions annually; 6 with intensive requirements
- Course 3: Set Design Services (mentor or design 1-3 productions each term)
Service may include:
- Mentoring student projects;
- Building strategic relationships with professional theaters, organizations;
- Faculty are expected to maintain regular office hours, contribute to department and system-wide committees; and attend department meetings;
- Other service to the Department may include and participating in community engagement initiatives and interdisciplinary projects within and outside the University.
The scene design clinical faculty member will collaborate with faculty, staff, students, and guest artists to execute production needs while adhering to budget, and meeting deadlines. They will lead coursework in theatre crafts, design, and technical production. They will work alongside design and technology faculty to guide student portfolio development in their area of expertise, and support students in preparing for conference presentations and other professionalization opportunities.
As Director of Scenic Art, they are responsible for the oversight and execution of scene painting/related artistic crafts for all UBTHD productions. They will supervise students in the painting, sculpting, and finishing of scenery. This will include executing a variety of techniques, such as translucencies, carving, texturing, ageing, distressing, marbling, and wood graining. They will guide student charge artists and manage show specific requirements, including the interpretation of designer renderings and research. The successful candidate will be responsible for organization of paint area and equipment maintenance, as well as paint shop safety including the appropriate disposal of materials.
As Director of Stage Properties, the successful candidate will mentor student props managers and artisans on the research, acquisition, and construction of props, furniture, and set dressings. They will model the safe use of tools and train students in soft goods construction, carpentry, and general prop fabrication. Duties and responsibilities include supervision of Prop Shop activities including the management of materials, tools, and stock. The Director of Stage Properties ensures that the academic programs of the department and student training are supported. They will establish an electronic prop inventory system and facilitate the sign out and return of stage properties in conjunction with student assistants.
We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate through their teaching, creative activities, and service that they will contribute to a climate of inclusivity, diversity and excellence.
Outstanding Benefits Package
Working at UB comes with benefits that exceed salary alone. There are personal rewards including comprehensive health and retirement plan options. We also focus on creating and sustaining a healthy mix of work, personal and academic pursuit - all in an effort to support your work-life effectiveness. Visit our benefits website to learn about our
benefit packages.
About the Department
UB’s Department of Theatre and Dance has a dynamic and interdisciplinary faculty, delivering in-depth curriculums that prepare students for a broad range of professional careers. Our programs include BA and BFA in Dance, Theatre Performance, Theatre Studies, Music Theatre, and Design Technology, as well as a graduate program that offers a MA and PhD in Theatre Performance and an MFA in Dance. In addition to producing a full season of performance events with UB’s Center for the Arts and Katharine Cornell Theatre, we host numerous guest artists, guest directors, and scholars. The department is a hub for interdisciplinary arts activity within the university, intersecting with Music, Visual Studies, Media Study, Architecture, Poetry, the Humanities Institute, and the Arts Collaboratory.
About Buffalo
Buffalo, NY is a vibrant arts and cultural center that includes over twenty theatres, several professional and community dance companies, and numerous art galleries. It is home to well-known cultural organizations including the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, Ujima Theatre Company, ArtPark, Squeaky Wheel Media Arts Center, Hallwalls Contemporary Arts Center, African American Cultural Center, Just Buffalo Literary Center, Burchfield Penney Art Center and more. Buffalo is centrally located, with easy access to major metropolitan hubs in the Northeast including New York City, Boston, Chicago, Toronto and Montreal. Located on Lake Erie, just south of Niagara Falls, Buffalo's surrounding natural areas, state parks, beaches, rivers, and ski areas provide abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation and leisure.
University at Buffalo is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer and, in keeping with our commitment, welcomes all to apply including veterans and individuals with disabilities.
