Visiting Assistant Professor - Dance
Theatre and Dance
Position Overview
The Department of Theatre & Dance at the University of Kansas invites applications for a Visiting Assistant Professor of Dance (
https://theatredance.ku.edu/) in the area of Dance Technique and Choreography, to begin as early as August 18, 2024. This appointment is limited term (1 year), with the possibility of renewal, based on need and availability of funding.
This is a full-time visiting assistant professor position with a 2:2 teaching load as well as choreographic obligations (see below). Applicants are expected to have an MFA or PhD in Dance or an allied field and should be able to teach a selection of required and elective courses in areas such as Contemporary/Modern Dance (all levels), Jazz Dance, African Dance, Tap Dance, Ballet, Hip Hop, or Musical Theatre Dance. The successful candidate will be able to deepen the existing curriculum and/or expand students’ opportunities in areas beyond our current curriculum, such as Indigenous, Latinx, and/or African Diaspora forms. The candidate should be an accomplished and active artist who maintains a creative practice in choreography/performance. The successful candidate will also demonstrate a commitment to training students and engaging with current developments in dance pedagogy.
Our department values practitioners who are actively producing creative work and can bring fresh, innovative perspectives to the pedagogical process. The successful candidate will exhibit a passion for mentoring students through the various stages of their academic and artistic development and will engage with contemporary teaching methods to prepare students for a changing artistic landscape. In line with the Department of Theatre & Dance's dedication to fostering an inclusive culture that values diversity and embodies a deep respect for the dignity of all individuals, we seek a candidate who demonstrates a commitment to DEIB initiatives. The successful applicant will be expected to actively engage with and contribute to departmental and university-wide initiatives focused on these areas. They should employ inclusive practices in the classroom and through their creative work, ensuring equity and success for students and colleagues from historically underrepresented groups. Furthermore, we expect the candidate to have a demonstrated record of, and a clear vision for, continuing contributions to DEIB initiatives through all facets of their professional activities, including teaching, creative activity, service, and collegial interactions. Must have appropriate authorization to work in the U.S. by start date of the employment.
Job Description
Teaching (40%):
- Teach four courses/academic year in the Department of Theatre and Dance.
- Prepare for and attend all class meetings.
- Develop assignments, administer tests, evaluate student work, provide feedback to students, and assign grades.
- Mentor student work and contribute to student-produced concerts.
- Hold regular office hours for students involved in classes taught. A minimum of three posted office hours each week is required. Be available for reasonable appointments if a student cannot meet during scheduled office hours.
Research (40%):
- Maintain an active and productive program of research and/or creative activity in field of specialization or in collaboration with others; may include but is not limited to choreography, performance, publication in peer-reviewed journals, presenting findings at professional conferences.
- May include creative work as part of the University Dance Company or University Theatre season.
Service (20%):
- Service to the Department, the College, the University, and the profession of Theatre & Dance exists in many forms, and may include reviewing submissions to journals, developing curriculum, and serving on various types of committees.
Collegiality:
All faculty members are expected to act in a manner that promotes collegial relationships and shows respect toward students, staff, and colleagues. Faculty members are expected to meet satisfactory standards of performance in all three areas of responsibility and to carry out those responsibilities in accordance with the Faculty Code of Rights, Responsibilities, and Conduct.
Required Qualifications
- Evaluation of the following requirements will be made through (a) descriptions of teaching philosophy in letter of application, (b) record of accomplishments and productivity addressed in curriculum vitae and, (c) information provided from professional references:
- MFA or PhD in Dance or an allied field OR two or more years professional experience as a practitioner in dance, theatre, film, television, and/or other media, with significant experience in one or more areas of dance by the start date of the appointment;
- Ability to create and/or stage dances for concert presentation; and
- Evidence of dedication to high-quality teaching at the Undergraduate or Graduate levels in Theatre & Dance.
Contact Information to Applicants
Professor and Chair, Henry Bial
hbial@ku.edu
Additional Candidate Instruction
To apply, go to
https://employment.ku.edu/academic/27430BR. A complete application will include the following items:
1) A letter of application
2) CV/Resume
3) A Teaching statement that includes a list of courses you have taught previously and could teach in the futures
4) Names and email address for 3 professional references (only contacted if finalist).
In addition to the materials above, learning about each applicant’s contribution and engagement in areas of diversity is an important part of KU’s mission. As a result, applicants will be presented the following question at the time of application. The response must be within 4,000 characters or less.
- Describe your experiences working with people from diverse backgrounds, and explain how those experiences reflect your commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Review of applications will begin April 15, 2024 and will continue until a pool of qualified applicants has been obtained.
