Faculty Position in Lighting Design

Information & Responsibilities

• Position Category: Academic
• Position Title: Faculty Position in Lighting Design
• School/Department: School of Theater
• Reports To: School of Theater Dean
• Time: Full-Time
• Appointment: Regular
• Job Posted: 12/06/2023
   

Currently one of the foremost performance and design programs in the world, the CalArts School of Theater seeks dynamic applicants for a full-time faculty position in Lighting Design. The appointment will begin in the Fall of 2024.  
 

CalArts is seeking to employ faculty who can engage our diverse community of learners at the highest levels of artistic endeavor and critical thinking. Across the range of practitioners, we welcome candidates who possess a demonstrated worldview and cultural competency to support teaching and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students of varied backgrounds, capabilities, perspectives, social identities, and gender expressions. CalArts is an equal opportunity employer.
 

The successful candidate will quickly assume a major part in a collaborative, active, forward-focused program, teaching courses determined in collaboration with other area faculty and School of Theater leadership according to their expertise and interest. 
 

Committed to artistry and new technology, the Lighting Design Program provides professional training in the traditional theatrical craft while broadening the student experience with projects in film, dance, art, music, and immersive environments. Our students produce original and expressive artistic work for the stage, and acquire the intellectual, technical, and creative skills to embark on professional careers as lighting designers.

 

Duties: 

Joining one of the premiere faculties in the nation, the successful candidate will teach both MFA and BFA lighting design courses. The position includes mentoring students in their professional and artistic goals, advising students involved in Theater School projects, being part of a collaborative faculty with cross-disciplinary impulses, and serving on committees. 

 

Responsibilities include:

• Teaching at the MFA and BFA level and production assignments each semester
• Mentoring of students and student-driven projects
• Attending full faculty meetings, as well as relevant XDP/ Program faculty meetings
• Committee service
• Maintaining a professional practice
• A relationship to the projects of the CalArts Center for New Performance, the professional producing arm of the California Institute of the Arts. These responsibilities would be determined on a project-by-project basis, but could include consultation on design of CNP productions and workshops

 

Mentorship:

Mentorship of students is the cornerstone of the CalArts School of Theater. Even though each student is assigned to one specific mentor, it is the responsibility of the faculty to advise any student in the School of Theater if they have special knowledge or expertise that the student requires.

Requirements

Qualifications:  

The ideal candidate is an artist with a strong professional practice, a firm commitment to teaching, and a demonstrated skill and passion for working with theater students in both the early and advanced stages of their training. We welcome candidates who can substantially contribute to an artistic and intellectual community that includes a diversity of identities, perspectives, values, ideas, experiences, and beliefs.

 

The following qualifications are essential for a successful candidate:

• Significant professional experience
• Demonstrated teaching experience that bridges theory and practice
• Expertise in lighting design
• Knowledge and experience of a variety of different performance practices, as well as a demonstrated engagement with experimental practices
• Teaching and mentoring experience with devised project development
• Strong professional experience and stature in the field of theater/performance
• Effective leadership and organizational skills
• MFA in Lighting Design or equivalent degree of education and experience

 

Salary:

Reflecting its experimental mission and commitment to non-hierarchical pedagogy, CalArts does not have a conventional tenure-rank system but offers renewable multi-year contracts, a step-based faculty salary advancement plan (FSAP) and a merit program. Salary will be $75 -90K, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Compensation also includes full benefits and creative leave.  For more information about FSAP and merit policy at CalArts:
https://calarts.edu/academics/office-of-the-provost/faculty-affairs/faculty-recruitment

How to Apply

How to Apply: 

Application materials should be submitted through Interfolio (http://apply.interfolio.com/137743). Applications are due on January 19th.  Position will remain open until filled.

 

Interested applicants should submit the following:

• A letter of application that includes a statement with a discussion of past and potential contributions to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community
• A summary of teaching philosophy
• A current curriculum vitae or resume
• A list of the names and contact information for three professional references
• Work samples may be requested at a further stage of the process