Acting – Assistant Professor (Directing, Improvisation, Theatre and Writing)

Located in downtown Toronto, the largest and most culturally diverse city in Canada, Ryerson University, is on the territory of the Anishinaabeg, Haudenosaunee and the Wendat Peoples and is known for innovative programs built on the integration of theoretical and practical learning. Our undergraduate and graduate programs are distinguished by a professionally focused curriculum with a strong emphasis on excellence in teaching, scholarly research and creative activities. Ryerson is known for its culture of entrepreneurship and innovation and is recognized as a city builder, as it continues its growth through award-winning architecture and expansion of its campus.

Dedicated to a people first culture, Ryerson is proud to have been selected as one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers and a Greater Toronto’s Top Employer. To learn more about our work environment, please visit us on Twitter: @RyersonU@RyersonHR and @RyersonECI and our LinkedIn company page. We invite you to explore employment at Ryerson. Aboriginal candidates who would like to learn more about working at Ryerson University are welcome to contact Tracey King, Indigenous Human Resources Lead at t26king@ryerson.ca OR Monica McKay, Director, Aboriginal Initiatives at mmckay@ryerson.ca.

The Opportunity
The School of Performance in the Faculty of Communication and Design (FCAD) at Ryerson University invites applications for a full-time, tenure track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in the Acting Program, effective July 1, 2020, subject to final budgetary approval.

Located in the heart of Canada’s artistic and entertainment capital, the School of Performance is recognized as a leading university-based conservatory for the training of actors, dancers and production professionals. Over 400 full-time students are served by 9 full-time and approximately 55 part-time faculty, and 8 support staff.

The School offers a BFA in each of three disciplines: Acting, Dance and Production / Design. An MFA in Dramatic Writing will commence September 2021. We aim to provide the highest standard of arts education for exceptionally talented performers and practitioners who will go on to become world class artists, leaders and global citizens. We aim to raise the standard of professional practice in theatrical disciplines, pursuing excellence in performance to provoke curiosity and risk-taking in a changing political and social world.

The BFA Acting at Ryerson offers rigorous conservatory training in theatre, film and television, and includes both classical and contemporary approaches for a solid grounding in all areas of performance. The BFA Dance at Ryerson is a one-of-a-kind, conservatory style environment offering rigorous daily professional training in four core dance disciplines (ballet, modern, contemporary and jazz) alongside direct collaboration with visiting guest artists and major arts organizations. The BFA Production at Ryerson offers training in a wide range of concentrations in theatre technology, craft and design that is supported by a large number of productions each year as well as industry opportunities in the upper years. All training supports our mandate to ensure that graduates are highly skilled, uniquely versatile, entrepreneurial and articulate artists who can actively contribute to the art form. The School’s programmes focus on creative exploration and experiential learning to foster artists who are defining the future course of the arts and culture industry.

This position falls under the jurisdiction of the Ryerson Faculty Association (RFA) (www.rfanet.ca).

The RFA collective agreement can be viewed here and a summary of RFA benefits can be found here.

Responsibilities
The successful candidate will engage in a combination of teaching, research and service duties, maintaining an inclusive, equitable, and collegial work environment across all activities. Duties will include:

  • teaching undergraduate courses in a recognised area of acting specialisation, in consultation with the director of the BFA Acting programme;
  • providing guidance, support and mentoring to students;
  • continuing to participate in professional performance and research activities within the area of expertise in order to fulfill tenure requirements;
  • and engaging in service activities.

It is also desirable that the candidate join the Yeates School of Graduate Studies, with a view to teaching in the highly anticipated MFA Dramatic Writing as well as supervising graduate students.

Qualifications
The School is seeking an experienced theatre professional and educator who possesses a vision of excellence in artistic training, and has an ability to work collaboratively across programs in acting, dance, and production.

The successful candidate must hold a relevant terminal degree (MFA or PhD in acting or directing). Candidates who are very close to completion of a relevant terminal degree, including candidates who are all-but-dissertation (ABD) relative to a PhD, may also be considered. In addition, the successful candidate must present evidence of:

  • substantial professional experience in acting, directing, writing or performance creation;
  • excellence in teaching at the post-secondary level in graduate or under-graduate programmes;
  • creative practice, scholarly research or equivalent;
  • ability to foster sustainable practices that encourage a healthy workplace; a passion for student well-being in a performing arts education;
  • a strong commitment to student success and academic excellence;
  • a commitment to the incubation of new and innovative works;
  • an ability to work collaboratively with academic colleagues, as well as with designers and production staff to achieve a common goal;
  • excellent communication, interpersonal, and mentoring skills;
  • a commitment to upholding Ryerson’s values of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion as it pertains to teaching, research, service and creative activities including a demonstrated ability to make learning accessible and inclusive for a diverse student population; and
  • an ability to contribute to the life of the School, Faculty and the University through collegial service.

Candidates accorded strongest consideration will demonstrate professional experience in acting, directing, improvisation, devised theatre and writing, with a strong record of teaching at the post-secondary level. Preference will be given to candidates with professional experience in acting or directing and who demonstrate the potential for industry recognition.

Equity at Ryerson
At the intersection of mind and action, Ryerson is on a transformative path to become Canada’s leading comprehensive innovation university. Integral to this path is the placement of equity, diversity and inclusion as fundamental to our institutional culture. Our current academic plan outlines each as core values and we work to embed them in all that we do.

Ryerson University welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us to expand our capacity for diversity in the broadest sense. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada, we encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, Indigenous peoples of North America, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

How to Apply
Applicants must submit their application online via the Faculty Recruitment Portal (click on “Start Application Process” to begin) by 2 May 2020. The application must contain the following:

  • a curriculum vitae;
  • etter of application that outlines the candidate’s areas of specialization, professional practice, teaching and leadership experience;
  • a brief statement of teaching philosophy including teaching evaluations; and
  • he names and contact information for three references.

Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, applications from Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Candidates must therefore indicate in their application if they are a permanent resident or citizen of Canada. 

Any confidential inquiries can be directed to the Department Hiring Committee (DHC) Chair, Natalie Alvarez at natalie.alvarez@ryerson.ca.

Ryerson is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. For any confidential accommodation needs in order to participate in the recruitment and selection process and/or inquiries regarding accessing the Faculty Recruitment Portal, please contact Sumentha D’Souza at sumentha@ryerson.ca

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