Music and Theatre, in the School of Visual and Performing Arts at Fort Hays State University, invites applications for a full-time, 9-month faculty Program Specialist in Theatre, beginning August 2024. We seek an engaging advocate for theatrical arts who, in collaboration with university, local, and regional stakeholders, will develop and implement a new direction for theatre at FHSU. Primary responsibilities include community outreach, coordination of theatre performances, collaboration with Music and Theatre faculty on theatrical productions, and collaboration with the Music and Theatre program chair to create and deliver a university-centered, community-based theatre program. This position will include limited teaching duties consistent with the candidate’s qualifications and the needs of the program.
The successful candidate will engage local and regional participation in theatre programs and initiatives, advocate for the performing arts, and build positive relationships with theatre programs at regional high schools and community colleges. Working with stakeholders and the Music and Theatre program chair, the Program Specialist will develop a vision and path for theatre that fits the needs and aspirations of the campus, community, and Western Kansas region. Strong skills in problem solving, creative thinking, and innovation, coupled with a readiness to think outside the box will be essential to charting this new path for theatre and the performing arts.
Possible new directions for the program include but are not limited to: student or community written, produced, and performed plays; guest-artist residencies that allow students and community members to explore a theatrical topic; interdisciplinary collaborations with other departments; audition preparation workshops; collaboration with travelling professional theatre troupes performing at the Encore series on campus; a children’s theatre event featuring local puppeteers; semi-staging of classical music works; and/or immersive theatrical experiences in pop-up productions in non-traditional theatrical spaces throughout campus and the community. Specific plans will build upon the strengths, expertise, and connections of the successful candidate and their vision for this dynamic new program.
Existing theatre resources will provide a solid foundation for the successful candidate to reimagine FHSU Theatre. Physical resources include a 325-seat theatre with updated rigging and lighting systems, an electronic/online ticketing system, inventory software, props, costumes, and scene shop. Other resources include a modest budget, administrative and faculty support for community engagement in theatre, music students who participate in an annual music theatre production, and enthusiastic community supporters. The program is supported by a full-time Technical Theatre Director faculty member who oversees all technical aspects of productions.
Additional duties include:
- mentor students engaged in theatre activities
- collaborate with the Theatre Technical Director in programming and scheduling
- develop and engage in creative scholarship appropriate for a program specialist position
- engage in service at the program, college, and university levels
- contribute through leadership and service to the shared governance of the program, school, college, and university
- actively recruit participants to the program
- pursue and implement opportunities for program growth and development
- assist with summer camp and other summer programming and outreach activities
Music and Theatre is committed to building a community of collaborative teacher-artists with diverse skills from a multitude of backgrounds. We are engaged in the process of discovering what a 21st-century music and theatre program can be and expanding access to students in Western Kansas and around the globe. Music and Theatre treats community-engaged work in teaching, scholarship, and/or service as legitimate and important areas of faculty activity, of comparable value to high-impact classroom teaching and mentorship, the scholarship of discovery, and the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in Theatre, or bachelor’s degree in a related field with extensive experience in theatre
- Experience in directing theatre, including plays, heightened language, and other production types
Preferred Qualifications:
- M.F.A. in Theatre, or master’s degree in a related field with extensive experience in theatre
- Experience in community theatre or experience with community-oriented theatre experiences
- Ability to contribute in other areas of theatre, including but not limited to acting, marketing, and box office management
- Experience in performing arts programming
- Supervisory skills
- Experience in a non-profit or similar organization
- Strong organizational skills
- Experience with event planning
- Experience in managing budgets
- Experience with computers and ability to learn new software
- Teaching experience at the college, university, or secondary level
Rank: Program Specialist
Appointment Date: August 2024
Application Deadline: Screening of applications will begin February 25, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled.
Required Application Documents:
- Cover letter that addresses the candidate’s skills and qualifications for this position, no more than two pages in length.
- Curriculum Vitae.
- Names and contact information for three professional references.
Applicant documents should be submitted in one PDF.
If you have questions regarding the position, please contact:
Dr. Timothy Rolls, Chair, Theatre Program Specialist Search Committee,
[email protected]
About the Program:
Music and Theatre, in the School of Visual and Performing Arts, consists of 15 full-time-faculty and offers B.M. degrees in Music Education, Music Performance, and Music Composition, and a B.A. degree in Music. The program offers a wide variety of performances to the public including music theatre, opera, instrumental and vocal ensembles, chamber music, the Tiger Marching Band, the Hays Symphony, theatrical performances, and faculty artist and guest artist recitals. The program is housed in Malloy Hall and consists of two rehearsal halls, a theatre, several classroom spaces, practice rooms, and faculty studios. We are committed to discovering what a 21st century music and theatre program can be and expanding access to students in the region and around the globe. For more information visit
https://www.fhsu.edu/music-and-theatre/
School of Visual and Performing Arts Mission Statement:
The School of Visual and Performing Arts is a vibrant and diverse artistic community that fosters and inspires the creative potential of students, cultivating their artistic visions for the future as they prepare for meaningful and successful lives in the arts. We promote and respect creativity, expression, and diversity in all its forms.
School of Visual and Performing Arts Vision Statement:
The School of Visual and Performing Arts is dedicated to advancing human creativity and inspiring students to be change-makers within their communities.
Community of Hays
FHSU is located in Hays, a vibrant college town of approximately 20,000, located halfway between Kansas City and Denver on Interstate 70. Hays is the regional center for education, health care, professional services, shopping, culture, and recreation for the western half of Kansas. The community boasts excellent recreational programs and facilities, including the comprehensive Center for Health Improvement, Hays Aquatic Park, Smoky Hill Country Club, Hays Municipal Golf Course, and extensive walking, running, and biking trails. Hays is within 45 minutes of two large lakes that offer great opportunities for boating, fishing, and camping. The Hays Municipal Airport provides connecting service to Denver with several flights daily. The Hays community is home to excellent Pre-K and K-12, public and private schools. With over 60 restaurants, major retail outlets, a low unemployment rate, and very short commute times, the city provides a safe, welcoming, low-cost, high-quality living environment for the residents who call "Hays, America" home.
Notice of Non-discrimination: Fort Hays State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, religion, national origin, color, age, marital status, sexual orientation, genetic information, disability or veteran status.
Background Check: Final candidate will have consented to and successfully completed a criminal background check.
Notice to KPERS retirees applying for a position: Recent legislation changes working-after-retirement rules for both you and your employer if you go back to work for a KPERS employer. Please contact your KPERS representative or
www.kpers.org for further information on how this might affect you.
