THEATRE AND DANCE DEPARTMENT 

The Theatre and Dance Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, seeks applicants for a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Theatre History and/or Performance Studies position to begin September 11, 2025. The program specializes in Liberal Arts-based theatre education with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations. Teaching specialization in Latinx/a/o, Indigenous, Black, SWANA (MENA), AAPI, or LGBTQIA+ Identity theatre, as well as demonstrated ability to direct department productions required. A terminal degree (PhD, DFA, MFA) with demonstrable experience in university level teaching and practice; writing ability also required.

Teaching duties will include General Education lecture courses such as Theatre History, Global Theatre and Performance, and Diversity in U.S. Theatre, as well as Directing, directing centered courses (Creative Processes, Creating Drama, or Systems of Rehearsal), and directing one mainstage production per academic year (Rehearsal and Performance).

Other duties will include supervising student projects and advising. In addition, service to the department, college, and university are required. Continued professional development is expected.

Preferred qualifications include: willingness to build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning and working environment, centered on engaged practice, direct mentorship, and collegiality. Willingness to participate in interdisciplinary programs overlapping with Performing Arts and other polytechnic disciplines, including course development and possible program curriculum development. Potential for grant development in areas related to expertise.

SALARY

Salary: Anticipated Hiring Range: $90,276 - $98,244/year, $7,523 - $8,187/month (Note that hiring level will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate.)

Although Cal Poly is primarily a teaching university, our faculty are expected to balance teaching with an active program of research/professional development (including publication), student supervision and advising, and participation in service activities at the department and college/university level. The typical teaching load is 12 units (three courses) per quarter, with a reduction in course load in each of the first two years to help new

faculty establish an active program of research and professional development. Cal Poly strongly values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), especially in the classroom and among its areas of study.

The College of Liberal Arts (CLA) sees diversity as central to its mission and is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive environment within the college and university. We value our diversity of complex and intersecting identities, while striving to maintain an environment that is socially just, equitable, respectful, and inclusive. The successful applicant should be able to clearly demonstrate how they have infused these values and student learning objectives into their work. They should be prepared to present clear examples of how they would infuse these areas into their work as a faculty member.

At California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees, and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences, and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly's values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility. Cal Poly's commitment to DEI informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. California Polytechnic State University is an equal-opportunity employer.

Due to CSU policies, the person hired must reside in the state of California at the time of hire and for the entirety of the appointment.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Terminal Degree (PhD, DFA, MFA), or equivalent record of professional achievement, with Theatre Arts centered scholarship and practice.
• Expertise in one or more of the following fields: Latinx/a/o, Indigenous, Black, SWANA (MENA), AAPI, or LGBTQIA+ Identity theatre, and Systems of Rehearsal.
• Demonstrated experience in directing live theatrical performances.
• Demonstrated college or university-level teaching.
• Evidence of creative and/or scholarly achievement.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Willingness to build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning and working environment, centered on engaged practice, direct mentorship, and collegiality.

• Willingness to participate in interdisciplinary programs overlapping with Performing Arts and other polytechnic disciplines, including course development and possible program curriculum development.

• Potential for grant development in areas related to expertise.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

All CSU employees are designated "mandated reporters" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act. As a condition of your employment, you will be required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 and any subsequent amendments.

Following a conditional offer of employment, a background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate may start work with Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may result in the withdrawal of the offer of employment. Note: Cal Poly cannot deny an applicant a position solely or in part due to a criminal conviction history until it has performed an individualized assessment and linked the relevant conviction history with specific job duties in the position being sought.

Please note: Current employees who are offered positions on campus will be required to undergo a background check for any position where a background check is required by law or that Cal Poly has designated as sensitive. Sensitive positions are those requiring heightened scrutiny of individuals holding the position based on potential for harm to children, concerns for the safety and security of people, animals, or property, or heightened risk of financial loss to Cal Poly or individuals in the university community.

For health and well-being, Cal Poly is a smoke & tobacco-free campus. The university is committed to promoting a healthy environment for all members of our community.

In accordance with the California State University (CSU) Out-of-State Employment Policy, the CSU is a state entity whose business operations reside within the State of California and prohibits hiring employees to perform CSU related work outside of California.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

Currently the Theatre and Dance Department in the College of Liberal Arts, has 6 tenured or tenure-track professors, and 10+ lecturers most of whom teach consistently in the Theatre and Dance Programs throughout the academic year. The department serves approximately 70 theatre majors, 35 theatre minors, 35 dance minors, as well as students throughout the university in General Education offerings. The department's website is https://theatredance.calpoly.edu/

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please visit http://jobs.calpoly.edu/, complete a required online faculty application and apply to Requisition # 540493. Please upload the following required materials as part of the electronic application:

1) Current curriculum vita

2)  Cover letter: address how your experience and expertise might shape the curriculum and enhance student learning in a primarily practice-based undergraduate program.

3) Statement of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: describe experience and contributions to DEI efforts, and describe how you will demonstrate a commitment in these areas in teaching, research, and/or service at Cal Poly

4) Copy of Unofficial Transcripts 

5) Teaching portfolio: provide evidence of teaching effectiveness including student evaluations and course syllabi as related the advertised position

6) Example of scholarship or creative work

Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the application. Cal Poly will directly solicit letters from the individuals listed by applicants. Official sealed transcript showing highest degree earned will be required prior to appointment. This position is open until filled.

Projected Start Date: 09-11-2025

Review Begin Date: 11-14-2024. Applicants with complete files by the Review Begin Date will be given full consideration.

For questions about the position please contact Karin Hendricks-Bolen via email at khendr04@calpoly.edu