Professor-in-charge of MFA Music Direction Program - Penn State School of Theatre

The School of Theatre invites applications for a senior full-time artist/ educator position in the nationally renowned Musical Theatre program. Rank and salary are competitive and commensurate with experience, tenure track possible. Terminal degree required and must have the qualifications to be appointed to the Penn State graduate faculty. Start date August 2021. This position mentors graduate students who are preparing to enter the highest levels of the musical theatre. This program is highly competitive, unique and groundbreaking. The position will also work with the Head of Musical Theatre and other faculty to continue to build on the undergraduate BFA program’s many strengths in training for the musical theatre performer. The Professor in Charge will also work closely with the School of Theatre Graduate Officer and Director.

Duties include mentorship and instruction of up to four graduate students in classes, studio projects and productions. Responsibilities also include music directing studio classes (examples include Song Analysis, Scene Study, Auditions, New Works, Showcase), accompanying voice lessons, and teaching multiple levels of Music Theory classes. Music Direction of select studio and Penn State Centre Stage productions, participation in student recruitment, faculty committees and governance are also required.

Qualifications include significant professional experience and contacts in the professional musical theatre - as well as experience as an educator. Knowledge of all styles of musical theatre is expected – including pop, rock, country, and rap/ spoken word. Candidate must have a comprehensive knowledge of the musical theatre repertoire and possess advanced piano and sightreading skills. Proficiency with Finale/ Sibelius and MainStage software programs and experience in arranging is also desired. The ideal candidate will have a passion for remaining current in the field with regard to evolving styles, techniques, and repertoire. A commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion in the theatre is essential. A diversity statement describing the applicants work in this area is expected, along with a statement regarding teaching philosophy and the training of graduate students. A Master’s or terminal degree is required.

Please submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and a list of at least three (3) current references with contact information. Applications received by March 1, 2021 will receive priority consideration but the search will continue until the position is filled.

Apply online at https://psu.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/PSU_Academic/job/University-Park-Campus/Assistant-Associate-Full-Professor_REQ_0000010103-1

ABOUT MUSICAL THEATRE AT PENN STATE

Penn State’s BFA in Musical Theatre is a rigorous professional training program in the School of Theatre. Students train in all three areas of musical theatre with the largest dedicated musical theatre faculty in the country. The mission of the program is to train students to successfully compete in the professional musical theatre Industry – while providing a technical and artistic foundation for life-long creative output. Graduates of the program regularly perform on Broadway and around the country and world.

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Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status