Working/Functional Title

Academic Specialist - Outreach - THR

Position Summary

The Department of Theatre seeks an organized and collaborative Production Manager to oversee annual production activities. This is an Academic Specialist – Outreach position (non-tenure track; 12-month, fixed-term, renewable). The ideal candidate will be an excellent communicator, manager, and facilitator—flexible, creative, proactive, and skilled at balancing the needs and goals of multiple areas.

Core functions include scheduling, budgeting, contracting, and execution of Department of Theatre (THR) and Summer Circle Theatre (SCT) productions, workshops, readings, and events. The successful candidate will engage in an active program of teaching, mentoring, and outreach through THR 300 practicum classes, support for departmental collaborations, tours, guest artists, and production management of SCT.

Michigan State University’s Department of Theatre is committed to increasing the diversity of our students and inclusive practices in our performances and curriculum. Candidates should have experience in, or a commitment to, working with diverse student populations. We welcome applications from qualified candidates with a range of interests and experience in theatre.

Principal Duties:

• Creation and management of production calendars for all THR productions and special events, including auditions, rehearsals, load-in/tech/dress rehearsals, photo shoots, juries, portfolio reviews, guest artists, residences, and SCT in collaboration with design faculty and directors.
• Develops and manages production budgets.
• Is the central hub for production-related communication, including facilitating mainstage and SCT production meetings.
• Trains and oversees student house managers and ushers for all THR productions in the Auditorium Building and for SCT performances.   
• Coordination and distribution of credited student run crew positions.
• Manage student production series and facilitate faculty initiatives.
• Help facilitate guest artist visits and residencies.
• Coordination of K-12 school matinees for mainstage productions.
• Management of THR touring events and productions, including scheduling, booking, contracting, and transportation.
• Liaison for activities, events, and production collaborations with Wharton Center for Performing Arts. 
• General over site of rehearsal and performance facilities in the Auditorium building.
• Serve on faculty committees as necessary.

Teaching:

• Teach 2 classes annually, typically THR 300 (1 cr.) each semester.

Required Skills:

• Computer proficiency
• Understand basic accounting terms and practices.
• Ability to mentor and inspire students

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability or protected veteran status.

Required Degree

Bachelors -Theatre, Arts Management, or related field

Desired Degree

Masters -MFA

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Theatre, Arts Management, or related field, with 1+ year of professional experience, or,
• Bachelor's Degree in any field with 3+ years of professional experience in theatre/arts industry.

Desired Qualifications

• MFA or MA in Arts Management or related theatre field
• 3+ years of professional experience in undergraduate level teaching
• 3+ years of experience in production management

Required Application Materials

1. A cover letter
2. Current curriculum vitae or resume
3. Work Examples (sample budgets, production calendars, etc.)
4. A 1-page summary of your philosophy of diversity, equity, and inclusion as it pertains to intellectual leadership in the areas of teaching/curriculum development, research/creative activities, service, outreach, advising, and/or administration. The statement should also include an explanation of related past or planned activities/endeavors as well as how the candidate will advance our goals of inclusive excellence. For more about MSU’s DEI efforts, see https://inclusion.msu.edu/. For more information about writing diversity statements, see https://cal.msu.edu/documents/cal-guidelines-for-the-writing-of-diversity-statements/ 
5. The names and email addresses of 3 potential references to be contacted only if a semi-finalist.
6. Additional supplemental materials (i.e. teaching syllabi, teaching philosophy, etc.) (optional)

Special Instructions

Review of applications will begin January 8, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Applications must be submitted electronically to the Michigan State University Human Resources website http://careers.msu.edu. Posting number 999786.

For more information, contact DJ Selmeyer, Chair of the Search Committee at selmeye1@msu.edu.

Persons with disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodation.

Review of Applications Begins On

01/08/2025

Website

https://theatre.msu.edu/

Department Statement

The College of Arts & Letters recognizes that only an academic and organizational culture, which actively seeks out and strengthens diverse voices and perspectives among its members results in true excellence. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. The College of Arts & Letters is particularly interested in candidates of all backgrounds who are committed to the principle that intellectual leadership is achieved through open access and pro-active inclusion.

MSU Statement

Michigan State University has been advancing the common good with uncommon will for more than 160 years. One of the top research universities in the world, MSU pushes the boundaries of discovery and forges enduring partnerships to solve the most pressing global challenges while providing life-changing opportunities to a diverse and inclusive academic community through more than 200 programs of study in 17 degree-granting colleges.