Yale University

Description

Open Rank Faculty Position in Technical Design and Production / Electro-Mechanical Laboratory & Automation Supervisor

David Geffen School of Drama (DGSD) at Yale University seeks an experienced and dynamic performing arts professional to lead/participate in a pre-eminent MFA program in Technical Design and Production.

The Geffen School, in partnership with Yale Repertory Theatre (YRT), trains and advances leaders in the practice of every theatrical discipline, making art to inspire joy, empathy, and understanding in the world. DGSD’s and Yale Rep’s core values are artistry, belonging, collaboration, and discovery: working together as a medical school and teaching hospital may, our community comprises eight three-year MFA programs—Acting, Design, Directing, Dramaturgy and Dramatic Criticism, Playwriting, Stage Management, Technical Design and Production, and Theater Management—as well as a one-year Technical Internship program.

DGSD is committed to the development of a robust theater practice and makes access a priority: all students in degree and certificate programs receive 100% tuition remission.

Reporting to the David Geffen School of Drama at Yale/Yale Repertory Theatre (DGSD/YRT) Chair of Technical Design and Production (TD&P) program/Director of Production, teach classes in technical production; advise, train, and supervise students of David Geffen School of Drama. Reporting to the DGSD/YRT Production Manager, advising and supervising TD&P students and associated production work.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Teaching and Mentoring

1. Teach up to three (3) courses per semester in technical production and design, as assigned by the Chair of the TD&P department. These may include, but are not limited to, courses on Automation, Controls, Electricity, Hydraulics and Pneumatics, Mechanical Design, Physics of Stage Machinery, Systems Integration, or subjects within area of expertise.
2. Collaborate with the Chair and faculty of the TD&P program to engage in ongoing curriculum development.
3. Mentor TD&P students involved in DGSD/YRT productions, working closely with the Chair and faculty of the TD&P program.
4. Oversee the Electro-Mechanical Laboratory and Automation Laboratory.
5. Actively engage in research activities and integrate field advancements into your lab, teaching and mentorship responsibilities.
6. Oversee student independent projects and research projects in area of expertise.
7. Serve as an advisor for graduate student theses, as assigned by the Chair of the TD&P program.
8. Supervise and evaluate the work of graduate students and interns.
9. Occasionally travel out of state for conferences and training.
10. Perform other duties as requested by the Chair of the TD&P program.

Departmental Administration and Recruiting

1. Attend weekly faculty meetings.
2. In concert with the Chair and faculty of TD&P program, participate in the admissions process for incoming students.
3. As requested by the Chair of TD&P program, attend recruitment functions.
4. Participate in TD&P program committee work as assigned by the Chair of the TD&P program and School committee work as assigned by the Dean.

Production Responsibilities and Supervision

1. Collaborate with the Production Manager to achieve and maintain high artistic and managerial standards for DGSD/YRT productions.
2. Hold daily office hours in the Electro-Mechanical Laboratory to answer students' questions and provide mentoring.
3. Supervise and mentor student technical direction teams with the design, fabrication, installation, and operation of stage machinery and automation components on all DGSD/YRT productions. Inclusive of automation commissioning, automation training, technical rehearsals, previews, note sessions, strike, and subsequent seminars.
4. Oversee the technical design, purchase, installation, maintenance, storage, and safe usage of automation, mechanical, and hydraulic/pneumatic equipment used in DGSD/YRT productions and classes.
5. Develop and implement automation department procedures, policies, paperwork, and workflow.
6. Maintain the safety and efficiency of all automation department operations.
7. Attend evening and weekend technical rehearsals to ensure that technical teams, including student automation operators and stage supervisors, are trained in the safe operation of automated systems/effects.
8. Develop, oversee, monitor, and manage the budgets for the Automation Lab, Electro-Mechanical Lab, and Stage Automation.
9. Collaborate with appropriate department heads concerning productions.
10. May serve Automation Designer on Geffen School or Yale Rep productions or other projects.
11. Work nights, weekends, and holidays as required by the production calendar.

EXPERIENCE

1. Demonstrated teaching/mentoring experience.
2. Significant automation, electrical, and mechanical experience.
3. Preferred: Knowledge of Beckhoff hardware and software.
4. Preferred: Proven communication skills to contribute to the development of publications and textbooks in the field of technical theatre.

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES

1. The successful candidate will have a track record of artistry, scholarship, teaching and/or service in their communities that offers a contribution to the culture of heterogeneity in the Geffen School.
2. Strongly demonstrated commitment to safe working practices in the field.
3. Strongly demonstrated mentorship and training or teaching skills.
4. Strongly demonstrated leadership and collaboration skills.
5. Strongly demonstrated communication skills, strategic thinking, prioritization, time management, and problem-solving.

TERM OF APPOINTMENT

Appointment will be as an Assistant Professor Adjunct/Associate Professor Adjunct/Professor in the Practice depending on qualifications for a renewable term of three years beginning November 1, 2025. Minimum base salary: $100K.

Application Instructions

We invite you to apply by submitting a cover letter, C.V., and three (3) confidential letters of reference. Materials must be submitted through Interfolio: enter link once posted. Review of applications will begin July 1, 2025.

Finalists may be asked to submit samples of their mechanical and automation design work and samples of their teaching experience. Information regarding requirements will be given at the time of finalist selection.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives.

Additionally, in accordance with this Policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; pregnancy, childbirth or related conditions; race; color; national or ethnic origin; religion; age; disability; protected veteran status, or other protected classes as set forth in federal and Connecticut law.

Professional Conduct Review for New Faculty Hires

The final candidate, upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment/faculty appointment, may be required to disclose whether they are, or have been, the subject of any disciplinary proceeding (investigation, hearing, etc.) at previous institutions or employers, and may also be subject to a background screening. Candidates who materially misrepresent information on their resume or other application materials are ineligible for hire/appointment. Final candidates may also be required to sign a release to allow Yale to solicit information regarding any substantiated conduct violations from current and/or past employers.