Co-Chair and Open-Rank Faculty Position of Playwriting Program

Yale University•New Haven, CT

17h•$110,000•Onsite

About The Position

The David Geffen School of Drama (DGSD) at Yale University is seeking an experienced and dynamic theatre practitioner to lead its pre-eminent MFA program in Playwriting. The Geffen School, in partnership with Yale Repertory Theatre (YRT), aims to train and advance leaders in all theatrical disciplines. DGSD and Yale Rep value artistry, belonging, collaboration, and discovery. The school offers eight three-year MFA programs and a one-year Technical Internship program. DGSD is committed to fostering a robust theater landscape and prioritizes access, offering 100% tuition remission for all degree and certificate students. The Co-Chair of the Playwriting program reports to the Dean of DGSD and, in collaboration with the other Co-Chair, will supervise all activities of the Playwriting Program, teach classes, and mentor students. The program includes collaborations with students from other disciplines for productions such as New Play Lab, Langston Hughes Festival, and the Carlotta Festival.

Requirements

At least 10 years of directly related professional experience combining work in the theater and teaching in the field.
Strongly demonstrated skills in written and verbal communication, strategic thinking, prioritization, time-management, and problem solving.
Ability to function calmly, effectively, and flexibly in an active and collaborative environment.
Demonstrated leadership.
Knowledge of the professional production practices and the various disciplines involved.

Nice To Haves

BA or MFA in Drama or another Fine Arts Degree
A track record of artistry, scholarship, teaching and/or service in their communities.

Responsibilities

Establish curriculum and class schedule, balancing pedagogical needs with budgetary constraints as well as faculty and space availability.
Teach two (2) courses in each of the fall and spring semesters.
Oversee quality of teaching; participate in review of faculty. Ensure ongoing student review and evaluation.
Conduct script analysis tutorials and production-oriented tutorials with playwriting students for New Play Labs, Langston Hughes Festival, and Carlotta Festival productions as needed.
Establish and communicate departmental expectations and requirements to playwriting students. Support, guide, encourage and evaluate their progress.
Foster DGSD connections to field resources and promote career placement for playwriting students and alumni.
Promote a culture of mutual respect, collaboration, and inclusion.
Collaborate with DGSD Deans and Chairs to determine strategy and policy.
Determine and implement student recruitment strategy and process. In concert with Playwriting Program faculty, participate in selecting incoming class, including but not limited to, reading scripts, conducting interviews, prioritizing top choices and alternates, following up with admitted students concerning site visits and matriculation.
Hire faculty, including but not limited to, conducting searches, interviews, setting up and observing demonstration classes, calling references. In concert with the Dean and Associate Dean/Managing Director establish salaries; negotiate salaries.
Select, contract, and supervise Lecturers, visiting faculty, and workshop leaders.
Determine, oversee, and monitor Playwriting Program budget and departmental work-study assignments.
Collaborate with the Student Labor Supervisor on all work-study related matters.
Collaborate with Managing Director’s Office and Casting Director to hire guest artists for the Workshop with Actors course, as well as for other projects, as necessary.
Serve as the central coordinator and information point for DGSD departments on the work of the playwrights and all aspects of the department.
Handle requests for information about the program from prospective faculty, students, and the field, as well as recommendations for students and graduates as appropriate.
Represent Program and serve as primary department liaison and expert resource for DGSD, Yale, and the field.
Supervise script selection and development of student plays.
Work closely with Dean and Chairs of Directing, Dramaturgy, and Technical Design and Production Programs on scheduling and selection of Playwright/Director/Dramaturg teams.
Work closely with Dean and Chair of Acting Program on casting of Langston Hughes Festival and Carlotta Festival Productions.
Work closely with Design Program Advisors on the development of designs for Carlotta Festival Productions.
Coordinate industry outreach, travel, and accommodations for the Carlotta Festival.
Monitor Carlotta Festival marketing copy, proofread marketing materials, and contribute to creating copy as required.
Promote and champion Carlotta Festival plays with agents, national and local theatres, and new play development centers.
Other duties as requested by the Dean.