Director of Theatre Program
Description
About the Job
Colorado Christian University is looking for a talented and innovative individual to join an outstanding, professional faculty in the School of Music in the area of theatre. This faculty member will teach courses and develop curriculum within the School of Music in the College of Undergraduate Studies. The School of Music offers several opportunities and courses in theatre including courses on acting, musical theater performance, voice and diction, theatre appreciation, theatre production, and potentially additional coursework in writing for the stage and film. Of utmost importance is the faculty member’s ability to help students navigate a Christian lifestyle and worldview in order to be a light and witness through the medium of theatre. This faculty member will also work to mentor and develop students’ talents in theatre, and help identify potential career opportunities in theatre.
Faculty members of Colorado Christian University (CCU) teach assigned courses for which they are highly qualified within the College of Undergraduate Studies (CUS). Courses are traditional, in-seat and offered on our Lakewood, Colorado campus. Each faculty member uses effective instruction techniques as a subject matter expert, but their primary responsibility is to integrate field-specific pedagogy with the Bible and a Christian worldview. They are also expected to integrate and teach CCU’s spiritual, academic, and cultural Strategic Priorities.
Other duties are to support the mission and vision of CCU. This may include actively participating in committee/task force/team meetings, writing curriculum, reporting on assessments/outcomes, advancing scholarship, engaging with the community, supporting colleagues, or doing other work assigned by the dean. Faculty members are expected to keep regular office hours, to engage with students, and assist them with their academics or other activities that support the University’s holistic approach.
The standard teaching load is 24 credit hours of undergraduate courses per year.
About CCU
Colorado Christian University is the premier interdenominational Christian university in Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region, delivering world class education to thousands of students. The fully accredited, nonprofit University is located in Lakewood, Colorado, a suburb of Denver.
Colorado Christian University was founded in 1914. CCU’s motto is "grace and truth," which comes from John 1.14: “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (ESV)
CCU's mission is Christ-centered higher education transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth. Colorado Christian University cultivates knowledge and love of God in a Christ-centered community of learners and scholars, with an enduring commitment to the integration of exemplary academics, spiritual formation, and engagement with the world. We envision graduates who think critically and creatively, lead with high ethical and professional standards, embody the character and compassion of Jesus Christ, treasure the gospel, and who thereby are prepared to impact the world in their callings.
CCU’s embraces an educational model that was there at the foundation of many of the great western and American universities. It is made up of three pillars—competence, character, and Christ-centered faith. Secular universities have abandoned two of those pillars. We think this is a major oversight that eventually undermines education. Furthermore, we believe this classical educational model is both life-giving and greatly needed in our time.
A leader in higher education, CCU has been consistently ranked in the top 2 percent of colleges and universities nationwide for its core curriculum by the American Council of Trustees and Alumni. CCU has had ten consecutive years of enrollment growth and has been named one of the five fastest-growing master’s granting universities by The Chronicle of Higher Education.
CCU offers more than 200 degree program options for traditional and adult students through its two colleges--the College of Undergraduate Studies and College of Adult and Graduate Studies. More than 9,000 students attend the University on the main campus, in regional centers throughout Colorado, and online.
What is most appealing about working at CCU?
- Faith-friendly: CCU’s culture is unique to higher education. Where else can you pursue academic excellence yet read the Holy Bible, pray with teammates and students at work, and work to impact our culture in support of Christian values?
- Convictionally Christian: As a university, we have an enduring commitment to Christ, his kingdom and the truth of God’s Word.
- Live out your calling: We are a traditional evangelical university where you can invest your God-given talents and abilities alongside coworkers and teammates, while having a profound influence on students as they deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ.
- Equip students for kingdom work: You can be a part of helping students discover their callings and preparing them for positions of significant leadership in the church, business, government, education, and other professions, as a key part of our University's Strategic Priorities.
We’re looking for candidates who have:
- Minimum Master’s Degree (MFA) in Theatre/Music Theatre required.
- Three or more years of successful teaching experience in a college or university (preferred) or classical academy, with a proven track record of student learning and engagement through previous classroom evaluations by students, faculty, and administration.
- A deep understanding theatre performance, coaching, and directing.
- Superior oral, interpersonal, and written communication skills.
- Passion for Christ-centered higher education and dedication to the integration of faith and learning in their field.
- Deep commitment to student success.
- Proficiency in appropriate Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and are able to use appropriate software/technology (Blackboard) in the learning environment.
- A commitment to learning new ideas for classroom presentations and dynamic class interactions to engage student learning in a meaningful way consistent with the University’s mission.
- A proven track record and ongoing experience in their field.
Workload
12-month contract. Responsible to teach 24 units per year.
Key Job Duties
- Contribute to CCU’s mission: Christ-centered higher education transforming students to impact the world with grace and truth. In this role, the Director of Theatre Program will contribute to the University’s mission beyond the classroom through activities such as student mentorship, program development, personal spiritual growth, professional development, and engagement with the world through the creative arts.
- Teach courses on acting, musical theater performance, voice and diction, theatre appreciation, theatre production, and potentially additional coursework in writing for the stage and film.
- Participate in season production selection committee.
- Direct and coordinate three mainstage productions per year.
- Facilitate a student one-act festival and guide students in the writing, casting, and directing process.
- Mentor student directors in the one-act festival and for mainstage performances.
- Coach students for professional auditions during their senior year.
- Build and advocate for the theatre program.
- Recruit and organize auditions for incoming students.
- Perform other duties as assigned by the Dean.
Work Environment
While performing the duties of this job, you may be required to walk, stand, sit, reach with hands and arms, balance, stoop, speak with clarity, and have appropriate vision and hearing capabilities. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. You may be required to work occasional irregular hours, including some nights and weekends. Colorado Christian University expects all faculty and staff to become a part of the University community by participating in activities and events that occur on the campus throughout the year, which may occur during evenings and weekends.
What we offer our employees:
We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages to all employees. Our benefit package includes: a tuition waiver program, excellent healthcare, generous paid time off, matching 403(b) retirement plan, and additional organizational paid benefits and voluntary benefit offerings. Pay and benefits will be discussed in more detail as candidates progress through the interview process. The pay range for this job is $55,000 - $60,000 annually. Pay is assigned by reviewing a combination of job-related factors that may include: internal/external pay equity, the salary structure/pay grade, or a candidate’s qualifications/experience for the job. A wage range posted is not a guarantee of a specific wage and CCU reserves the right to make pay decisions based on economic and equity considerations. CCU does not determine pay based on sex or any other protected status.
Application Deadline
Applications will be accepted until position is filled.
Spiritual Requirements
- Committed follower of Jesus Christ, who believes there is no salvation apart from faith in his atonement on the cross, by grace alone becoming "born again" thus beginning a personal relationship with Christ, the Son of God.
- Able to effectively communicate personal faith and apply biblical principles and convictions in the workplace. Must have a strong sense of calling to the ministry of Colorado Christian University.
- Regularly attend and be engaged in meaningful involvement in a Bible-believing evangelical local church. Knowledgeable about the Word of God and passionate about Christian education.
- Must be a traditional evangelical Christian whose lifestyle is in consonance with sound Christian principles, is compatible with CCU’s Statement of Faith, and is in agreement with the Strategic Priorities promulgated by the University.