Job Description / Duties

The UGA Hugh Hodgson School of Music Opera Department, in conjunction with the Department of Theatre and Film Studies, seeks an academic professional to produce and direct opera and musical theatre, starting August 1, 2021. This is a full-time (10 month), interdepartmental, non-tenure track, benefits-eligible faculty position, with the School of Music as the candidate’s home department.
• Produce and direct opera productions by organizing and overseeing all artistic and technical production needs.
• Work with administration for publicity, rehearsal scheduling, accounting and budgeting.
• Direct a musical for the Theatre Department on a rotational basis. Alternatively, work with the Musical Theatre Certificate Program as an instructor, coach, or director.
• Teach performance-related courses based on the candidate’s expertise.

Qualifications / Required Skills

• Doctorate or MFA in music or theatre or related fields, plus a minimum of three years of professional accomplishments in the field of directing, opera, or musical theatre production.
• Candidates without a terminal degree must have a master’s degree in music or theatre, document exceptional professional expertise (a minimum of 5 years professional experience in the field of directing, opera, or musical theatre production) and be approved for a terminal degree exception before hire.
• Demonstrated background in production management.
• Ability to communicate effectively with all parties involved with production, including actors, the design team, the production team, and management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of varied styles and periods for opera and musical theatre.
• Additional expertise in the areas such as music direction, acting and vocal coaching for musical theatre, or movement/choreography.
• A desire to contribute to dynamic, holistic music and theatre programs located in a city known for its music and arts culture.
• A willingness to collaborate with recognized faculty and artists in advancing a national and international profile.

Additional Information

To Apply
• Applicants should include a curriculum vitae and cover letter describing their academic qualifications and professional experience, showing how they will add value to the program. Furthermore, they should show how their teaching, service, and work has supported the success of students from racial, ethnic, and gender backgrounds that are underrepresented in the Opera and/or Musical Theatre fields. Applicants who have not yet had those experiences should explain how their work will further the College’s commitment to diversity.
• Application materials should also include links to an online portfolio/website highlighting artistic work and the names and contact information for a minimum of three references.

Application documents must be uploaded to the UGAJobs link (https://www.ugajobsearch.com/postings/182446) with search committee reviews beginning March 1, 2021. To ensure full consideration, please apply by March 1. Additional materials will be requested at the semi-finalist stage, including an unofficial transcript of the highest degree earned.

Salary: Salary range: $62,000 to $70,000

Contact Information

Questions about the application process can be directed at Edith Hollander (somadmin@uga.edu or 706-542-3737); questions about the position can be directed at Prof. Frederick Burchinal (fpbopera@uga.edu). Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact Central HR (hrweb@uga.edu). Please do not contact the department or search committee with such requests.

Employer Profile

The Hugh Hodgson School of Music (https://music.uga.edu/) is among the leading schools of music in the region and nationally. It includes comprehensive programs, with degrees at the undergraduate level through the masters and doctorate. Students at all degree levels are involved in the Opera program. A celebrated faculty, outstanding facilities, and talented students build a supportive and rich environment for artistic and scholarly growth. Graduates from our programs have been internationally successful in their chosen fields.

The University of Georgia Opera Theatre (http://research.franklin.uga.edu/opera/ https://www.music.uga.edu/music/ensembles/opera-theatre) is a nationally recognized program that currently produces two fully staged productions with orchestra per year and an additional Scenes Program in the Spring, as well as offering further opportunities for performance and community outreach. The Opera Theatre is committed to training young singers in an inclusive and supportive environment and preparing them for a professional career in the field of opera and classical singing.

The Department of Theatre and Film Studies (https://www.drama.uga.edu) is a unit of the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences. It offers B.A. degrees in theatre and in film studies, MFA degrees in performance, design/technology and dramatic media, and the Ph.D. in theatre and performance studies. The department encompasses the applied and scholarly study of drama in a wide range of media, including stage, film and 3D computer animation.

The Musical Theatre Certificate Program (https://www.music.uga.edu/musical-theatre-certificate) is a new interdisciplinary program in Music, Theatre, and Dance nearing the end of its second year. It has already shown itself to be a high-demand program. Students are required to take an additional 10-17 hours of coursework beyond the major degree requirements and must audition for admission before a panel comprising of at least one representative from each area.

The Franklin College of Arts and Sciences, its many units, and the University of Georgia are committed to increasing the diversity of its faculty and students and sustaining a work and learning environment that is inclusive. Women, minorities and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

The University of Georgia (https://www.uga.edu/ ), a land-grant and sea-grant university with statewide commitments and responsibilities, is the state's oldest, most comprehensive, and most diversified institution of higher education. UGA is currently ranked among the top 20 public universities in U.S. News & World Report. The University 's main campus is located in Athens, approximately 65 miles northeast of Atlanta, with extended campuses in Atlanta, Griffin, Gwinnett, and Tifton. UGA was founded in 1785 by the Georgia General Assembly as the first state-chartered University in the country. UGA employs approximately 1,800 full-time instructional faculty and more than 7,600 full-time staff. The University's enrollment exceeds 36,000 students including over 27,500 undergraduates and over 8,500 graduate and professional students. Academic programs reside in 17 schools and colleges, as well as a medical partnership with Augusta University housed on the UGA Health Sciences Campus in Athens.

The University of Georgia is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, genetic information, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, or protected veteran status.