Tenured: Associate Professor in Performance for Virtual Production

The School of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts, Texas A&M University, invites applications for one (1) full time, tenured associate professor position in performance for virtual production with a nine-month academic appointment beginning in Fall 2024 at the Texas A&M – Fort Worth campus contingent on Tenure Review Upon Hire. The school and the faculty section of Dance, Music & Theater Performance are particularly interested in candidates with research and creative works directions in at least one of the following areas:

•  Immersive theater, immersive dance, and immersive music,
•  Live performance integrated with capture, projection, and extended reality technology,
•  Directing, composing, and choreography for immersive environments,
•  Scenic and lighting design in virtual production.

Successful applicants are expected to develop and maintain a well-developed independent research and creative works program, teach courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels, advise and mentor graduate students, participate in all aspects of the school’s activities, and serve the professional community. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in performance for immersive environments.

This position is one of 10 faculty positions associated with development of the Virtual Production Institute (VPI). The VPI initiative has received $25 million in funding from the State of Texas to pursue the development of new applications of visual computing and interactive technologies and translating their use across multiple industries, entertainment, and the arts. The VPI is committed to educating and training a new generation of industry- and practice-ready engineers, technologists, and artists. The VPI’s first production stages and labs will open in the 2024-2025 academic year near the Texas A&M University main campus in Bryan/College Station and the Texas A&M - Fort Worth campus in downtown Fort Worth.

The VPI is part of the School of Performance, Visualization & Fine Arts (PVFA). PVFA’s strength is in merging art and science across a broad range of creative pursuits. The mission of PVFA places a heavy emphasis on faculty and student collaboration and interdisciplinary work in both scholarly and creative research. PVFA develops innovative research and creative works, public performances, and degree offerings at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels that build upon our strength in merging art and science, as well as the traditional fields of music, dance, visual art, and theater.

Applicants should consult the school’s website to review our academic and research programs (https://pvfa.tamu.edu/).

Required: A terminal degree (MFA, DMA, or PhD) in a performance-related field is required. Strong written and verbal communication skills are required as is an enthusiasm for exploring concepts, solving problems and collaboration across the range of artistic, technical, and humanistic disciplines represented in the school. Individuals should have a demonstrated record of scholarly research and/or creative works, demonstrated experience in theatrical, musical, or dance performance for virtual production, participation in multidisciplinary research and/or creative activities, university teaching experience, student mentorship, and a demonstrated record of academic service.

Interested individuals should apply through Interfolio: apply.interfolio.com/137259 and submit the following materials:

• Cover letter,
• Curriculum vitae, (embed links to your work/student work you mentor)
• Personal Statement: Your statement should include your philosophy and plans for research, teaching, and service as applicable,
• Names and contact information of five (5) professional references.

Review of applications will begin 30 days after posting and continue until the position is filled.

For additional information please contact the search committee chair, Dr. Xin Li (xinli@tamu.edu).