Visiting Assistant Professor - Costume Technology

Visiting Assistant Professor - Costume Technology (#34732)

The School of Theatre and Dance at Northern Illinois University seeks applicants for a Visiting Assistant Professor position in Costume Technology, joining a collaborative and production-focused academic environment. Northern Illinois University (NIU) is a comprehensive research university offering programs from the Baccalaureate through the Doctorate. Colleges include Business, Education, Engineering and Engineering Technology, Law, Liberal Arts and Sciences, Health and Human Sciences, and Visual and Performing Arts.

On-campus enrollment is approximately 15,000 students. The university also offers more than 200 off-campus courses each semester to students in communities throughout northern Illinois.

The main campus is located in DeKalb, 65 miles west of Chicago’s “Loop” and 40 miles southeast of Rockford with education centers in Rockford and Naperville. DeKalb/Sycamore, with a population of about 60,000, is a modern paradox, a rural/urban community. It is simultaneously recognized for its manufacturing and rich farmlands. The site of the first manufacturing of barbed wire and the development of hybrid seed corn are evidence of its diversified history.

The blend of industry and agriculture, coupled with the cultural and recreational facilities of the university and supplemented by easy access to Chicago and Rockford, provide an enjoyable environment in which to live.

The NIU School of Theatre and Dance costume shop works to maintain industry design and production standards while teaching students of varying skill levels from first year college students, to final year graduate students. The Visiting Assistant Professor of Costume Technology will work with other faculty to support university productions and help maintain costume stock.

• Coordinate with other costume faculty to stay on production schedules and budgets.
• Work with costume faculty to ensure production designs are executed on time and on budget.
• Communicate project needs to Costume Shop Manager.
• Execute basic patterning, construction, and alterations for mainstage productions to ensure all costumes are wearable at first dress and complete by opening night.
• Work with other costume faculty to support production and performance process including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Attend all production meetings and dress rehearsals for mainstage productions.
• Work with Costume Shop Manager to maintain a large costume stock inventory for internal use (no rentals).

• Teach undergraduate and graduate-level costume technology courses including but not limited to basic textile sciences, hand and machine sewing, commercial pattern assembly and manipulation, patterning/draping, fabric dyeing/painting, costume crafts, and millinery.
  • THEA 210, THEA 330, THEA 435/535, THEA 436/536, & THEA 437/537
• Work with other theatre technology faculty to execute team taught classes.
  • THEA 210 & THEA 330
• Supervise all Costume Technology Lab Sections.
  • THEA 210A, THEA 330A, THEA 295, & THEA 395

• Mentor undergraduate and graduate student designers, assistants, drapers and technicians of various skill levels through the production process.
• Participate in yearly student portfolio reviews and assessment.
• Attend all Faculty and Design/Technology meetings.
• Participate in unit/department committees as assigned by Director of School.

• MFA in a costume-related discipline or commensurate professional experience.
• Minimum 2 years of teaching experience (academic, professional training, or equivalent).
• Minimum 3 years of experience in costume shop management.
• Advanced knowledge and experience in:
  • Flat-patterning and/or draping
  • Alteration and repair for historical and contemporary theatrical costumes
• Experience operating and troubleshooting:
  • Domestic and industrial sewing machines
  • Overlock (serger) machines
• Experience with fittings and pinning alterations on a person’s body.
• Experience sewing challenging fabrics, including stretch, slippery, and delicate materials.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability…