Description
David Geffen School of Drama (DGSD) at Yale University seeks an experienced and dynamic theatre practitioner to lead a pre-eminent MFA program in Directing.
The Chair of the Directing program reports to the Dean of DGSD, supervising all activities of the Directing Program, as well as teaching classes and serving as a mentor to its students. In addition to offering classes in the craft, the Directing program oversees projects for each year's cohort in which they collaborate with students from other disciplines and serves as the producer for Shakespeare Repertory Projects (second year) and Directors' Thesis productions (third year).
RESPONSIBILITIES
Teaching
The Chair:
1. Teaches One (1) Core Seminar in Directing in Fall and/or Spring terms:
Central to the training program in Directing are the weekly 3 ½ hours seminars and labs, which focus on the practical study of the art of directing, using a wide range of dramatic writing as course texts. Weekly readings and practical assignments develop the students' skills in directorial close reading for the discovery of dramatic action and event, the understanding of dramatic structure, and the development of directorial interpretation. Currently, the major plays of modern and contemporary writers in the realist tradition are used as course texts to teach the practical discipline of preparing for rehearsal in Year One. In the Fall of Year Two, this work continues, with a focus on directorial approaches to the plays of Shakespeare. In Spring, the focus turns to the practical study of global theatre practices and considerations of contemporary approaches to cross-cultural performance. In Year Three, the seminar focuses on directorial approaches to new dramatic forms, from the early Modernist period of the 20th century to the present. Throughout the three years, the art and craft of directing is taught in these seminars as a dynamic, living artistic legacy.
2. Co-Teaches and Curates, in Collaboration with the Directing Program Associate Chair, the Fall/Spring Directing Practicum:
The Directing Practicum is the second core course of the MFA program in directing. Meeting weekly on Fridays for 4 ½ hours, the course is comprised of 2 units, the first of which is conducted throughout the Fall term, and the second, which is offered in the final 5 weeks of the Spring term. Responsibilities include co-teaching this weekly on-the-feet scene study and production analysis course, designing Practicum assignments, and curating guest artist visits to Practicum throughout the year.
3. Leads One or More Modules, which currently are:
"Rehearsal Practicum," a 4-week intensive lab for 1st year directors and actors; "The Theatrical Event," a 3-week intensive lab in devising for 1st year directors, actors, playwrights, and dramaturgs; "Directors and Playwrights Practicum," a 6-session practical lab for 1st year directors and playwrights.
Production Supervision and Mentoring
The Chair:
1. Attends a performance of every DGSD/YRT production or project.
2. Observes rehearsals of directors' productions (normally once a week).
3. Assigns and supervises Directing Faculty Advisors and Artistic Supervisors on the second year Shakespeare Rep Projects, the Directors' Thesis productions, and on the new play projects and productions comprising the directing students' practical assignments.
4. Oversees student progress as observed in rehearsals and class work, consulting with faculty and Deans to support individual student needs.
5. Collaborates with appropriate Program Chairs in the annual review and possible revision of guidelines for DGSD student projects and productions.
6. Maintains open lines of communication through informal office hours and scheduled appointments to provide individual directing students and faculty with mentoring and counsel on projects in development and production, course work, disciplinary matters, and other concerns as they may arise.
7. Provides guidance and support to directing students as they pursue summer and post-Yale professional opportunities.
8. Provides support and guidance to Program faculty in the creation and revision of course syllabi, periodically observes Program teachers in class and provides feedback, and observes faculty mentors in their work with students in production.
Program Administration and Recruiting
The Chair:
1. Collaborates with DGSD Deans and Chairs to determine strategy and policy.
2. Administers all aspects of the Directing Program.
3. Hires 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 establishes salaries; negotiates salaries.
4. Arranges for and hosts guest speakers, including hiring and supervision of part-time faculty.
5. Manages academic affairs for the program, ranging from routine requests for absences from class to formal academic actions. Meets with students who are not fulfilling program requirements (class attendance and assignments, production work, professional attitude, work-study performance, etc.).
6. Determines, oversees, and monitors Directing Program budget and departmental work-study assignments.
7. Collaborates with the Student Labor Supervisor on all work-study related matters.
8. Selects incoming class, including, but not limited to, reading applications, conducting interviews, and serving on final callback selection committee.
9. Handles requests and inquiries to the Directing Program for recommendations, foreign students' statuses, etc.
10. Represents the Program within and outside of DGSD.
11. Schedules and leads monthly program faculty meetings throughout the academic year.
12. Other related duties as requested by the Dean.
RANK AND TERM OF APPOINTMENT
The appointment will be at an open rank commensurate with the successful candidate's experience (Assistant Professor Adjunct/Associate Professor Adjunct/Professor in the Practice), for a term of no less than three years beginning July 1, 2027, renewable, and includes competitive salary with full faculty benefits. Minimum base salary: $110K.
Plus an administrative supplement of $15K tied to the role of Chair.
Qualifications
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE
Applicants should have at least 10 years of directly related professional experience combining work in the theater and teaching in the field.
Preferred Experience:
1. Master of Fine Arts or professional equivalent.
2. Significant professional experience as a theater director.
3. Significant experience teaching in a conservatory or other professional training environment.
TRAITS AND ATTRIBUTES
1. A track record of artistry, scholarship, teaching and/or service in their communities.
2. Recognized artistry and craft as a theatre director.
3. Strong mentoring and teaching skills.
4. Effective management, communication (both oral and written), and leadership skills.
5. Ability to maintain confidentiality and discretion in sensitive matters.
6. Demonstrable cultural competency and ability to engage with persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives.
Application Instructions
We invite you to apply by submitting a cover letter, C.V., a teaching statement (philosophy), and the names of three (3) references. These references will receive a request from Interfolio. They must accept this request in order for your application to be considered, however, the committee will ask for a recommendation letter only if you advance beyond the first round of review. You are responsible for sharing this information, and any subsequent updates, with your references.
Materials must be submitted through Interfolio: https://apply.interfolio.com/195825.
Review of applications will begin Wednesday, December 2, 2026 with final considerations Wednesday, January 13, 2027.
Compensation & Benefits Information
Information on salary ranges and benefits is available here.
Professional Conduct Review for New Faculty Hires
The final candidate, upon acceptance of a contingent offer of employment/faculty appointment, may be required to disclose whether they are, or have been, the subject of any disciplinary proceeding (investigation, hearing, etc.) at previous institutions or employers, and may also be subject to a background screening. Candidates who materially misrepresent information on their resume or other application materials are ineligible for hire/appointment. Final candidates may also be required to sign a release to allow Yale to solicit information regarding any substantiated conduct violations from current and/or past employers.
