Jobs at University of California - Los Angeles Theater, part of the prestigious UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television (TFT), offer exciting opportunities for passionate theater professionals. Located in the heart of Los Angeles, California, this program is renowned worldwide for its cutting-edge training in acting, directing, playwriting, design, and production. Whether you're eyeing tenure-track faculty positions or staff roles in technical theater, UCLA Theater stands as a gateway to influential careers in higher education and the entertainment industry.
The theater department at UCLA has long been a hub for innovation, blending academic rigor with practical experience. Faculty and staff contribute to producing groundbreaking work, from student-led productions at the historic Freud Playhouse to collaborations with Hollywood talents. With Los Angeles' vibrant arts scene—home to major theaters like the Mark Taper Forum and countless film studios—working here means immersion in a dynamic cultural ecosystem. AcademicJobs.com lists current openings, helping you connect with these roles seamlessly.
Understanding jobs at University of California - Los Angeles Theater starts with recognizing the department's commitment to excellence. Positions range from lecturing on performance theory to managing large-scale productions, all while mentoring the next generation of artists. Salaries are competitive, often starting at $85,000 for assistant professors, with benefits like UC retirement plans enhancing appeal.
The roots of theater at UCLA trace back to the 1940s, when the Department of Theater Arts was established amid post-war enthusiasm for the performing arts. By 1999, it evolved into the School of Theater, Film and Television, reflecting interdisciplinary growth. Key milestones include the 1960s expansion under pioneers like Robert Englund, fostering alumni such as director Tim Robbins and playwright Lynn Nottage.
Over decades, jobs at UCLA Theater have mirrored industry shifts—from traditional stagecraft to digital integration and socially conscious theater. The 21st century brought emphases on diversity, with initiatives amplifying underrepresented voices. Today, the department boasts state-of-the-art facilities like the Macgowan Little Theater, where faculty lead productions seen by thousands annually.
This rich history informs current opportunities, where professionals build legacies while enjoying LA's sunny climate and proximity to cultural landmarks like the Getty Center.
UCLA Theater offers MFA programs in Acting, Directing, Playwriting, and Design for Costume, Lighting, Scenic, and Sound, alongside a PhD in Theater and Performance Studies. These programs demand faculty with real-world expertise, creating demand for jobs that blend teaching and creative practice.
Career pathways include progressing from adjunct lecturer to tenured professor, or staff roles like dramaturg supporting new play development. For insights into university job types, our resource outlines faculty, administrative, and support positions common here.
These programs attract top talent, ensuring job seekers compete in a prestigious environment.
To fully grasp jobs at University of California - Los Angeles Theater, key terms include:
These definitions clarify the specialized nature of roles at UCLA Theater.
Jobs at University of California - Los Angeles Theater demand rigorous qualifications. Faculty typically need an MFA or PhD in a relevant field, such as theater arts or dramatic literature.
Research focus or expertise centers on innovative areas like immersive theater, decolonial performance, or technology in staging—aligned with LA's experimental scene. Preferred experience includes peer-reviewed publications, grants from NEA (National Endowment for the Arts), or credits on Broadway/Off-Broadway shows.
Essential skills and competencies encompass:
For staff, bachelor's degrees suffice, but industry certifications boost candidacy. Crafting a strong academic CV highlights these assets effectively.
The application process for jobs at University of California - Los Angeles Theater begins on UCLA's AP Recruit portal. Submit a cover letter (2 pages), CV, portfolio (digital links), statement on teaching philosophy, diversity contributions, and 3-5 references.
Actionable tips:
Deadlines cluster in fall; expect 4-6 months for decisions. Leverage free resume templates from AcademicJobs.com for polished submissions.
UCLA Theater champions diversity through the TFT Inclusion Task Force, established post-2020, funding BIPOC playwright residencies and accessibility training. The department's 2023 hiring saw 40% underrepresented faculty hires, exceeding UC averages.
Initiatives include the New Works Lab for emerging diverse voices and partnerships with LA's Latino Theater Company. These efforts create equitable jobs at University of California - Los Angeles Theater, fostering inclusive environments.
Work-life balance at UCLA Theater benefits from UC policies like 24/7 childcare, mental health support, and sabbaticals every 7 years. Faculty teach 4 courses yearly, leaving time for creative pursuits amid LA's beaches and hiking trails.
Campus life buzzes with Royce Hall performances, farmer's markets, and Bruin sports. Proximity to Hollywood offers guest lectures from Oscar winners, while Westwood Village provides dining and shopping. Remote work hybrids exist for admin roles, easing commutes in traffic-prone LA.
Annual wellness retreats and yoga classes promote sustainability in high-pressure theater work.
Beyond salaries ($90K-$180K scale), perks include 403(b) matching, 22 vacation days, and tuition waivers for dependents. Theater-specific bonuses: free tickets to productions and equipment access.
Choosing jobs at University of California - Los Angeles Theater means prestige, innovation, and LA lifestyle—sunshine, culture, career growth. Explore professor salaries for benchmarks.
Ready to pursue jobs at University of California - Los Angeles Theater? Browse higher ed jobs, refine skills via higher ed career advice, search university jobs, or post a job if recruiting. AcademicJobs.com connects you to these opportunities and more.
With UCLA's global impact, your theater career awaits in sunny California.
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