"Part-Time Faculty: DRA 550 Professional Practices (Sp 2026)"

Job Description

The Department of Drama Tepper Semester within the College of Visual and Performing Arts seeks a Part-time Instructor to teach DRA 550 Professional Practice, a two-credit hour course, in the Spring Semester, 2026.

The course will focus on career development, practical skills and auditioning: including master classes with professionals, lectures, discussions, and site visits to professional venues. Specifically related to theater in New York City (Tepper Semester).

About The College of Visual and Performing Arts

The College of Visual and Performing Arts at Syracuse University is committed to the education of cultural leaders who will engage and inspire audiences through performance, visual art, design, scholarship, and commentary. We provide the tools for self-discovery and risk-taking in an environment that thrives on critical thought and action. To learn more about the college, our distinguished faculty, and our program, please visit our websites at www.syr.edu, www.vpa.syr.edu.

Qualifications

• College degree, preferable MA or MFA and at least 4 years of teaching experience.

Job Specific Qualifications

• Professional experience that supports ability to prepare the actor for the industry upon graduation;
• to share insights about the industry, to cultivate practices that will serve the actor in their field, for theirs is a path of continuing job interviews (auditions) and inexact, frequently non-linear evolution;
• to help actors develop practical skills and understanding of logistics of the business.

Responsibilities

• Developing and/or updating a class syllabus.
• Preparation of lectures, projects or other student assignments.
• Maintaining regularly scheduled office hours.
• Presenting instruction based on the competencies and performance levels of the course.
• Meeting all designated class periods.
• Submitting completed mid-semester progress reports and final grades according to University regulations.
• Grading student assignments and exams in a timely manner.
• Providing departmentally sanctioned forms for completed student evaluations.
• Coordinate guests booking for the class with administrative support from Tepper Semester administrative office.

Physical Requirements

Not Applicable

Tools/Equipment

Not Applicable

Application Instructions

In addition to completing an online application, please attach a resume/curriculum vitae and cover letter.

About Syracuse University

Syracuse University is a private, international research university with distinctive academics, diversely unique offerings, and an undeniable spirit. Located in the geographic heart of New York State, with a global footprint, and over 150 years of history, Syracuse University offers a quintessential college experience.

The scope of Syracuse University is a testament to its strengths: a pioneering history dating back to 1870; a choice of more than 200 majors, 100 minors, and 200 advanced degree programs offered across the Universitys 13 schools and colleges; over 15,000 undergraduates and over 6,000 graduate students; more than a quarter of a million alumni in 160 countries; and a student population from all 50 U.S. states and 123 countries. For more information, please visit http://www.syracuse.edu.

About the Syracuse area

Syracuse is a medium-sized city situated in the geographic center of New York State approximately 250 miles northwest of New York City. The metro-area population totals approximately 500,000. The area offers a low cost of living and provides many social, cultural, and recreational options, including parks, museums, festivals, professional regional theater, and premier shopping venues. Syracuse and Central New York present a wide range of seasonal recreation and attractions ranging from water skiing and snow skiing, hiking in the Adirondacks, touring the historic sites, visiting wineries along the Finger Lakes, and biking on trails along the Erie Canal.