Full-Time Tenure Track Position in Theatre - Trinity Western University

[Glen Nichols]

Hello
Certainly not new or unique. Although not theatre specifically, a local, private university in Moncton (Crandall, formerly Atlantic Baptist University) has stirred a controversy over their explicit policy of not hiring anyone in any capacity (faculty, admin or staff) who has sexual relations outside of a male/female marriage. This is based on their understanding of Christian beliefs. The controversy has arisen over their acceptance of public subsidies, although they have recently announced they will not be asking for further subsidy from the municipality.... The province is another matter...

Glen

From: Canadian Theatre Research [mailto:CANDRAMA at LISTSERV.UNB.CA] On Behalf Of Simon du Toit
Sent: February 7, 2013 12:52 PM
To: CANDRAMA at LISTSERV.UNB.CA
Subject: Re: Full-Time Tenure Track Position in Theatre - Trinity Western University

Hi Aida et al

The issue you raise is complex, but it's not new.  There are a few private Canadian institutions that have the right under the law to discriminate on the basis of religious affiliation, of which TWU is one. The practice is much more widely accepted in the U.S., where there are hundreds of such institutions.  The CAUT has been conducting investigations of some of those Canadian schools, although not on the basis of a complaint filed by any faculty member of the schools in question. Here's a report on one such investigation:

http://www.caut.ca/pages.asp?page=978&lang=1

This issue has implications for much larger questions, about whether we are able to tolerate religious voices in a democracy. See for example the Bouchard Taylor Commission. Does our national vision of multicultural diversity include religion? What if that religion itself excludes others? These are complex ethical issues, as Tibor's note suggests. I, for one, think that the insistence on rational discourse alone in higher education is itself an exclusionary tactic that privileges certain voices and interests. Performance studies has an important contribution to make to the discussion, so I think it's a good topic for all of us.

Regards,

Simon

======================================================
Simon W. du Toit
B.Ed., M.F.A., Ph.D.
Undergraduate Chair, Communication, Media, and Film
Sessional Instructor, School of Dramatic Art
Room 4113, Lambton Tower; (519) 253-3000 x2847
University of Windsor



From:        Aida Jordao <a.jordao at UTORONTO.CA<mailto:a.jordao at UTORONTO.CA>>
To:        CANDRAMA at LISTSERV.UNB.CA<mailto:CANDRAMA at LISTSERV.UNB.CA>,
Date:        2013-02-07 10:38 AM
Subject:        Re: Full-Time Tenure Track Position in Theatre - Trinity Western University
Sent by:        Canadian Theatre Research <CANDRAMA at LISTSERV.UNB.CA<mailto:CANDRAMA at LISTSERV.UNB.CA>>
________________________________



Hi Peter et al,
Doesn't this advertisement for "a committed Christian" discriminate on the basis of religion? And what is "ethical theatre training"?
Aida

--
Aida Jordão
PhD Candidate, The Centre for Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies
University of Toronto
________________________________

From: Canadian Theatre Research [CANDRAMA at LISTSERV.UNB.CA] on behalf of Peter Kuling [kuling at GMAIL.COM]
Sent: February 6, 2013 1:41 PM
To: CANDRAMA at LISTSERV.UNB.CA<mailto:CANDRAMA at LISTSERV.UNB.CA>
Subject: Full-Time Tenure Track Position in Theatre - Trinity Western University

The School of the Arts, Media and Culture at Trinity Western University seeks a creative mentor for a tenure track position at the Assistant Professor level in the Theatre Department.

This small and dynamic department, in which faculty responsibilities are shared and negotiated, offers a BA in Theatre and a BFA in Acting. The successful candidate will be an accomplished generalist whose broad knowledge of theatre includes experience in everything from design to performance. S/he will be required to oversee all production activities, including supervising production staff and managing budgets, as well as direct one production each year. Strong evidence of teaching effectiveness in several areas - which could include acting, directing, voice, movement, and/or technical theatre - is required. The successful candidate will hold an MFA or PhD in theatre and be a committed Christian with a vision for challenging and ethical theatre training.

Interested candidates are requested to complete the on-line application at http://www.twu.ca/divisions/hr/join/faculty-positions.html. Additionally, please forward to Judy Bartram, Executive Assistant to the Office of the Provost, Academics (judy.bartram at twu.ca)<mailto:judy.bartram at twu.ca)> documentation outlining interests, experience, and major contributions to teaching, research and practice as well as verification of doctoral (or terminal) degree.  Applications will be accepted until March 6, 2013 or until a suitable candidate is found, subject to budget approval.  Any enquiries regarding this position may also be sent to judy.bartram at twu.ca<mailto:judy.bartram at twu.ca>.

Trinity Western University is a liberal arts university and seeks candidates who are committed to and support its evangelical Christian basis, mission and orientation. More information about Trinity Western's School of the Arts, Media + Culture and its programs can be found here<http://www.twu.ca/academics/samc/>. In accordance with Canadian immigration requirements, this advertisement is directed in the first instance to Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
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