Sessional Instructors - Fall 2025 - Division of Drama; School of Creative and Performing Arts

Description

The School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA), Division of Drama invites applications for sessional instructors to teach the following courses in the Fall 2025. Lectures for the Fall 2025 term run from September 2 to December 5, 2025. Please see the academic schedule for additional important dates and deadlines.

NOTE: THE FOLLOWING COURSE OFFERINGS ARE TENTATIVE, PENDING FUNDING AND SUFFICIENT ENROLMENTS. 

NOTE: THERE MAY BE CANDIDATES WITH THE RIGHT OF FIRST REFUSAL (TUCFA Collective Agreement 23.12).

Fall 2025

ACTING

DRAM 209: Introduction to Acting I 

Course Description: An introduction to creative resources and practices for the actor.

Course Dates: September 2 - December 5, 2025

1 section available:

• SEM S01 Mon 09:00-10:50, LAB B01 Wed 09:00-10:50

Required qualifications: 

• MFA in Drama with a specialization in performance and/or significant experience in professional theatre performance with professional membership in CAEA (Canadian Actors' Equity Association or equivalent).
• Significant teaching experience and demonstrated ability to deliver acting curriculum at the post-secondary level. 
• Experience and knowledge of non-traditional practices of theatre-making preferred; experience working with IBPOC theatre companies and communities considered an asset.
• Practice in performance creation is a preferred asset.

DRAM 318A/B: Foundations for Physical Practice

Course Description: Foundations in physical practice and development of the body for stylized and naturalistic live performance and public engagement.

Course Dates: This runs in both Fall (September 2 - December 5, 2025) and Winter (January 12 - April 14, 2026)

Course Times: Fridays 10:00-11:50

Required qualifications: 

• MFA in Drama with a specialization in performance and/or experience in professional theatre performance with membership in CAEA (Canadian Actors' Equity Association) or equivalent.
• Significant training in other physical performance methodologies including martial arts, mask, dance etc. 
• Significant teaching experience and demonstrated ability to deliver physical practice for performance curriculum at the post-secondary level. 
• Experience and knowledge of non-traditional practices of theatre-making preferred; experience working with IBPOC theatre companies and communities considered an asset.

DRAM 409 Advanced Acting I 

Course Description: Investigation and development of the actor's process with a deepening rigour toward integrating vocal and physical modalities as they connect to dramatic text. A study of best practice in rehearsal, and introduction to live-public performance. 

Course Dates: September 2 - December 5, 2025

Course Times: Mondays and Wednesdays, 09:00-11:45

Required qualifications:

• MFA in Drama with a specialization in Acting;  and/or significant experience (10+ years) in professional theatre acting in small, mid and A-House stages. 
• Professional membership in CAEA (Canadian Actors' Equity Association) is required.
• Professional practice and experience in a range of acting methods (i.e., puppetry, physical theatre, classical performance).
• Significant teaching experience and demonstrated ability to deliver advanced acting curriculum at the post-secondary level. 

DRAM 418.3A/B: Topics for Physical Practice in Performance (Advanced Physical Practice for Performance III) 

Course Description: Topics in the development of physical practice on stage in association to contemporary and classical performance. Exploring physical readiness for live performance.

Course Dates: This runs in both Fall (September 2 - December 5, 2025) and Winter (January 12 - April 14, 2026)

Course Times: Fridays 8:00-9:50

Required qualifications: 

• MFA in Drama with a specialization in performance and/or experience in professional theatre performance with membership in CAEA (Canadian Actors' Equity Association) or equivalent.
• Significant training in Suzuki physical performance methodology 
• Significant training in other physical performance methodologies including martial arts, mask, dance etc. 
• Significant teaching experience and demonstrated ability to deliver physical practice for performance curriculum at the post-secondary level. 
• Experience and knowledge of non-traditional practices of theatre-making preferred; experience working with IBPOC theatre companies and communities considered an asset.

DRAM 481.09: Advanced Topics in Theatre Practice (Exploration of Physical Comedy and Clowning)

Course Description: This course is an expedition through the imaginative worlds and landscapes through practice of clown and mask. Designed to lead participants on a journey into their creative potential, this course will focus on accessing impulse, cultivating play, and failing with pleasure. Learn strategies for escorting ideas out of the ether and into the realm of the actual. Voyage into a space of deep listening to self and others. An exploration into the possibilities of physical comedy.

Course Dates: September 2 - December 5, 2025

Course Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 13:00-14:50

Required qualifications:

• Master's in Drama and/or Interdisciplinary field of study, as well as advanced study of clown
• Demonstrated professional practice in performance creation for clown, and clown-based processes that may also be included in naturalistic performance styles and conventional theatre practice 
• Significant teaching experience and demonstrated ability to deliver pedagogically sound curriculum at the post-secondary level, with experience in the creation of assessment rubrics, grading and communication through D2L considered an asset
• Experience and knowledge of non-traditional creation practices preferred; experience working with Indigenous, Black or BIPOC theatre artists and companies considered an asset.

DRAM 509 Advanced Acting III 

Course Description: Advanced research and development of the actor's process with attention to creation of original solo performance and introduction to acting for camera. 

Course Dates: September 2 - December 5, 2025

Course Times: Mondays and Wednesdays, 13:00-15:45

Required qualifications: 

• MFA in Drama with a specialization in performance and/or significant experience in professional theatre performance. For this module professional membership in CAEA (Canadian Actors' Equity Association) is not an essential requirement but will be considered an asset.
• Significant teaching experience and demonstrated ability to deliver advanced acting curriculum at the post-secondary level. 
• Experience and knowledge of non-traditional practices of theatre-making preferred; experience working with IBPOC theatre companies and communities considered an asset. 
• Professional practice and experience in teaching original performance creation specifically solo show is a requirement of this course. Preference will be given to applicants with experience in physical theatre creation methods.
• Professional practice, training and experience in acting for camera.
• Professional practice and experience in self-producing in both film and theatre

THEATRE STUDIES

DRAM 242 Introductory Study of Drama

Course Description: An introduction to the study of drama, theatre and performance. 

Course Dates: September 2 - December 5, 2025

Course Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:30-13:45

Required qualifications: 

• MA, MFA or PhD in Drama and/or equivalent professional experience in theatre
• Significant teaching experience and demonstrated ability to deliver entry-level theatre studies curriculum at the post-secondary level.

DRAM 345 History of the Theatre: Origins to Mid-18^th century

Course Description: Theatre as an art and societal phenomenon in selected cultures, emphasizing but not exclusive to the development of Western traditions. 

Course Dates: September 2 - December 5, 2025

Course Times: Mondays and Wednesdays 11:00-12:15 

Required qualifications: 

• MA, MFA or PhD in Drama with a specialization in Theatre Studies, Theatre History and/or Canadian Drama or equivalent; publication record appropriate to career level. specialization in Theatre Studies, Theatre History and/or Canadian Drama or equivalent; publication record appropriate to career level.
• Experience in and knowledge of non-traditional and global practices of theatre-making preferred; experience working with IBPOC theatre communities considered an asset.
• Significant teaching experience and demonstrated ability to deliver theatre curriculum at the post-secondary level. 

DRAM 346 Seminar in Drama I

Course Description: An introduction to play and production analysis, developing skills in critical thinking, research, and oral and written communication about drama and theatre.

Course Dates: September 2 - December 5, 2025

Course Times: Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9:30-10:45 

Required Qualifications: 

• MA, MFA or PhD in Drama with a specialization in Theatre Studies, Canadian Drama, Theatre History or equivalent professional experience in theatre; publication record appropriate to career level. specialization in Theatre Studies, Canadian Drama, Theatre History or equivalent professional experience in theatre; publication record appropriate to career level.
• Contemporary artistic practice that reflects knowledge of and experience in professional theatre creation and production
• Experience and knowledge of non-traditional practices of theatre-making preferred; experience working with IBPOC theatre companies and communities considered an asset.
• Significant teaching experience and demonstrated ability to deliver theatre curriculum at the post-secondary level. 

TECHNICAL THEATRE / PRODUCTION

DRAM 223 Introduction to Theatre Production (BLOCK WEEK)

Course Description: An introduction to organizational principles of theatre production and technical theatre skills.

Course Dates: August 25 - 29, 2025

Course Times: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, 8:30-16:30

Required qualifications

• MA or MFA in Drama, Design and/or equivalent professional experience in technical theatre and production
• Significant teaching experience and demonstrated ability to deliver entry-level theatre production curriculum at the post-secondary level

DRAM 321 Stage Management

Course Description: Principles of stage management.

Course Dates: September 2 - December 5, 2025

Course Times: Mondays 11:00-14:50 

Required qualifications: 

• MFA in Drama and/or significant experience in professional theatre stage management with professional membership in CAEA (Canadian Actors' Equity Association).
• Experience and knowledge of non-traditional practices of theatre-making preferred; experience working IBPOC theatre companies and communities considered an asset.
• Significant teaching experience and demonstrated ability to deliver stage management curriculum at the post-secondary level with requisite theoretical and practical approaches.

DESIGN

DRAM 225 Introduction to Scenography

Course Description: An introduction to performance design and the disciplines within it: scenery, props, lighting, costumes, sound and projection. Includes a study of the history of theatre design and space. Topics regarding contemporary notions of scenography will be explored, for example performance art, immersive performance, ritual, digital performance etc.

Course Dates: September 2 - December 5, 2025

Course Times: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 11:00-11:50 

Required qualifications:

• MFA in Drama with a Design specialization and/or significant experience in professional theatre design with professional membership in ADC (Associated Designers of Canada).
• Experience and knowledge of non-traditional practices of theatre-making preferred; experience working with IBPOC theatre companies and communities considered an asset.
• Significant teaching experience and demonstrated ability to deliver curriculum at the post-secondary level with requisite theoretical and practical approaches.

DRAM 319 Graphics and Model Building for Theatre

Course Description: An introduction to graphic and model building techniques for the theatre designer. 

Course Dates: September 2 - December 5, 2025

Course Times: Mondays and Wednesdays, 15:00-16:50

Required Qualifications: 

• MFA in Drama with a Design specialization and/or significant experience in professional theatre design with professional membership in ADC (Associated Designers of Canada).
• Proficiency with computer aided drafting, preferably Vectorworks and experience with 3D modeling of scenic elements.
• Experience and knowledge of non-traditional practices of theatre-making preferred; experience working with IBPOC theatre companies and communities considered an asset.
• Significant teaching experience and demonstrated ability to deliver upper-level curriculum at the post-secondary level.

DRAM 574.2 Advanced Topics in Drama (Scenic Design) / DRAM 623.1 Seminar in Scene Design (Special Problems)

Course Description: The examination of select problems in scenic design

Course Dates: September 2 - December 5, 2025

Course Times: Mondays and Fridays, 9:00-10:50

Required qualifications:

• MFA in Drama with a Design specialization and/or significant experience in professional theatre design with professional membership in ADC (Associated Designers of Canada).
• Experience and knowledge of non-traditional practices of theatre-making preferred; experience working with IBPOC theatre companies and communities considered an asset.
• Significant teaching experience and demonstrated ability to deliver curriculum at the post-secondary level with requisite theoretical and practical approaches.

DRAM 574.3 Advanced Topics in Drama (Lighting Design) / DRAM 627.9 Seminar in Lighting Design (Studies)

Course Description: The examination of select problems in lighting design

Course Dates: September 2 - December 5, 2025

Course Times: Wednesdays, 11:00-14:50

Required qualifications:

• MFA in Drama with a Design specialization and/or significant experience in professional theatre design with professional membership in ADC (Associated Designers of Canada).
• Experience and knowledge of non-traditional practices of theatre-making preferred; experience working with IBPOC theatre companies and communities considered an asset.
• Significant teaching experience and demonstrated ability to deliver curriculum at the post-secondary level with requisite theoretical and practical approaches.

MFA Co-Supervision

Hired at 1 HCE

Description: Serve as co-supervisor for MFA Design students.

Course Dates: September 2 - December 5, 2025

Times:TBD

Required qualifications:

• MFA in Drama with a Design specialization and/or significant experience in professional theatre design with professional membership in ADC (Associated Designers of Canada).
• Proficiency with computer aided drafting, preferably Vectorworks and experience with 3D modeling of scenic elements.
• Experience and knowledge of non-traditional practices of theatre-making preferred; experience working with IBPOC theatre companies and communities considered an asset.
• Significant teaching experience and demonstrated ability to deliver curriculum at the post-secondary level with requisite theoretical and practical approaches.

Application deadline: April 24, 2024 

Application Process:

To apply to the above teaching opportunities, please submit your application documents (in pdf form) to the U of C Careers site, using the ¿Apply Now¿ link.

In support of your application, please provide the following:

1. Current CV (if the SCPA does not already have one on file)
2. Names and contact information for 3 potential referees; and
3. Teaching evaluations (if available)

Please be aware that the application process allows for only four attachments, which may require you to merge documents. 

If you have any questions, please contact Peter Balkwill, Division Lead, Drama, by email at [email protected]

Additional Information

For salary information, please refer to TUCFA's Collective Agreement, Schedule B. As per the Collective Agreement, the Faculty of Arts adheres to the right of first refusal terms (Section 23.12.1 and 23.12.2) for Sessional Appointments.

The University of Calgary has launched an institution-wide Indigenous Strategy committing to creating a rich, vibrant, and culturally competent campus that welcomes and supports Indigenous Peoples, encourages Indigenous community partnerships, is inclusive of Indigenous perspectives in all that we do.

As an equitable and inclusive employer, the University of Calgary recognizes that a diverse staff/faculty benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers that have been historically encountered by some people in our society. We strive to recruit individuals who will further enhance our diversity and will support their academic and professional success while they are here. In particular, we encourage members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous peoples, persons with disabilities, members of visible/racialized minorities, and diverse sexual orientation and gender identities) to apply. To ensure a fair and equitable assessment, we offer accommodation at any stage during the recruitment process to applicants with disabilities. Questions regarding [diversity] EDI at UCalgary can be sent to the Office of Institutional Commitments ([email protected]) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources ([email protected]).

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. In this connection, at the time of your application, please answer the following question: Are you a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada? (Yes/No)

For a listing of all academic opportunities at the University of Calgary, view our Academic Careers website. For more information about the Faculty of Arts, click here.

About the University of Calgary

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Calgary is one of the world's cleanest cities and has been named one of the world's most livable cities for years. Calgary is a city of leaders - in business, community, philanthropy and volunteerism. Calgarians benefit from a growing number of world-class dining and cultural events and enjoy more days of sunshine per year than any other major Canadian city. Calgary is less than an hour's drive from the majestic Rocky Mountains and boasts the most extensive urban pathway and bikeway network in North America.