The University of Alberta’s Department of Drama invites applications from established Canadian playwrights for the position of Lee Playwright-in-Residence.
This innovative residency offers a unique opportunity for a playwright to devote time to his/her writing, and to make a significant contribution to new play development within the university and theatre community in Edmonton. Terms of reference for the residency stipulate that the writer spends 50% of their time writing and 50% of their time in outreach and new play development activity with local playwrights, students and professional theatres. Although the playwright will be invited to visit university classes and to consult with students, this is not a formal teaching position. The residency will be 16 months over a three-year period: September 2014-April 2015 and September 2016-April 2017.
In addition to the residency, the playwright is encouraged to accept a commission to write a new play for the 2017 graduating BFA Acting class. The production of the commission is proposed for February or March 2017 as part of the UofA Studio Theatre season in the Timms Centre for the Arts. It is anticipated that the playwright will be brought in for a one-week workshop (including honorarium, accommodation and per diem) of the script-in-progress during the 2015/16 school year.
To receive consideration, online applications will be submitted and will include:
- Curriculum vitae
- A cover letter that articulates interest in the two key elements of the residency, a statement outlining interest in new play development and outreach, including a bit about what community you see yourself working with, and an indication of interest and thoughts on the play commission
- References – provide names and contact information of 3 people
For further information concerning the position or the Department, please contact the Chair, Kathleen Weiss by email kathleen.weiss@ualberta.ca, or phone 1-780-492-2274.
The salary for this position is on the University Trust Research Academic Staff salary scale (effective July 1, 2014) is $55, 943 per annum prorated to the 8 month contract year in the applicable year (this is approximately $4,600 monthly) and includes a generous benefits package (http://www.hrs.ualberta.ca/Benefits/Overview.aspx). The offer also includes travel to and from Edmonton and the playwright’s home at the start and end of each residency period. Accommodation in Edmonton during the residency is the Playwright’s responsibility. The new play commission is a separate all-inclusive contract (commission and premiere royalty fee).
Past Lee Playwrights-in-Residence: Don Hannah, Kevin Kerr and Greg MacArthur
For more information about the department see our website, www.ualberta.ca/drama
Link to live application: http://www.careers.ualberta.ca/Competition/A110122688/
Note: Online applications are accepted until midnight Mountain Standard Time of the closing date.
