In a city renowned for its international outlook and connections, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts plays a unique and influential role in developing future generations of performing artists that include performers, practitioners, designers, and technicians. The Academy's six Schools: Chinese Opera, Dance, Drama, Film & Television, Music, and Theatre & Entertainment Arts create a vibrant centre of practice, production, teaching and practice-as-research. Its outstanding reputation is reinforced by the quality of its performers and its partnerships with other centres of excellence locally, regionally, and internationally. With international residencies, visiting artists and alumni, including some of the most respected professionals in their disciplines, the Academy is committed to the training of future world-class performers and practitioners.
The School of Drama offers major studies in Acting for Drama, Musical Theatre, Applied Theatre, Directing, Dramaturgy and Playwriting through BFA and MFA programmes and a Foundation Diploma. In keeping with its conservatoire status, the School's philosophy is centered on performance practice, and reflects the unique cultural mix of Hong Kong, with emphasis on both Chinese and Western traditions.
The Dean of Drama will be a highly experienced drama practitioner and/or scholar who will bring high level discipline-based expertise to the Academy to ensure that the School maintains its place as a leader in drama education. The Dean will be responsible to the Deputy Director (Academic) for the strategic leadership of the School, as well as its academic, artistic and operational management.
The Dean is expected to lead and shape the overall vision and academic development of the School during a period of significant and exciting development within the Academy and the higher education sector in Hong Kong. The postholder will be required to work collaboratively with colleagues in delivering the Academy's Strategic Plan 2024-2033.
The Dean will work closely with senior staff to promote innovative developments in the delivery of performing arts education, with a particular focus on the Academy's unique strengths, including its location in a dynamic and diverse cultural metropolis, and its focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, arts technology and original creativity. He/She will also play an important role in the development of local, regional and international partnerships in the field of drama education, building upon existing strengths and developing new areas that support the overall growth and positioning of the School.
The Person
The successful candidate should have a strong track record as a leading expert in the field of Drama, including the following attributes:
- Strong academic and/or professional background in drama, preferably with knowledge of practice-as-research.
- Strong track record of teaching, scholarly achievement and curriculum development.
- Demonstrated record of successful academic, artistic and administrative accomplishment.
- A successful track record of leadership within an educational institution or similar performing arts based organisation.
- Solid knowledge of trends and developments in performing arts education, as well as an in-depth understanding of the Academy's role and future development in the region.
- A strong vision for the School and its future development, alongside the Academy's other schools and in line with the Academy's strategic vision
- High-level interpersonal and communication skills.
- Evidence of successful outcomes in building productive partnerships with tertiary institutions, industry, and community groups.
- A willingness and enthusiasm to embrace, lead and manage change.
- Fluent in written and spoken English and preferably fluent in written and spoken Chinese/Cantonese.
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment will be on a four-year contract.Renewal of contract is subject to performance.A gratuity payment equals up to 15% of the total basic salary earned during the contract period may be granted upon satisfactory completion of the full contract period.The amount of gratuity payable will be the sum which, when added to the Academy's contribution to a Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) scheme as required by the MPF Schemes Ordinance, equals 15% of the total basic salary drawn during the contract period.Fringe benefits include leave, medical, and dental benefits.Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.Non-accountable Cash Allowance will be provided to the eligible appointee.
APPLICATIONS
To apply, please submit a completed Application Form (https://www.hkapa.edu/job-opportunity/dean-of-the-school-of_drama), together with a cover letter, curriculum vitae and copies of academic qualifications, to the Human Resources Office, The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, No.1 Gloucester Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong, or email (******) on or before 10 November 2024.Please quote reference code 'Dn(Dr)' in the Application Form.
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