Description
The School of Creative and Performing Arts (SCPA), Division of Drama invites applications for sessional instructors to teach the following courses in the Winter 2026. The Winter 2026 term runs from January 5 to April 14, 2026. Individual course dates are noted below; 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).
Winter 2026
ACTING
DRAM 210: Introduction to Acting II
Course Description: An introduction to the actor's interpretation and performance of texts for the theatre.
Course Dates: January 12 - April 14, 2026
3 sections available:
- SEM S01 Mon 9:00-10:50, LAB B01 Wed 9:00-10:50
- SEM S02 Mon 13:00-14:50, LAB B02 Wed 13:00-14:50
- SEM S03 Tus 9:00-10:50, LAB B03 Thurs 9:00-10:50
Required qualifications for Acting:
- 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).
- 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 412 Advanced Acting II
Course Description: Intermediate practice of contemporary and stylized performance and acting techniques, in addition to personal practice associated with strong physical presence.
Course Dates: January 12 - April 14, 2026
Mondays and Wednesdays 9:00-11:45
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, specifically in mask and puppetry.
- Professional practice, training and experience in puppetry for camera.
- Professional practice and experience in teaching original performance creation, specifically in mask and puppetry.
- Experience and knowledge of non-traditional practices of theatre-making preferred; experience working with IBPOC theatre companies and communities considered an asset.
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: January 5 - 9, 2026
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
THEATRE STUDIES
DRAM 243 Introduction to the Practice of Drama
Course Description: Continued study and practice of drama, theatre and performance.
Course Dates: January 12 - April 14, 2026
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 347 History of the Theatre: The Late Eighteenth Century to the Present
Course Description: Theatre as an art and social phenomenon in selected cultures, emphasizing the development of Western traditions from the late eighteenth century to the present.
Course Dates: January 12 - April 14, 2026
Mondays & Wednesdays 11:00-12:15
Required qualifications for Theatre Studies:
- M.F.A. in Drama with a specialization in Theatre Studies, Canadian Drama and/or Theatre History; publication record appropriate to career level.
- Significant teaching experience and demonstrated ability to deliver acting curriculum at the post-secondary level.
- Experience delivering web-based courses an asset; proficiency with online instruction tools (e.g., Zoom, Yuja, D2L, etc.) preferred.
- Experience and knowledge of non-traditional practices of theatre-making preferred; experience working with Indigenous, Black or BIPOC theatre companies considered an asset.
DRAM 355: Introduction to Canadian Theatre and Drama
Course Description: A study for Canadian theatre and performance using both formal and theoretical approaches. This particular offering of DRAM 355 will introduce students to contemporary Canadian plays and playwrights with a focus on IBPOC artists. Students will explore the historical and cultural context of these plays, as well as performance styles and structures. The course will also give students the opportunity to connect with and learn about contemporary theatre companies and theatre artists in Canada.
Course Dates: January 12 - April 14, 2026
Tuesdays and Thursdays 09:30-10:45 (Web-based, Synchronous)
Required qualifications:
- MA, MFA or PhD in Drama with a specialization in Theatre Studies, Canadian Drama, Dramaturgy or Theatre History; publication record appropriate to career level.
- Contemporary artistic practice that reflects knowledge of experience with and understanding of topics in the course description
- Experience and knowledge of non-traditional creation practices 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.
DRAM 573/643: Dramaturgy
Course Description: Theory and core principles of dramaturgy. An analytical and practical introduction to dramaturgical strategies of creation and composition with attention to their potential effect on audience experiences.
Course Dates: January 12 - April 14, 2026
Thursdays 12:00-14:45
Required qualifications:
- MFA in writing for performance with a specialization in Playwrighting, Creative Writing or Dramaturgy
- Demonstrated professional practice and experience as a dramaturg and theatre maker,
- Demonstrated professional practice across other writing mediums such as creative writing, radio etcetera.
- National recognition through professional publication and professional writing awards.
- 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.
DESIGN
DRAM 313 Scenography I
Course Description: Basic scenography including set, props, lighting and costume design theory, process and technique for a variety of theatre forms and performance styles.
Course Dates: January 12 - April 14, 2026
Mondays & Wednesdays 13:00-14:50
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.
- Proficiency with computer aided drafting, preferably Vectorworks and experience with 3D modeling of scenic elements.
DRAM 320 Introduction to Lighting Design
Course Description: Basic principles of lighting for live performances including conceptualization of the lighting approach, techniques in communication and skills in execution of a performance.
Course Dates: January 12 - April 14, 2026
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).
- 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 517: Scenography IV
Course Description: Advanced set, props, lighting, and costume design theory, process and technique for a variety of theatre forms and performance styles.
Course Dates: January 12 - April 14, 2026
Mondays and Wednesdays, 10:00-11:50
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.
MFA Co-Supervision
Hired at 1 HCE
Description: Serve as co-supervisor for MFA Design students.
Course Dates: January 12 - April 14, 2026
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 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:
- Current CV (if the SCPA does not already have one on file)
- Names and contact information for 3 potential referees; and
- Teaching evaluations (if available)
Please note that up to four attachments can be submitted, which may require you to merge documents.
If you have any questions, please contact Peter Balkwill, Division Lead, Drama, by email at dramadivisionlead@ucalgary.ca
Application Deadline: April 24, 2025
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(equity@ucalgary.ca) and requests for accommodations can be sent to Human Resources (hrhire@ucalgary.ca).
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
UCalgary is Canada's entrepreneurial university, located in Canada's most enterprising city. It is a top research university and one of the highest-ranked universities of its age. Founded in 1966, its 36,000 students experience an innovative learning environment, made rich by research, hands-on experiences and entrepreneurial thinking. It is Canada's leader in the creation of start-ups. Start something today at the University of Calgary. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.
About Calgary, Alberta
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.
