Adjunct Instructor in Film Acting

Part-time Starting Spring 2027
Application Deadline: Open Until Filled
Priority Screening: November 15, 2026 at 4PM EST

 

Position Summary:

SUNY Ulster, a two-year branch of the State University of New York located ninety miles north of New York City in the Catskill Mountains, is currently seeking an adjunct instructor for film acting to begin in January 2027.

Under the general supervision of the Program Coordinator of Media & Performing Arts, the Adjunct Instructor will provide instruction, demonstrations, and assignments related to Film Acting / Acting for the Camera in accordance with approved course descriptions, outlines, and schedules. The instructor will evaluate student progress, provide constructive feedback, and perform other instructional duties as assigned.

The ideal candidate will bring professional, firsthand experience as an actor working on film, television, commercial, or comparable media productions and be able to translate current industry practices into an engaging, hands-on classroom experience. Candidates currently working in the field are highly desirable. Previous higher education teaching experience or relevant experience preferred. Community college teaching experience is also preferred.

Applicants need to be able to instruct the course in an in-person format, either a Monday / Wednesday or Tuesday / Thursday schedule. The course will be taught during the day on the Stone Ridge campus in the spring 2027 semester. The course begins the week of January 24th, 2027 and ends Monday May 8th, 2027.  Spring break is March 8th - 13th.

 

Catalog Course Description:

Students apply the tools and vocabularies developed in studio work to acting in front of the camera. The physical freedoms and limitations of particular shots, from handheld to extreme close-up, are examined. Topics include the professional audition, voice over acting and techniques for working on location are developed. Semester(s) Offered: Spring


 

Learning Outcomes for Course:

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to do the following:

1. Develop authentic acting skills for film acting.
2. Discover and practice solid on camera acting technique.
3.  Demonstrate a strong awareness of how actors collaborate in the classroom and in performance that capture the writer and director’s intentions.
4. Demonstrate a strong personal discipline, responsibility, and cooperation while working with others during the rehearsal, performance and film acting process.     

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Meet each scheduled class and teach or conduct learning exercises for the entire period.
• Contact the appropriate division chair or administrator in advance to make arrangements for unavoidable absences.
• Provide each student at the beginning of the course with written information about the course, to include a full description of the grading system and how the student will be evaluated.
• Accurately keep required class records on attendance, withdrawal and grading.
• Submit when due, all necessary reports such as attendance and grade reports, roll books, and class information sheets, and certify as to their accuracy.
• Comply with all institutional policies and procedures.
• Give careful attention to all bulletins, memorandums and emails from administrative offices.
• Check faculty mailbox and SUNY Ulster email frequently.
• Maintain a gradebook in Brightspace

 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Acting, Performance, Theatre, Film, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Professional on-camera acting experience on film, television, commercial, or comparable productions, with a strong understanding of professional set protocols and workflows.
• Strong knowledge of acting-for-camera techniques, including framing, eyelines, continuity, blocking, hitting marks, multiple takes, coverage, and adjusting performance for different shot sizes.
• Strong proficiency with camera and video-production equipment, including camera setup and operation, recording, monitoring, audio, and playback for immediate review and critique of student performances.
• Ability to troubleshoot common camera, recording, playback, and production-equipment issues during classroom exercises.
• Knowledge of contemporary audition and self-tape practices and the ability to prepare students for professional on-camera environments.
• Demonstrated commitment to active, hands-on learning and innovative teaching.
• Strong interest in teaching and mentoring community college students, with excellent interpersonal, communication, and technology skills.

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Acting, Performance, Theatre, Film, Media, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Currently active in the film, television, commercial, or media production industry, particularly in on-camera performance.
• Evidence of successful teaching, coaching, or mentoring in acting, film, or related disciplines, preferably at the college level.
• Familiarity with Brightspace or a comparable Learning Management System.
• Demonstrated ability to engage students through dynamic, hands-on instruction that integrates acting technique with practical on-camera exercises, recording, playback, critique, and real-world industry practices.

Salary:
$1049.00 per credit.

 

Application Process:

The position is open until filled. However, to ensure consideration, application materials should be received via email by November 15, 2026 at 4:00 pm EST to be given priority consideration. Applications received after the deadline are not guaranteed to be reviewed.  SUNY Ulster reserves the right to close, continue, cancel, postpone or restart the recruitment at any time.

Applicants must submit the following materials to be considered for the position:
 

• Resume or CV
• Cover letter which discusses your qualifications and interest in the position
• Copy of transcripts indicating possession of appropriate coursework and degrees (official copies will be required at the time of hire)

 We invite you to be part of a dedicated community of learners in an academic department that puts students first. Please go to www.sunyulster.edu for additional campus community information.

SUNY Ulster is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. The college encourages applications from all qualified applicants. This position is contingent upon adequate funding. Offer and assignment of employment is subject to verification of all information provided on the employment application, credentials, transcripts, fingerprint check, verification of the right to work in the United States and all other required pre-employment conditions are met.

Applicants who are protected under the Americans with Disabilities Act and who, due to a disability, require accommodations for completing the application process, testing (if required for the position), or the interview, should notify the Human Resources Office 10 working days before the accommodation is required.

Neither the smoking of tobacco (nor other substances) nor the use of electronic vaporizers is permitted on the campus grounds.

SUNY Ulster does not reimburse applicants for travel, lodging or any other costs incurred by applicant to attend interviews.  All interviewing costs incurred will be the responsibility of the applicant. Meeting the minimum qualifications does not guarantee an interview. Internal applicants are not guaranteed an interview.
 

Conditions of Employment

Employment with SUNY Ulster is not complete or official until applicants meet all pre-employment requirements, and the Board of Trustees has approved. Offer and assignment of employment is subject to verification of all information provided on the employment application, fingerprint check, verification of the right to work in the United States and all other required pre-employment conditions are met.


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