Emerging Artist in Residence - College of Entertainment and the Arts

Overview:

The Emerging Artist-in-Residence (EA) position at Lipscomb University is a one-year contract role designed to support the film department as it supports the production of Dead Sea Squirrels Season 2 while also recognizing an emerging talent in the creative arts. The EA serves as both a creative contributor and a mentor, working alongside students and faculty to enhance the learning environment and the department's creative output.

In his role as the creator of DSS Mike Nawrocki has been able to secure a major distribution deal and get the production of a season 2 approved. He has generously decided to let the CEA and its theatre, film and animation departments participate in the production by allowing students to create parts of each episode.

While this is a tremendous opportunity there is a time commitment that Mike must make to deliver this show to the marketplace and this will inhibit his ability to do a few things this year. So, he has generously agreed to fund this EA position through the DSS season 2 production budget.

This role blends instruction, mentorship, production support, and creative collaboration across multiple initiatives, making it ideal for a developing professional eager to engage with a vibrant academic and artistic community.

Key Responsibilities and Time Allocation:

10% - Imagine House Liaison

• Serve as a creative liaison between Imagine House and CEA.
• Connect students to Imagine House projects.
• Assist with development and oversight of music videos.
• Foster connections with the music industry to support collaborative projects.
• Help develop and execute marketing videos and content to cross-promote CEA initiatives and events. This content will also support shared responsibilities related to the CEA social media presence.

25% - Volume Wall Creative Assistant

• Support creative and logistical needs for Lipscomb and client shoots on the Volume Wall.
• Coordinate props with Hendrick and costumes with June.
• Assist with production design and physical space prep.
• Promote and market Volume Wall opportunities to outside vendors, including record companies, artists, and local film production companies.

40% - Teaching (One Class Per Semester)

• Fall 2025: Capstone I - Replaces Mike Nawrocki
• Spring 2026: Set Production lectures as a part of Volume Wall 2 course
• 5MFF Production help (Replaces Mike Nawrocki roles)
• Singarama Production - Replaces Matt Huesmann who is replacing Brinn Heidebreicht for 5MFF
• Prepare and deliver engaging curriculum, provide student feedback, and collaborate with faculty on course development.
• Liaison with students and business for Internship help to Mike Nawrocki

10% - Social Media Coordinator (CEA)

• Manage and create content for the Cinematic Arts Instagram channel.
• Cover and post department events, student work, and behind-the-scenes moments.
• Coordinate with Imagine House to share marketing content and videos promoting CEA initiatives.

15% - Creative Mentor to Students

• Serve as a bridge between student artists and creative projects.
• Advise and consult on student productions, including pre-production planning and on-set guidance.
• Help organize department events such as the Freshman Welcome Party and Film/Theatre Mixer.

Additional Involvements:

• Internship Support: Engage with ongoing internship programming throughout the academic year.
• Collaboration with Visiting Faculty: Participate in sessions or initiatives with guest instructors such as Mike Nawrocki (Voice Over Acting - Spring) and assist in Fall sessions focused on Career Creativity.

Qualifications:

• Recent graduate or early-career professional in cinematic arts, production design, performance, or a related creative field.
• Demonstrated experience in production, teaching/mentorship, and social media content creation.
• Strong organizational, collaborative, and communication skills.
• A passion for working with college students and fostering emerging talent.

This position offers an exceptional opportunity for an emerging artist to develop professionally while making a significant contribution to a thriving academic creative community.