Job Opportunities

The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (The Academy) is conducting a worldwide search for a successor to the present Director, Professor Gillian Choa, who will step down in December 2024. The Academy now invites applications/nominations for the position of Director of the Academy.

The Academy: The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts (www.hkapa.edu), established by The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts Ordinance in 1984, is a leading tertiary institution in the performing arts in Asia. In the QS University Rankings announced in 2024, the Academy ranks 1st in Asia and 28th worldwide in the Performing Arts category. The Academy recently published its 2024-2033 Strategic Plan: Aiming for New Heights : https://www.hkapa.edu/f/publication/67211/HKAPA_Strategic_Plan_EN_20240926.pdf.

The Academy provides professional undergraduate education and practice-based postgraduate studies. 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. 

Located in a city renowned for its international outlook and connectivity, the Academy plays a unique and influential role in developing future generations of performing artists that include performers, practitioners, designers, and technicians. The Academy has more than 500 academic staff and 300 administrative staff. Every year, it enrols over 900 students for its full-time programmes and over 1,000 students for its Applied Learning Programme, Gifted Young Dancer Programme, Junior Music Programme and Fast Track Intensive Training Programme. Furthermore, its extensive EXCEL (Extension and Continuing Education for Life) programme offers part-time personal enrichment courses and in-service professional training to nearly 2,000 students each year.

The Director : As Chief Executive Officer of the Academy, the Director is responsible to the Council for the leadership and management of the Academy. The Director is responsible for providing strong leadership to sustain and enhance the development of the Academy at this juncture of growth and transformation. The Director will share the Academy’s vision and possess the necessary intellectual qualities inclusive of a strong commitment to lead the Academy in its pursuit of academic and artistic excellence and taking it to new heights.

Candidate Profile : The Council seeks to appoint a visionary and inspirational leader who will build upon the existing strengths of the Academy and provide leadership to guide its future course. S/He is expected to have demonstrated leadership experience in tertiary institution, arts institution, or major organization related to performing arts and have a high level of knowledge and credibility in performing arts. S/He should have excellent international, regional and local networks with performing arts educational institutions and cultural organizations, business, professional and public sectors.
 

The postholder will assist the Campus Development Office (“CDO”) to provide a spectrum of executive services to facilitate the development and operation of CDO.

The postholder will assist supervisors to review, formulate and implement policies and guidelines of CDO; to assist in the quotation/tender process; to conduct research and provide administrative support for the various consultancy studies and projects of the office; to liaise with internal and external parties; to prepare reports/documents which include but not limited to submissions to Government, correspondences with relevant public organisations, consultation papers, etc.; to arrange meetings with the stakeholders concerned and provide secretarial support; and to assist in ad-hoc projects as assigned.

Applicants should :

(a) Possess a recognised degree, or an equivalent qualification;

(b) Have a minimum of 5 years of working experience; preferably in construction / facility management industry or working experiences in Government sector / statutory bodies will be an advantage;

(c) Have good analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills;

(d) Be proactive and able to work independently and have strong sense of responsibility;

(e) Have high level of computer literacy; and

(f) Have good interpersonal skills with good command of written and spoken English and Chinese.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

Appointment will be on a two-year contract.  Renewal of contract is subject to work performance and operational needs of the Academy.  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. 

In a city renowned for its international outlook and connectivity, 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 Theatre and Entertainment Arts offers a dynamic range of production-related courses in performing and entertainment arts. From theatre to theme parks and live events, the School’s professionally focused programmes are designed to prepare students for exciting careers in entertainment and the cultural industries. In addition to its MFA, BFA, Diploma and Certificate Programmes in Set and Costume Design, Costume Technology, Property Making, Scenic Art, Lighting Design and Technology, Sound Design and Technology, Music Production, Stage & Event Management and Technical Direction; recognising today’s and tomorrow’s needs for top production crew by local and regional entertainment companies, the School also offers fast-track intensive courses.

The postholder will be responsible to the Dean of School of Theatre and Entertainment Arts for academic coordination and curriculum development for all programmes.  He/She is also responsible for teaching courses related to research (PaR) studies, in addition to teaching courses in the postholder’s area of specialism.

Required Qualifications:
(a) Advanced academic qualifications and/or a relevant MA/MFA degree in the performing arts or other relevant field;
(b) Normally, a minimum of eight years’ full-time experience of teaching at tertiary level, preferably to Master’s level;
(c) At least four years’ leadership and administrative/management experience in an arts context or the equivalent;
(d) Extensive experience in curricular design, writing and implementation according to established quality assurance frameworks;
(e) Ability to contribute to the postgraduate programmes of the School of Theatre and Entertainment Arts;
(f) Excellent spoken and written English.

Additional Desirable Criteria:
(a) Experience in teaching in a multi-cultural context;
(b) Fluency in spoken and written Chinese.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT 
Appointment will be on a two-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. Non-accountable Cash Allowance will be provided to the eligible appointee.  Starting salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.  Subject to negotiation, the expected commencement date will be September 2025.
 

In a city renowned for its international outlook and connectivity, 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.

Training directors, actors, playwrights and practitioners in drama and theatre education, the School of Drama offers full-time programmes from Foundation Diploma, through undergraduate, to MFA level. 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 School of Drama is seeking to appoint a Head of Directing to lead and oversee our BFA and MFA programmes. The ideal candidate would be a masterful Directing teacher, practitioner, and academic leader.  All candidates should be up to date with international training in Directing as manifested at the world’s leading BFA and MFA Directing programmes.  The postholder will also be required to teach other related courses according to his/her areas of expertise when and where needed.

Applicants should have:
(a) A relevant postgraduate degree and/or professional training/experience to an equivalent level;
(b) Significant and proven professional experience in the postholder’s area of specialisation;
(c) Teaching experience at tertiary level;
(d) Experience in curriculum design, writing and implementation according to established quality assurance frameworks;
(e) Ability to contribute to fuller development of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in the School of Drama;
(f) A good understanding and knowledge of the contemporary international development of the postholder’s area of specialism;
(g) Professional experience in an interdisciplinary and intercultural context; and
(h) Fluency in spoken and written English and spoken Cantonese.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT 
Appointment will be on a two-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 may be provided to the eligible appointee as entitled.  
 

In a city renowned for its international outlook and connectivity, 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 Music at the Academy offers comprehensive full-time programmes from Diploma to MMus level, alongside its highly successful Junior Music Programme – comparable to the ‘Junior Schools’ of other top-ranking conservatoires. In keeping with its conservatoire status, the School’s philosophy is centred on performance, and reflects the unique cultural mix of Hong Kong, with emphasis on both Western and Chinese traditions. The School comprises the Departments of Strings, Keyboard, Voice, Woodwind/Brass/Percussion (‘WBP’), Composition, Chinese Music, Conducting and Cultural Leadership, Academic Studies and Junior Music.

Applications are now invited for the post of Lecturer (Chinese Music). The postholder is responsible for leading instrumental and ensemble training, programme development, and coordinating productions and events presented by the Department of Chinese Music when required. Some administrative duties, as well as performance and creative activities will be expected. The postholder reports to the Dean of Music and the Head of Chinese Music.

Applicants should possess:
● Advanced-level academic/performance qualifications or equivalent extensive professional performance experience and extensive instrument teaching experience.
● Proven commitment to innovative teaching practices.
● A solid understanding of industry practices and current development in the industry internationally.
● Experience in professional development of young aspiring performing musicians.
● Contribute to teaching in other areas, such as Master of Music and Junior Music programmes.
● Proven ability to integrate theory and practice.
● Language fluency in written Chinese, spoken Cantonese and Putonghua.

Desirable Criteria
● Experience in coaching Chinese music ensemble in traditional and/or contemporary settings.
● Experience in carrying out practice as research.
● An understanding of music in the education and community sector of Hong Kong.
● Ability to communicate in English.
 

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT 
Appointment will be on a two-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.  

Appointees will report to the Manager (Box Office) of Venue Performance Office.  They will be responsible for selling event tickets to the general public, answering venue enquiry and performing all administration duties relating to the Box Office including preparation of daily sales reports and financial reconciliation. Appointees are required to perform duties according to the working roster set by the Manager (Box Office).

Qualifications:

(a) At least 5 subjects at Grade E or above in the HKCEE, or Level 2 or above in the HKDSEE, including English Language (Syllabus B) and Chinese Language;

(b) Pleasant personality;

(c) Good command of spoken English, Cantonese and Putonghua;

(d) Good computer skills; and

(e) Preferably having experience in ticket selling and cashier office.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT
Appointment will be on a one-year basis. Renewal of contract is subject to work performance and operational needs of the Academy.