Assistant Professor - Theatre Performance

The Department of Theatre & Dance at the University of Kansas (https://theatredance.ku.edu/) seeks an Assistant Professor of Theatre & Dance with a specialization in one or more of the following areas: Voice/Text, Movement, Musical Theatre, Acting. The appointment begins August 18, 2025, and is a tenure-track position.

This position requires an MFA or PhD in theatre, performance studies, or closely-related field, with a strong background in one or more of the specified performance areas. The faculty member will be responsible for teaching performance courses that contribute to the core of our performance program, which may include Voice/Text, Movement for the Actor, Musical Theatre, and Acting. Successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to our University Theatre production season as a director, dialect coach, intimacy choreographer, fight choreographer, or other role dependent on expertise.

The University of Kansas is a major public research and training university and is the only Kansas Regents university to hold membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities. The University of Kansas offers the highest quality undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs, as well as outstanding libraries, museums and technology.

KU's excellence is a result of the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and support each other's success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things. The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the U.S. before the start of the position.

40% - Teaching

• Teach four courses per year, including undergraduate and graduate courses as needed.
• Participate in advising undergraduate students.
• Participate in advising and evaluating graduate students as appropriate.
• Hold regular office hours.

405 - Research

• The Department of Theatre seeks to maintain a national profile in quality of faculty research. Each faculty member contributes to this goal by maintaining an active and sustainable program of creative and/or traditional research.
• When appropriate, make public research findings in peer-reviewed scholarly and/or creative outlets.
• Present papers and/or workshops at professional conferences.

20% - Service

• Provide service to the Theatre Department, College, and University through committee work and campus initiatives, and contribute to the growth of the Department of Theatre
• Provide service to the discipline(s) through participation in professional and/or scholarly organizations appropriate to area of specialization.

Evaluation of the following requirements will be based on (1) a detailed letter of application, (2) an up-to-date curriculum vitae, (3) 1-2 page teaching statement, and (4) the names and email addresses of three professional references:

1. MFA or PhD in theatre, performance studies or closely-related field by start date of appointment.
2. Demonstrated ability to teach one or more introductory and advanced acting/performance techniques at the college/university level as evidenced by application materials.
3. Clearly articulated program of creative and/or traditional research.
4. Demonstrated additional area of expertise. Examples may include, but are not limited to: non-western performance, physical theatre, devised theatre, fight choreography, acting for the camera, community-based theatre, digital/media performance.

For more information and to apply go to https://employment.ku.edu/academic/29695BR. A complete application packet will include the online application and the following items: 1) a cover letter expressing why you are interested in this position: 2) up-to-date Curriculum Vitae/resume; 3) 1-2 page teaching statement including a list of courses taught; and 4) list of 3 professional references, including email addresses (will only be contacted if finalist).

Application review will begin March 3, 2025 and will continue until a pool of qualified applicants has been received. To ensure consideration, please submit all application materials before review date.

Prof. Laura Kirk
Search Committee Chair
lkirk@ku.edu

commensurate with experience

Monday March 3, 2025

Monday August 18, 2025