Assistant/Associate Professor of Musical Theatre - Chair Opportunity for Qualified Candidates

West Virginia Wesleyan College•Buckhannon, WV

48d

About The Position

West Virginia Wesleyan College invites applications for a faculty position at the rank of Assistant or Associate Professor of Musical Theatre for the 2026-2027 academic year. Candidates with academic experience and leadership skills may also be considered for the role of Chair of the Theatre & Dance Department. The successful candidate will join a dynamic, hands-on performing arts program dedicated to excellence in teaching, directing, mentoring, and student engagement. Responsibilities include contributing to courses in musical theatre, supporting creative productions, and playing an active role in student recruitment and retention. This is a tenure-track eligible position, depending on the qualifications of the selected candidate and institutional needs. The Department of Theatre and Dance offers a B.A. in Theatre Arts with concentrations in Acting/Directing or Technical Theatre, a B.A. in Musical Theatre, a B.A. in Arts Administration with a Theatre concentration, a B.A. in Pre-Drama Therapy, and a minor in Dance. The department supports approximately 20 majors and a vibrant campus arts community. Instruction in voice and musical direction is coordinated with the Music Department, and the department presents 3-4 mainstage plays and 1-2 dance productions annually. The Virginia Thomas Law Center for the Performing Arts serves as a state-of-the-art 374-seat proscenium venue, complemented by the 50-seat Atkinson Auditorium black box space for experimental and student-led productions. Founded in 1890, West Virginia Wesleyan is an independent residential college located in the foothills of the Appalachians in Buckhannon, WV, named one of the "100 Best Small Towns in America." The College is related to the United Methodist Church, with a curriculum committed to intellectual rigor, self-discovery, human dignity, mutual support, social justice, self-discipline, mental and physical wellness, the appreciation of diversity and the natural world, and the judicious use of resources. The College has over 40 undergraduate academic majors, six graduate programs, 21 NCAA Division II sports, comprehensive student life, community engagement, and outdoor recreational programs.

Requirements

MFA or doctoral degree in theatre, musical theatre, or a closely related field (ABD considered)
Experience teaching and directing with undergraduate students or learners in academic, co-curricular, or non-traditional educational environments
Strong commitment to student-centered learning, inclusive pedagogy, and collaborative program leadership
Candidates seeking the Chair role should have administrative experience or leadership potential in higher education or theatre program management.

Nice To Haves

Professional experience in musical theatre performance, direction, or vocal coaching preferred
Ability to play and accompany students on a musical instrument (such as piano or guitar) or a strong background in musical theatre style dance and choreography are strongly desired

Responsibilities

Teach a range of undergraduate courses in musical theatre performance, acting, voice, theatre history, and related areas depending on expertise.
Direct at least one mainstage or studio production each academic year.
Mentor students in performance, audition preparation, and career development.
Actively participate in student recruitment, retention, and outreach initiatives in support of program growth.
Collaborate with faculty across disciplines to sustain and grow a vibrant, multidisciplinary arts community on campus.
Engage in ongoing creative and/or scholarly work appropriate to a tenure-track position.
Candidates with significant experience may additionally provide academic, artistic, and administrative leadership as Chair of the Theatre & Dance Program, including program development, curriculum oversight, production season planning, budget management, scheduling, assessment, and faculty support.

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