Assistant Professor of Directing
About The Position
The Department of Theatre and Dance at California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), is seeking a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Directing to begin Fall 2027. This position involves teaching undergraduate and graduate coursework in directing, directing department productions, and contributing to the curriculum development across BA, BFA, and MFA programs. The successful candidate will be an artistically active educator committed to mentoring students' artistic and holistic development, with a focus on supporting a diverse student population. The role includes teaching, scholarship (which can include directing or other professional creative work outside the university), and service, such as collaborating on departmental committees and advising students. CSUF is a large, diverse public university committed to student success, innovation, and collaboration, and is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution and an Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institution.
Requirements
- MFA or Ph.D. in Theatre, Performance, Performance Studies, Directing, or a related field. ABDs are welcome to apply, but must show evidence that the degree will be completed by the time of appointment.
- An engaged and continuing artistic practice in directing, illustrated by directing credits in university and/or professional settings.
- Demonstrated commitment to mentoring culturally diverse students from many artistic and educational backgrounds.
- Previous experience teaching or assisting with teaching coursework in higher education.
- Ability to balance excellent teaching, scholarship, and service.
- Demonstrated commitment to working effectively with students from intersecting marginalized social groups.
Nice To Haves
- A secondary area of expertise—such as acting, devising, design, or other skills within the field of theatre—is supported through coursework, training, or experience, fortifying the candidate’s ability to expand the department’s coursework and training opportunities.
- Previous teaching experience in higher education at both graduate and undergraduate levels.
- Engagement in the field of directing, illustrated by directing credits across a variety of genres and venues, active participation in other directing and educational organizations, and/or SDC membership.
- Ability to clearly articulate scope and sequence for a directing curricula spanning undergraduate and graduate coursework.
- Demonstrated commitment and ability to work effectively and collaboratively within a culturally diverse campus community.
Responsibilities
- Shape the directing curriculum across Theatre BA, BFA and MFA programs.
- Direct department productions as part of their teaching workload.
- Teach undergraduate and graduate coursework in directing.
- Provide mentorship that supports students’ artistic development with flexibility to meet individual learning needs.
- Remain artistically engaged with the field of theatre and performance, contributing to the evolution of the craft through directing or other professional creative work, scholarly publications, or presentations.
- Collaborate on a variety of committees to promote the success of the department.
- Develop and teach introductory and core courses in the discipline, as well as courses in their area(s) of specialization.
- Advise students.
- Serve on committees.
- Participate in the broader university and disciplinary communities.
Benefits
- Health/vision/dental plans
- Spouse, domestic partner, and dependent fee-waiver
- Access to campus child-care
- A defined-benefit retirement through the state system
- Optional tax-sheltering opportunities
- Summer research grants
- Moving expenses
- Start-up funds
- Reduced teaching load
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
