Assistant Professor of Drama, Academic General Faculty, Teaching Track

University of Virginia•Charlottesville, VA

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Virginia’s Department of Drama and its Dance Program are seeking an Assistant Professor of Drama on the academic general faculty. This is a three-year, tenure-ineligible appointment with the possibility of renewal, beginning August 10, 2026. The role involves a teaching load of six courses per academic year, typically including two first-year seminars in UVA’s Engagements Program and one course in the Dance Program. The department is looking for an active dance artist-scholar and educator with a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching, whose creative practice and research align with curricular needs and can expand current offerings in the Dance Program. The successful candidate will teach introductory and upper-level movement practice classes, develop courses integrating theory and practice, and potentially create work with students for the Dance Program’s concerts. The position also includes advising approximately 35 undergraduate students, with a one-course reduction in teaching load every other fall semester to recognize these advising responsibilities. The candidate will also serve as a College Fellow, shaping the first-year academic experience by designing and teaching a repeating 7-week course in the Engagements curriculum and participating in program meetings and professional development. The Department of Drama fosters a vibrant community dedicated to making, studying, and sharing theatre, dance, and performance, valuing compassion, transparency, difference, critical dialogue, and mutual respect. Collaborations occur across disciplines within Drama and Dance, with national and international guest artists, and with the local community.

Requirements

Terminal degree is required by the start of the appointment.

Nice To Haves

Active dance artist-scholar and educator with a strong commitment to undergraduate teaching.
Creative practice and research that address curricular needs and expand current offerings in the Dance Program.
Work that engages dance forms and cultural practices, including, but not limited to, Hip Hop, Jazz, West African, House, Capoeira, North American percussive traditions, Latin American social dance, and movement practices rooted in the Indian diaspora.
Commitment to situating practice in inventive, inter- and transdisciplinary courses that support experiential learning and expand the curriculum.
Work and teaching that might intersect with dance and technology/digital media, critical dance studies, somatic and contemplative practices, inclusive pedagogy, arts advocacy, and community engagement.
Excellence in undergraduate teaching and advising within a collaborative liberal arts environment.
Enthusiasm for working with students from beginner to advanced levels.
Commitment to creative research and artistic practice as integral to teaching and learning.
Experience with inclusive pedagogical practices.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Interest in engaging undergraduate students across the university and within the dance minor in creative practice and research.
Evidence of an active and sustained creative, research, and teaching practice.
A range of undergraduate teaching experience.
A distinctive perspective that expands conversations and practices within the Dance Program.
Ability to teach and mentor students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

Responsibilities

Teach introductory and upper-level movement practice classes.
Develop courses that integrate theory and practice in their areas of specialization.
Create work with students for the Dance Program’s semesterly concerts.
Teach first-year student seminars in UVA’s Engagements Program.
Design and teach a repeating 7-week course in the Engagements curriculum.
Advise approximately 35 undergraduate students.
Participate in regular program meetings and professional development.
Engage in departmental service.