Assistant Professor of Theatre History

Penn State University • Ferguson Township, PA

114d

About The Position

The School of Theatre in the College of Arts and Architecture at the Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Theatre History. Full University Benefits apply. The Penn State School of Theatre is home to multiple undergraduate degrees, including a BA in Theatre, BFA degrees in Acting, Musical Theatre, Design & Technology, and Stage Management, and an MFA in Theatre (with Design, Technology, Music Directing, and Directing emphases). The successful candidate will teach a 3/2 course load, or its equivalent, which may include courses in theatre history, theory, or dramatic literature. They will contribute to the broader curriculum as appropriate and will be expected to maintain an active research and/or creative activity profile that demonstrates ongoing contributions to the field. It is also expected that the faculty member will engage in service activities through participation on committees within the School of Theatre, the College of Arts and Architecture, the University, and the professional community. The University Park campus is located within State College, Pennsylvania, which was recently ranked number 5 in a ranking of top college towns by the American Institute for Economic Research, and number 15 in a ranking of the Safest College Towns in America by Safewise. Located in a valley in the Appalachian Mountains, in Centre County, Pennsylvania, employment at Penn State offers an incredible opportunity to enjoy the beauty of central Pennsylvania outdoors combined with all the culture, sports, and entertainment a large university community can bring, and is within drivable distance from New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Washington DC.

Requirements

• A Ph.D. in Theatre, Performance Studies, or a related area of study.
• Ability to meaningfully contribute to a nationally recognized Theatre program in the areas of teaching, research/creative activity, and service.
• Experience and interest in teaching undergraduate courses in theatre history, dramatic literature, script analysis, and performance theory in global contexts.
• Experience or interest in teaching theatre and/or performance studies to general education, BA Theatre Studies, performance BFA, and Design/Tech BFA undergraduate students.
• Experience or interest in teaching theatre studies courses to MFA Theatre students focusing in directing, design, or technology.
• Active publication trajectory or record, and/or professional theatre experience.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in the teaching, artistic, and/or research areas in Premodern or Modern global diasporic practices, such as African, Asian, Latina/o/x, and/or Native American/Indigenous/First Nations cultures and methodologies.
• Experience advising and/or mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in research, scholarship, and theatre production.

Responsibilities

• Teach a 3/2 course load, which may include courses in theatre history, theory, or dramatic literature.
• Contribute to the broader curriculum as appropriate.
• Maintain an active research and/or creative activity profile.
• Engage in service activities through participation on committees within the School of Theatre, the College of Arts and Architecture, the University, and the professional community.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Robust retirement plans.
• 75% tuition discount for employees and eligible spouses and children.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree