Assistant Professor of Theatre

NEIU • Chicago, IL

1d • $65,000 - $68,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Communication, Media and Theatre at Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU), located in Chicago, invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Theatre beginning in August 2027. The successful candidate will demonstrate professional artistic craft in playwriting and theatrical literature/criticism, and teach undergraduate and graduate theatre courses in these and related areas.

The hire will collaborate with NEIU’s Stage Center Theatre as it develops a home for dynamic new playwriting voices. The position may include producing or directing mainstage productions and leadership responsibilities such as Artistic Producer for Stage Center Theatre, Director of the CMT Graduate Program, or Community Partnership Facilitator. Other duties include student advising and service to the department, college, university, and profession. The successful candidate will contribute to an interdisciplinary department committed to teaching excellence, storytelling that catalyzes social change, and craft that amplifies traditionally marginalized voices.

Candidates must be able and willing to teach face-to-face courses, sometimes at multiple NEIU campuses, and hold face-to-face office hours on campus. The position requires a background check. Review begins immediately and continues until the position is filled; priority is given to applications received by December 15, 2026. The expected start date is August 2027. Applicants must currently reside in and be physically within the United States and have valid U.S. work authorization.

The salary range is $65,000–$68,000. University employees may be eligible for State of Illinois benefits, including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.

Requirements

• M.F.A. in Playwriting or a related area such as Directing or Acting, with applicable experience working with new plays.
• Alternatively, a Ph.D. in Theatre or Performance Studies will be considered with a significant record of professional artistic practice in playwriting, new play development, producing, and/or directing.
• Demonstrated ability or strong potential for effective teaching in a diverse higher education setting.
• Ability and willingness to teach face-to-face courses, sometimes at multiple NEIU campuses, and hold face-to-face office hours on campus.
• Valid U.S. work authorization and current residence and physical presence in the United States.
• Ability to complete a background check.

Nice To Haves

• Evidence of effective teaching and theatrical craft or production using culturally responsive practices.
• Evidence of professional artistic achievement in playwriting and new play development; bilingual or multilingual writing experience is a plus.
• Evidence of continuing creative work and/or research commensurate with earning tenure at NEIU.
• Demonstrated experience and/or knowledge of arts administration at professional and/or academic levels.
• Evidence of service and ability to contribute to the department, university, profession, and community.

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate theatre courses in playwriting, theatrical literature/criticism, and related areas.
• Collaborate with Stage Center Theatre in supporting dynamic new playwriting voices.
• May produce or direct mainstage productions.
• May take on leadership roles such as Artistic Producer for Stage Center Theatre, Director of the CMT Graduate Program, or Community Partnership Facilitator.
• Advise students.
• Provide service to the department, college, university, and profession.
• Contribute to an interdisciplinary department and its commitment to teaching excellence, social-change-oriented storytelling, and amplifying traditionally marginalized voices.
• Teach face-to-face courses, potentially at multiple NEIU campuses, and hold face-to-face office hours on campus.

Benefits

• Potential eligibility for State of Illinois benefits, including health, dental, and vision benefits, sick and vacation days, and participation in the State Universities Retirement System.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level