Assistant Professor of Theatre

Western Washington University•Bellingham, WA

6d•$69,000 - $86,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Department of Theatre and Dance invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Theatre beginning September 16, 2027. We are seeking a dynamic, collaborative, energetic, creative, and empathetic artist-teacher who wants to be part of an undergraduate-focused theatre department which combines the strengths of a liberal arts program with the rigor of professional practice. The successful candidate will share in our department and university’s strong commitment to cultivate inclusive and equitable learning and creative environments. The responsibilities of this position include teaching introductory and advanced courses in theatre and performance, primarily Introduction to Theatre, Directing, and Theatre Education, and may include other courses to support our curriculum. This person will be directing productions in our department’s mainstage season, and will be a principal contributor to our vibrant theatre department, collaborating with fellow faculty, mentoring students, and making a significant positive contribution to the life of our department. The teaching load is between 27 and 30 credits spread over three quarters in the academic year. The successful candidate will have a demonstrated record of activity in the practice of theatre and/or theatre scholarship. They will be passionate about working with undergraduate students in a liberal arts environment and will be expected to fulfill recruiting, advising, teaching, and mentoring responsibilities that provide equitable and inclusive learning environments for all students. They will participate in service activities for the department, college, and university, and will maintain an ongoing practice of creative and/or scholarly activity in the discipline.

Requirements

MFA in Acting, Performance, Directing, Playwrighting or closely related field at time of application; or PhD in Theatre Arts or closely related field at time of application
Demonstrated ability to cultivate learning and working environments that are equitable and inclusive of students and employees with diverse cultural backgrounds and social identities
Evidence of successful teaching experience in higher education, and/or commensurate professional experience
Record of creative activity and/or scholarship related to theatre arts
Demonstrated effective skills in collaboration and communication

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience in and enthusiasm for teaching Directing, Theatre Education, and a large Introduction to Theatre survey course to majors and non-majors
Additional demonstrated expertise in an area of the candidate’s interest related to theatre.
Evidence of successful experience in directing
Evidence of successful creative activity in professional venues
The ability to work and collaborate across disciplines: outside the arts, across campus, and in the community
Experience in curriculum development
A dedication to a liberal arts educational model compatible with the mission of WWU

Responsibilities

Teaching introductory and advanced courses in theatre and performance, primarily Introduction to Theatre, Directing, and Theatre Education.
Directing productions in the department’s mainstage season.
Collaborating with fellow faculty.
Mentoring students.
Participating in service activities for the department, college, and university.
Maintaining an ongoing practice of creative and/or scholarly activity in the discipline.
Fulfilling recruiting, advising, teaching, and mentoring responsibilities that provide equitable and inclusive learning environments for all students.