Theatre Arts - Assistant Professor - Stage Direction & Coordinator of BFA Stage Management

Western Connecticut State University•Danbury, CT

20d•$81,149 - $94,674

About The Position

Western Connecticut State University’s Department of Theatre Arts is hiring a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Stage Direction and Coordinator of BFA Stage Management for the 2027–2028 academic year. The position is based in the School of Visual, Performing, and Communication Arts and combines undergraduate teaching, stage-management program coordination, production direction, recruitment, advising, and service. The successful candidate will teach undergraduate stage-management courses and oversee student stage managers’ training, mentorship, and professional development throughout the production season. They will help shape and support the BFA Stage Management curriculum, aligning its learning outcomes with Actor’s Equity Association (AEA) professional standards. The role also includes directing one WestRep Stage production each year and teaching additional theatre courses aligned with the candidate’s expertise. Possible courses include Play Structure and Analysis, Play Reading, Theatre History, Acting I, Directing I, Intro to Theatre Arts, and Devised Theatre. The candidate will contribute to recruitment, academic advising, departmental and university service, and appropriate professional service. They will support the continued development of the BFA program by integrating AEA professional practices, mentoring students, and modeling interdisciplinary collaboration in classroom and production activities. The department supports BFA and BA students in Musical Theatre, Acting, Design/Technology, and Stage Management. Its producing arm, WestRep Stage, mounts six productions annually: four in the mainstage theatre and two in the studio theatre. The university encourages applications from people with disabilities, LGBTQIA and BIPOC communities, veterans, and women, and is a federally designated Hispanic-Serving Institution. Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; the university cannot sponsor work visas. Employment is contingent on proof of citizenship or employability under IRCA and successful completion of a background check.

Requirements

Provide evidence of at least three years of successful college teaching experience and departmental service.
An MFA in Stage Management or Directing is preferred; candidates without a terminal degree may be considered with at least 10 years of significant professional experience in Stage Management and/or Directing.
A candidate who does not meet the stated standards may be appointed with credentials and/or experience substantially comparable to the qualifications.
Applicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.
Employment is contingent upon proof of citizenship or employability under IRCA and successful passing of a background check.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with students from diverse backgrounds.
Demonstrated commitment to improving access to higher education for first-generation and under-represented groups.
MFA in Stage Management or Directing.

Responsibilities

Teach undergraduate courses in stage management.
Oversee the training, mentorship, and professional development of student stage managers throughout the department’s production season.
Help shape and support the BFA Stage Management curriculum, aligning learning outcomes with Actor’s Equity Association professional standards.
Direct one production each year as part of the WestRep Stage season.
Teach additional theatre courses aligned with areas of expertise; possible courses include Play Structure and Analysis, Play Reading, Theatre History, Acting I, Directing I, Intro to Theatre Arts, and Devised Theatre.
Participate in recruitment and academic advising.
Participate in departmental and university service and appropriate professional service activities.
Contribute to BFA program development by integrating professional practices, mentoring students, and modeling interdisciplinary collaboration in classroom and production activities.