Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre

Missouri Southern State University • Joplin, MO

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Performing Arts Department invites applications for a one-year Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre position beginning in Fall 2026. We seek a versatile theatre artist-scholar who can teach across our undergraduate curriculum, mentor students in production work, and contribute to the department's creative and intellectual community. This is a full-time teaching position with production responsibilities.

Requirements

• MFA or equivalent terminal degree or experience in Theatre, Performance Studies, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching at the undergraduate level
• Active record of professional or creative work in theatre (directing, performance, design, playwriting, or related practice)
• Ability to teach effectively across a range of student experience levels
• Strong communication, collaboration, and mentorship skills

Nice To Haves

• Experience teaching diverse student populations
• Interest or experience in devised theatre, new play development, or interdisciplinary performance
• Familiarity with production management or technical theatre
• Evidence of scholarly or creative research agenda
• Experience advising student organizations or co-curricular activities

Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate courses in the successful candidate's area(s) of specialization (e.g., acting, directing, theatre history and literature, and design/technical theatre)
• Advise and mentor students on department productions in a design, directing, dramaturgy, or performance capacity, depending on expertise
• Attend and participate in department meetings, auditions, and production meetings as appropriate
• Advise undergraduate students on academic and artistic development
• Contribute to departmental initiatives in curriculum development, recruitment, or community engagement as opportunities arise

What This Job Offers

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