Assistant Professor – Theatre and Dance – Acting/Directing/New Play Development

Full Time

Southeast Missouri State University - Cape Girardeau, MO
http://www.semo.edu/

Assistant Professor (Tenure Track) – Acting/Directing/New Play Development
The Jeanine Larson Dobbins Conservatory of Theatre and Dance 
Holland College of Arts and Media
Full-Time

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Jeanine Larson Dobbins Conservatory of Theatre and Dance invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track assistant professor of acting/directing/new play development, with the possibility of a leadership role in the Lanford Wilson New American Play Festival beginning fall 2025. The candidate will join an energetic 25-person theatre and dance faculty and staff, teaching the equivalent of a 12-hour load per semester teaching in various levels of acting, including improvisation, musical theatre, playwriting, and related subjects, and directing one musical or play as assigned each academic year. The candidate will participate in other conservatory productions and activities, serve on assigned committees, and recruit, mentor, and advise majors, while continuing to serve and participate in the outside professional world of theatre, film, or television at large. The candidate will also participate in academic department, college, and university student recruitment and retention activities.

The only university in the state of Missouri with the official mission in the performing arts, Southeast Missouri State University is NAST-accredited and a founding member of the Yamaha Schools of Excellence. Dobbins Conservatory has 275 majors and is ranked as the #1 undergraduate theatre program in the state and in the Top 30 musical theatre programs in the nation. The program operates in the beautiful River Campus facilities as part of the Holland College of Arts and Media. 

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• MFA or Ph.D. in Theatre or a closely related field. (Degree must be from a regionally accredited or internationally accredited/government-certified university);

• Experience teaching in a college or university program as a graduate assistant, instructor, assistant professor, or above; 

• Proven record of successful teaching in various levels of Stanislavski-based actor training; 

• Proven record of teaching improvisation, including long-form improv; 

• Proven record in the development of new works as a playwright, screenwriter, director, actor, and/or producer; 

• Ability to direct plays and musicals, including large-scale productions; 

• Evidence of excellent written and oral communication skills;

• Demonstrated ability to recruit and retain acting and musical theatre majors;

• Demonstrated ability to organize and manage university and outside professional committees;

• Demonstrated commitment to collegiality when interacting with others within the University community.

As a public regional university (with a graduate mission), Southeast seeks candidates with a commitment to excellent undergraduate (and graduate) education and student success within the framework of the teacher-scholar model. Applications of instructional technology and pedagogical research are supported through the Center for Teaching and Learning and SEMO Online. Successful candidates will contribute to the development of innovative curricula and delivery strategies, including traditional, blended, and online formats, and participate in initiatives promoting student success, retention, and degree completion.

REQUIRED INFORMATION & DEADLINE: 

Application Deadline: To ensure full consideration, application materials must be received by May 15, 2025. The position is available August 1, 2025, and will remain open until filled.

To Apply: Submit the following items at the application link provided:

Required Documents:

• Letter of interest addressing all position qualifications

• Current CV

• Unofficial copies of graduate transcripts (official transcripts are required when an offer of employment is accepted)

• Names and contact information of three professional references

Supplemental Information Requested:

• Link(s) to a personal website or online portfolio demonstrating quality work

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Department Website: The Jeanine Larson Dobbins Conservatory of Theatre & Dance
 
About Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO): Founded in 1873 and accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Southeast Missouri State University provides student-centered education and experiential learning with a foundation of liberal arts and sciences, embracing a tradition of access, exceptional teaching, and commitment to student success that significantly contributes to the development of the region and beyond. SEMO values access to high-quality, affordable education with a broadly representative student body, faculty, and staff that respects and celebrates a diverse learning community in a global society.
 
SEMO Fact Book
SEMO Strategic Action Plan

To apply for this job

Apply online at https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/semoedu/jobs/4915092/assistant-professor-theatre-and-dance-acting-directing-new-play-development