Assistant or Associate Professor of Musical Theatre

Full Time • Salary commensurate with experience and rank. $57,000-$65,000 per year + benefits package if hired at the rank of Assistant Professor; $62,000-$70,000 per year + benefits package if hired at the rank of Associate Professor.

Pacific Lutheran University - Tacoma, WA
https://www.plu.edu/music-theatre-dance/

Description

The School of Music, Theatre & Dance (SMTD) at Pacific Lutheran University invites applications for a tenure-track position, Assistant or Associate Professor of Musical Theatre, beginning September 1, 2026. The ideal candidate is an exceptional director, music director, and/or choreographer committed to musical theatre practice and pedagogy, who demonstrates artistic and educational leadership across the broader theatre discipline, will contribute to the cultural richness of the greater Seattle-Tacoma area, and foster an inclusive learning environment that attracts and sustains a diverse population of students. A commitment to excellence while working collaboratively with faculty colleagues and students across the university is expected. The PLU SMTD is a nationally recognized center for performance, education, and community. The Karen Hille Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, a state of the art facility that opened in 2013, provides a venue for most Opera, Theatre, and Dance productions, and a secondary space for some music performances.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership, coordination, and development for the Musical Theatre program. PLU currently offers the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with concentrations in Musical Theatre, Acting/Directing, and Design/Technical. We also offer the Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre, and a Minor in Dance.
• Direct and/or music direct one mainstage musical production annually.
• Teach coursework assigned in accordance with the qualifications of the applicant and the instructional needs of the SMTD. Load assignments may include: (1) Musical Theatre performance/scene study; (2) Musical Theatre history; (3) Musical Theatre audition techniques; (4) potentially private studio voice for musical theatre students; (5) other courses for the major (e.g., Acting or Directing) or pan-university courses based on expertise.
• Assume a position of leadership and high visibility in the musical theatre community in the state and region.
• Actively recruit top high school students for the musical theatre program and participate in SMTD recruiting activities (e.g., SMTD scholarship auditions).
• Advise and mentor students in the theatre program.
• Participate in College of Professional Studies and SMTD faculty activities, as well as relevant service to the university.
• Other duties as assigned based upon the appointee’s strengths and department needs.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with, teach, and mentor diverse groups and/or diverse students.
• Knowledge of and commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the arts and in higher education.
• Knowledge of a diverse, broad musical theatre repertoire (both historical and contemporary) and current, equitable pedagogical and rehearsal techniques.
• Demonstrated ability in stage direction, music direction, acting/directing, and/or choreography for musical theatre.

Required Qualifications:

• Terminal degree (MFA, PhD, or DMA) in Musical Theatre, Theatre, Music, or appropriate related area. ABD will be considered, but the degree must be in hand by September 1, 2026.
• Significant professional experience (e.g., Broadway, national tours, LORT/major regional theatre) may be considered as a substitute for a terminal degree.
• Demonstrated experience directing or music directing musical theatre productions.
• Applicant must be legally eligible to work in the United States on hire date AND legally authorized to work in the United States for Pacific Lutheran University without sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Leadership experience in a professional or university theatre program.
• Demonstrated experience in teaching musical theatre at the university level.
• Ability to teach in a secondary area, such as acting (non-musical), directing, dance (jazz, tap), or specific vocal techniques (e.g., mix/belt).
• Piano/keyboard proficiency sufficient for teaching musical theatre performance courses, coaching, and rehearsals.

To apply for this job

Apply online at https://employment.plu.edu/postings/8654