Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre

Missouri Southern State University
Missouri Southern State University

Joplin, MO, USA

Posted on Sep 2, 2026

Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre

Department: Performing Arts

Position Type: Full-Time, Non-Tenure-Track (One-Year Visiting Appointment, with possibility of renewal)

Start Date: September 2026

Application Deadline: Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled

Position Summary

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.

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

Required Qualifications

  • 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

Preferred Qualifications

  • 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

Application Process

To apply, please submit the following materials electronically:

  • Cover letter addressing qualifications and interest
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Contact information for three professional references

Missouri Southern State University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages

applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.