Assistant, Associate or Professor of Drama Performance

The University of Virginia’s Department of Drama and Dance Program invites applications for an open rank tenure-track or tenured position expected to begin August 10, 2025. We seek an interdisciplinary artist-scholar in performance, with a developing or an established record of creative work and scholarship in one or more of the following areas:

• Performance and social change

• Devised performance

• Community-based and site-specific performance

• Culturally responsive performance

• Performance utilizing online networks, AI, augmented reality or other digital platforms

Of particular interest are candidates whose practice includes both creative work and published scholarship. Applicants with a demonstrated commitment to creative practices in performance traditions of the Global South, Global Majority, and queer/trans communities, alongside practical experience of anti-racist, decolonizing, and/or culturally responsive teaching and performance are encouraged to apply.

The successful candidate will join a vibrant community of artists and scholars working across theatre, dance, performance studies, and new media. Our department offers wide-ranging curricula in a liberal arts setting, emphasizing collaboration, social engagement, the integration of theory and practice, and the development of theatre as artistic expression and critical inquiry as a driving force. Responsibilities for this position will include:

• Growth of a nationally and internationally recognized portfolio of research and creative work
• Teaching two courses per semester on topics such as theatre for social change, community-based or site-specific performance, and other courses related to the applicant’s areas of expertise
• Contributing to departmental and university service.

The hired candidate will contribute to the ongoing innovation of our undergraduate curriculum, which includes a newly redesigned B.A. in Drama and Dance; a Minor in Drama; and a Minor in Dance. This position also holds potential to assist in the re-design of the department’s M.F.A. program in theatre and performance studies. The hired candidate will have the opportunity to engage in flexible and creative partnerships with students and colleagues and the communities of Charlottesville and central Virginia. The university encourages interdisciplinary projects and supports several ongoing cross-departmental programs, such as the Institute of the Humanities and Global Culture, the Democracy Initiative, and the College Fellows.

Qualifications

• MFA or PhD in Theatre, Performance Studies, or related field held at time of appointment required
• Active agenda of research as an artist-scholar in published and creative work
• Proven engagement with pedagogy and teaching commensurate with time since degree
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing inclusive excellence through research, teaching, and creative practice

Application Instructions

Visit http://apply.interfolio.com/152805 to apply. Review of applications begins on December 15, 2024 and will continue until the position is filled. We will only consider complete applications.

To apply, please submit the following:

1. CV

2. Cover letter of interest that includes an overview of current and future creative/research plans, teaching experience and philosophy, and demonstrated experience relevant to the University’s ambition to cultivate the most vibrant community in higher education, preparing students to be leaders in a diverse and globally connected world. [More information about the 2030 plan.]

3. Contact information for three references, who may be contacted later in the search process

Questions about this position should be directed to Katelyn Hale Wood at khw6c@virginia.edu.

The university will perform background checks on all new hires prior to employment.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Virginia, including the UVA Health System which represents the UVA Medical Center, Schools of Medicine and Nursing, UVA Physicians Group and the Claude Moore Health Sciences Library, are fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspectives and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, veteran or military status, and family medical or genetic information.

The University of Virginia offers confidential Dual Career Services to partners of incoming faculty candidates. To learn more, please visit dualcareer.virginia.edu