Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre

Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre

Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts (VCUarts)
Department of Theatre

This full-time, 9-month position is at the rank of Assistant Professor, is non-tenure eligible (term), and begins August 16, 2025.

Application Deadline: For best consideration, applications are due Friday, January 24, 2025.

The Opportunity:
The VCUarts Department of Theatre (https://arts.vcu.edu/theatre/) seeks skilled, engaged, and collaboration-minded candidates for the position of Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre.

This is a non-tenure eligible (term) faculty position. Term faculty are eligible for promotion in academic rank, and are valued for their academic, professional, and creative practice/scholarly contributions in their specific area of expertise. The primary responsibilities of this opportunity are teaching so we seek to hire faculty who stand out with respect to effectiveness in teaching and engagement with students.

The mission of the Department of Theatre is to foster and sustain an environment where theatre as art and craft can flourish and can be studied and learned at the undergraduate and graduate levels under the guidance of, and through the professional example of, its faculty. This mission is accomplished through the essential and inseparable connection of instruction, research, studio experience, professional theatre relationships, and the public work of the department as a producing theatre organization.

The VCUarts Department of Theatre offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Theatre with 6 specific concentrations, and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Theatre pedagogy/performance.

Responsibilities:
This position is a 9-month non-tenure eligible (term) faculty position in the area of Musical Theatre with an academic rank of Assistant Professor. Instructional responsibilities comprise development and teaching undergraduate courses in musical theatre performance, musical theatre dance styles, musical theatre history, movement for the actor, as well as courses in the faculty member’s area of specialization. Course assignments will change based on student needs and will be determined in consultation with the Chair.

The faculty member is expected to be a passionate, creative, and innovative mentor for an enthusiastic and diverse community of students; integrate innovative pedagogical and technological approaches, and multicultural perspectives into instructional methods; bring experience in developing initiatives that contribute to a meaningful arts education accessible to underrepresented or disadvantaged groups; foster collaborative teaching and educational opportunities through diverse and innovative projects and experiences; promote the efforts of the department across the university and throughout the community. In support of the department’s strong commitment to diversity, the faculty member is expected to foster a welcoming, equitable, and inclusive learning environment for all students.

As a member of a community-oriented, tight-knit department and School, the faculty member will provide service such as assisting with student, department, and school-wide initiatives such as audition days, open houses, events, performances and productions; contribute to discussions that support the student community and the administration at each level; support recruitment initiatives for undergraduate programs; foster community engagement opportunities; and serve on department/School/University committees. In addition, the faculty member is expected to provide service to the profession. Other responsibilities may be assigned by the Chair or university administration.

Creative research is not a primary expectation for this non-tenure eligible position. It is expected that the faculty member will demonstrate excellence through teaching and will maintain a scholarly body of knowledge within the discipline. The department will support the faculty member’s professional development, as appropriate and within available resources, to ensure ongoing mastery of the discipline as it relates to design and the program’s curriculum. Professional development activities will be consistent with and support the mission and initiatives of the department, school and university. The faculty member will be expected to continue professional work in their area of expertise in nationally recognized theatres and venues. The department will support creative research at an appropriate annual level, though teaching will constitute the majority of the faculty member’s responsibilities.

Qualifications:

Required:

• MFA or equivalent professional training and experience
• Appropriate professional experience in the field
• Experience teaching at the university level
• Demonstrated experience as a performer, dancer, choreographer, supervisor and/or director
• Must have a comprehensive repertoire and knowledge of a broad range of styles of musical theatre
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment or have a commitment to do so at VCU
• Excellent oral, verbal, and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to collaborate
• An interest in developing innovative and cross-disciplinary curriculum

Preferred:

• Membership in the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers
• An emphasis will be placed on candidates who are able to help student’s transition from academia to the professional world
• Experience teaching voice

Application Instructions:

Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to organizational diversity, equity and inclusion - an environment where all can thrive in their pursuit of excellence. VCUarts strongly encourages applications from all racial, ethnic, gender, and social identities.

Applicants are requested to submit a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (typically between 150-300 words) providing your career aspirations and contributions toward promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through this statement, you can share how your lived experiences, and academic and professional activities will impact your contribution to VCU’s mission of promoting equity and inclusion.

Note: Examples include working with others to further the goals of equity and inclusion; leading in any capacity that tangibly promotes an environment where diversity is welcomed, fostered, and celebrated; creative activity, research and scholarship that promotes equity and parity; teaching and mentoring students, and/or engaging with faculty and/or staff from traditionally underrepresented groups to create a positive and successful organizational experience.
Click here For additional guidance on writing a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.

Questions about the VCU Jobs Website can be directed to Tasia Robinson, Assistant Director of Human Resources, at thompsontl5@vcu.edu.

The following documents should submitted online via the VCU Jobs Website:

• Cover Letter that includes an overview of professional experience and creative research interests
• Curriculum Vitae or resume
• Teaching statement that addresses philosophy of teaching and approach to student mentorship; if applicable, please discuss experience teaching first-generation and underrepresented minority students
• List of three professional references including names with titles and contact information (references will not be contacted prior to a candidate’s approval)

Only electronic applications submitted via the VCU Jobs Website will be accepted. For best consideration, completed applications are due by Friday, January 24, 2025.

VCUarts:
Ranked by US News & World Report as a top-five arts and design school, VCUarts (arts.vcu.edu) includes over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students with nationally recognized programs in design, visual and performing arts, and has an annual budget of $38 million and an endowment of more than $13.5 million. Students are taught by over 175 full-time teaching and research faculty members and the school is supported by over 70 staff members that assist in daily processes. The School includes two campuses; one in Richmond and one in Doha, Qatar. The Richmond campus is located on the university’s 75-acre Monroe Park campus situated in the city’s historic Fan District. Ultimately, the work of the School of the Arts extends globally with partnerships throughout the world and across fields as diverse as the humanities, health care and business.

Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to providing accessible and equitable living, learning and working environments free from discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or disability.