Assistant Professor of Acting/Directing

Assistant Professor of Acting/Directing

About Western Kentucky University:

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is a student-centered, applied-research institution committed to providing its students with a transformative academic and social experience and to elevating its surrounding communities. Founded in 1906, WKU is the second largest undergraduate institution in the Commonwealth of Kentucky with approximately 17,500 students (32% first generation, 18% underrepresented minority) and nearly 2,900 faculty and staff employees.

Western Kentucky University is committed to empowering its campus community to embrace diversity by building equitable and inclusive learning, working, and living environments. At the heart of our mission, we seek to provide holistic education and employment experiences that prepare students, faculty, and staff to become effective scholars, contributors, and leaders in our diverse and evolving communities.

Located 65 miles north of Nashville, TN, and just over 100 miles south of Louisville, KY, WKU's main campus is in Bowling Green, KY - a city with approximately 70,000 residents. With an ethnically and diverse population, more than 85 languages are spoken in and around Bowling Green, and people from 35 nationalities call our community home.

Western Kentucky University seeks to attract talented faculty and staff who are inspired individually to contribute to WKU's strategic plans and ongoing success. We offer comprehensive wellness and health benefits to employees and their families, including domestic partners and other qualified dependents and take pride in providing a workplace culture that supports balancing the responsibilities of work and family life. Paid-time off for holidays, vacation and sick leave, and a tuition discount program for employees and dependents are also provided. Learn more about WKU and Bowling Green at wku.edu/about.

Job Description:

The Department of Theatre & Dance at Western Kentucky University (WKU) seeks applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Acting/Directing, to begin August 2021. A terminal degree in the field along with professional acting experience is required, as well as experience directing in an educational or professional setting. We are a vibrant, growing undergraduate department offering BAs in Dance and Theatre and a BFA in Performing Arts with concentrations in Music Theatre, Acting, Theatre, and Theatre Design and Technology. 

The successful candidate will be able to teach a variety of acting and directing classes at all levels of the curriculum. Coursework may also include a secondary area of expertise or interest, as well as general education courses such as Theatre Appreciation and Culture and Performance. They will also typically direct one production per year in our mainstage season. The successful candidate should embody an authentic interest in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (D.E.I.) and seek to actively engage in D.E.I. initiatives with WKU students, faculty, and staff, and members of our Bowling Green/Warren County community. As a tenure track position, there is an expectation of ongoing scholarly and/or creative work, committee service, advising, recruiting, and other administrative responsibilities. 

Requirements:

Terminal degree in field of acting or directing or theatre. (Ph.D. or M.F.A.) And professional experience in acting.  Also experience in directing in either an educational or professional setting. 

Additional Information:

Kentucky state law requires all public institutions of postsecondary education to conduct pre-employment criminal background checks to determine suitability for employment.

Western Kentucky University (WKU) is committed to a policy of providing equal employment and educational opportunities to all candidates. Western Kentucky University will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnic origin, national origin, creed, religion, political belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, age, uniformed services, veteran status, genetic information, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, or physical or mental disability in admission to career and technical education programs and/or activities, or employment practices in accordance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Revised 1992, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Persons with disabilities, who need reasonable accommodations to participate in the application and/or selection process, should notify the office of Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action/University ADA Services (EEO) at (270) 745-5121.

Application Instructions:

The following items must be submitted through the electronic talent management system by February 15, 2021 (formerly February 1, 2021), although expressions of interest may be considered until the position is filled:

• Letter of Intent summarizing your experience and qualifications as they relate to the needs of the department
• Curriculum Vita
• Unofficial Transcripts

Names and contact information of three reference providers will be collected during the application process. Reference letters will be requested by the Search Committee through an online process at a later date.

You will receive email confirmation once you have successfully completed the application process.