Musical Theatre – Fixed Term Faculty

The Department of Theatre at Michigan State University seeks to hire an Assistant Instructor/Instructor/Assistant Professor-Fixed Term, academic year, in the field of Musical Theatre, position to begin August 16, 2023. The ideal candidate is an inspiring educator who is passionate about musical theatre, music theatre training and incorporating inclusive pedagogies in the classroom. This person would join the competitive musical theatre minor program whose students are mostly comprised of acting majors from the BFA in Acting: Stage, Screen and New Media.

Principal duties and responsibilities can be flexible dependent upon the successful candidate's skills and interests.  These will include instruction of one or more of the following: individual vocal lessons for musical theatre performance, teaching dance classes, musical theatre acting classes, co-coordination of  ĭmáGen, a new musical development program in collaboration with the Wharton Center for the Performing Arts and more. The position also entails artistic duties in the Department of Theatre’s production season and professional Summer Circle Theatre program (responsibilities vary based upon candidate’s expertise). The candidate should be comfortable to teach in both small and large settings (i.e. private voice lessons as well as larger voice, acting or dance classes) They should also have a strong respect for and an ability to work well with colleagues.

Michigan State University’s Department of Theatre is committed to increasing the diversity of our students and inclusive practices in our performances and curriculum. Candidates should have experience in, or a commitment to, working with diverse student populations. Women, BIPOC individuals and those from historically underrepresented groups, persons with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply. We encourage applications from qualified candidates with a range of interests and experience in theatre. 

We are seeking candidates Terminal degree (typically an M.F.A.) in theater, performing arts or related field; May consider professional experience in lieu of a terminal degree; proof of professional experience in acting, musical theatre, vocal performance, musical direction, direction, or closely related field; recent experience preferred and evidence of commitment to antiracist and inclusive pedagogy in theatrical practice

Candidates should possess college-level teaching experience, a broad knowledge of vocal techniques, dance techniques and acting techniques, ability to sight-read music and play piano proficiently or facilitate modern technology to assist, ability to teach one or more of the following dance techniques: Ballet, Modern, Tap, Commercial, Hip Hop, and training in a Contemporary Commercial Music (CCM) vocal technique (E.g., Estill Voice Technique, Somatic Voicework, etc.)

Required Application Materials:

Qualified applicants should submit

a cover letter current curriculum vitae A 1-page summary of the candidate’s philosophy of diversity, equity, and inclusion as it pertains their intellectual leadership in the areas of teaching/curriculum development, research/creative activities, service, outreach, advising, and/or administration. The statement should also include an explanation of related past or planned activities/endeavors as well as how the candidate will advance our goals of inclusive excellence. the names and email addresses of 3 potential references. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Applications must be submitted electronically to the Michigan State University Human Resources website http://careers.msu.edu. Posting number #820477.

For more information, contact Brad Willcuts, Chair of the Search Committee at willcuts@msu.edu

Persons with disabilities have the right to request and receive reasonable accommodation.

MSU is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. MSU is committed to achieving excellence through cultural diversity.  The university actively encourages applications and/or nominations of women, persons of color, veterans and persons with disabilities.