Assistant Professor of Theatre History, Literature and Criticism

Tenure Track, beginning August 15, 2022

Responsibilities: The Department of Theatre at Purdue University is seeking a scholar-artist to teach courses in theatre history and literature, dramatic theory and criticism, and dramaturgy for a tenure-track position, beginning August 15, 2022. We are particularly interested in candidates who work at the intersections of theory and practice, with diverse expertise in a range of theatre traditions and performance practices, invested in inclusive practices and pedagogies. We are interested in candidates with specific interest in one or more of the following: Black Theatre, Latin Theatre, Indigenous Theatre, Asian Theatre, global theatre, devising, new work, digital theatre, staging intimacy and other specialty areas of acting, directing, movement and/or contemporary dance.

The successful candidate will teach the equivalent of two courses each semester, one in Theatre from the following: text analysis, theatre history, theory and criticism courses required of the undergraduate and graduate programs in Theatre, dramaturgy, and courses in the candidate’s expertise; as well as one in Purdue’s interdisciplinary Cornerstone program.  

We are interested in candidates who demonstrate a potential for ongoing, successful engagement with the highest standards of scholarship, teaching, and professional/creative activity consistent with the expectations for excellence in an AAU university. The position requires mentoring and advising, committee and service assignments, and working closely with the faculty and staff in supporting students in dramaturgical aspects of production program.

Qualifications: Required qualifications include a PHD, DFA or MFA in dramaturgy. This position requires university-level teaching experience and an active record of creative professional work and/or scholarly activity related to the specialty area(s).

Department: The Department of Theatre is one of four academic units (including Art & Design, Dance, and Music) in the Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Design, Art, and Performance at Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana. The Department of Theatre has 120 undergraduate theatre students (majors/concentrations/minors), 21 graduate students, 9 faculty, and 6 staff. The Department is housed in Yue-Kong Pao Hall of Visual and Performing Arts. Purdue University is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre and is a member of the University/Resident Theatre Association. For additional information visit:  http://www.cla.purdue.edu/theatre/

Purdue University’s Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Design, Art, and Performance is committed to advancing diversity in all areas of faculty effort, including scholarship, instruction and engagement. Candidates should address at least one of these areas in a separate diversity and inclusion statement, indicating their past experiences, current interests or activities, and/or future goals to promote a climate that values diversity and inclusion.

The College and University: The College of Liberal Arts at Purdue University is embarking upon 40 faculty searches for positions to begin in Fall 2022. These positions will advance research within and across disciplines, and intersect with technology, data science, and engineering in relevant and important ways. These positions include teaching in our innovative, nationally-recognized Cornerstone Integrated Liberal Arts Program that educates students across the university.

Purdue University, the College of Liberal Arts and the Rueff School are committed to free and open inquiry in all matters. Candidates are encouraged to address in their cover letter how they are prepared to contribute to a climate that values free inquiry.

Procedure: A complete application includes a letter of application, CV, statement of teaching philosophy, a diversity statement, and names of at least three current references.

Candidates should submit application materials electronically via https://careers.purdue.edu/  The job requisition ID for this position is 16497.

Screening of applications will begin November 19, 2021 and continue until the position is filled.

Please direct questions regarding the application to Rachel Weaver at rrweaver@purdue.edu

Please direct questions regarding the position to theatre@purdue.edu

A background check is required for employment in this position.

Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply.