Assistant Professor position in Acting, Department of Performing Arts & Arts Leadership

The Department of Performing Arts and Arts Leadership at Seattle University invites applications for a tenure-track, Assistant Professor position in Acting to begin in September 2022.     

The position will be responsible for the teaching of all levels of acting to majors for a small, vibrant undergraduate theatre program, as well as introductory creative expressions courses to nonmajors in the university core curriculum.  In addition, there is an expectation of scholarly work or research to compliment teaching.  

A successful candidate will have the ability to teach the following courses: Beginning Acting, Scene Study, Heightened Text/Style, Movement for actors and/or Voice and Auditioning.  They will also direct one production a year in the Theatre program’s 3 show season.     

Responsibilities of the position beyond teaching include curriculum development, assessment, advising, helping to plan and produce the theatre program season of plays and events, recruitment for the program as well as other university service. Seattle’s pre-Covid thriving theatre scene is poised to return in 2022.  Supporting the ability of the candidate to perform on Seattle stages will be a priority, and the position will have the flexibility to allow this type of creative work/scholarship alongside teaching responsibilities.   

This position will be instrumental in helping the theatre program recruit and retain the next generation of students as we develop into a more anti-racist, inclusive, just, and sustainable program. Candidates must be interested in program development, committed to teaching in a liberal arts environment, and invested in the future directions of theatre.  Mentoring and professional development are key parts of the theatre program: experience mentoring and nurturing a diverse student body with regards to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender identity and sexual orientation is highly desirable.  Candidates who are also interested in innovative approaches to classical work, generative work, and are enthusiastic about contemporary and new work are especially encouraged to apply.  

Qualifications

Required qualifications include an MFA in Acting, evidence of teaching excellence at the university or commensurate level, and experience acting in professional theatre. The ideal candidate will have a minimum of two-years teaching experience at the university level and an established career as an actor/ performer.     

Founded in 1891, Seattle University is a Jesuit Catholic university located on a beautiful campus of more than 50 acres in the dynamic heart of Seattle. Our diverse and driven population is made up of more than 7,200 students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate programs within eight schools and colleges. Seattle University is an equal opportunity employer.

In support of its pursuit of academic and scholarly excellence, Seattle University is committed to creating a diverse community of students, faculty and staff that is dedicated to the fundamental principles of equal opportunity and treatment in education and employment regardless of age, color, disability, gender identity, national origin, political ideology, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status. The university encourages applications from, and nominations of, individuals who will further enrich the diversity of our educational community.

Application Instructions

Submit applications at https://www.seattleu.edu/careers including a narrative of your qualifications, a statement of teaching philosophy, curriculum vitae, and the names and contact information for three references. Letters of reference may be solicited upon submission of application. Do not send portfolios at this time. Applications are due February 6, 2022. For more information contact Professor Harmony Arnold, Chair at arnoldh@seattleu.edu.