The Department of Theatre at the University of Southern Maine is seeking part-time instructors applicants for the upcoming academic year. Our Fall 2025 semester begins September 1, 2025.
Through a wide-ranging production season, interdisciplinary collaborations, community and school outreach, and interactive theatre experiences, the University of Southern Maine’s Department of Theatre contributes to the rich cultural, creative, and artistic life of the greater Portland area and the state of Maine
The successful candidate will be able to teach the following undergraduate courses:
Practicum in Stage Lighting (THE 105) - A course focusing on the practical application of contemporary stage lighting technology and the implementation of a lighting plot, as well as working on University productions.
Fall 2025 Semester: Thursdays, 2-5PM, Gorham Campus, September 2 – December 19, 2025
Spring 2026 Semester: Thursdays, 2-5PM, Gorham Campus, January 22, 2025 – May 8, 2026
Practicum in Costuming (THE 104) - A course focusing on sewing skills and costume construction, as well as working on University theatre productions.
Fall 2025 Semester: Tuesdays, 2-5PM, Gorham Campus, September 2 – December 19, 2025
Spring 2026 Semester: Tuesdays, 2-5PM, Gorham Campus, January 22, 2025 – May 8, 2025
Public Speaking (THE 170) - An introductory course in the art of public discourse. Primarily a lecture-performance course, students will learn the basics of informative and persuasive speaking by writing and giving a variety of speeches. Constructive feedback will assist students in identifying, developing, and strengthening the physical and vocal skills needed to engage an audience and communicate effectively.
Spring 2026 Semester: Tuesdays, January 22, 2025 – May 1, 2026
We are seeking student-focused instructors who will be responsible for the full delivery and grading of the course. All Special Education programs are fully online with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous courses. Synchronous sessions meet using the Zoom conferencing platform and meet in the late afternoons and evenings so that those currently working in schools can attend. Responsibilities include developing the course, teaching, assessing student performance, and meeting with students as needed. The instructor will be provided with the course learning objectives, program competencies, and suggested topical outline and will be given a previous course syllabus available for reference.
Part-time faculty members are paid on a credit hour basis based on prior teaching experience. Eligible part-time faculty members may elect certain benefits provided by the University of Maine System. In addition, The Center for Academic Innovation provides learning design consulting and faculty development opportunities to help faculty to create engaging programs, courses and lesson plans grounded in evidence-based best practices for every modality.
The University of Southern Maine is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond. USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University.
The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates diverse perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement. USM encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including women, veterans, and those with differing abilities, experiences, and cultural perspectives.
We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness.
Required Qualifications:
THE 104 & THE 105:
- Demonstrated professional experience in the fundamentals of lighting and costume technologies.
- Experience working with, instructing and supervising college-aged theatre students and early career theatre artists.
- Ability to readily join a collaborative and collegial department of professional theatre practitioners and contribute to the academic and production components of a contemporary and actively producing Department of Theatre which engages in professional industry practices that are student-focused.
THE 170:
- BA/BFA in theatre arts and preferred advanced degree completion in theatre with an emphasis on a performance techniques or methods.
- Experience directing fully produced musicals at the college level would be a welcome.
- Demonstrated knowledge of current theatre industry practices, repertoire, styles, and pedagogies, including the application of established acting techniques.
- Experience with teaching skills that suit a variety of learning styles and put a focus on student-centered learning.
- Acting/performance experience and the ability to model and demonstrate for students within the theatre major as well as general education students taking the THE 170 Public Speaking course or other introductory theatre performance classes.
To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below or visit our USM Careers Page and submit the following:
- Cover letter describing qualifications for the position.
- Curriculum vitae or resume
- Contact information for three professional references.
We will begin reviewing applications immediately. These positions will remain open until filled.
We are not able to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.
Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate(s).
Clery Act:
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR), and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. View the University’s Annual Security Report (PDF). If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please email or call 207.780.4035.
EEO Statement:
The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.
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