The Saint Mary’s College Department of Communication Studies, Dance, and Theatre invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Theatre, beginning in Fall 2026.
Saint Mary’s College is a liberal arts institution with a rich appreciation for the fine and performing arts in all forms. The Department of Communication Studies, Dance, and Theatre at Saint Mary’s houses the programs in Dance, Theatre and Communication Studies. The Program in Theatre offers a generalist Bachelor of Arts in Theatre as well as four minors: Fashion and Costume, Musical Theatre, Performance, and Production (theatre technology). The Theatre Program is also home to the Margaret Hill Endowed Visiting Artist Series, which organizes and supports special programming such as intensive workshops, performances, and lectures from guest artists, as well as opportunities for guests to work with students and faculty for productions.
The Theatre Program at Saint Mary’s College is highly collaborative among faculty and students. It provides a welcoming environment, and more than 10% of the student body participates annually in onstage, backstage, and other leadership and support roles. The Theatre Program works closely with the Program in Dance and the Music Department, with shared performance spaces, collaborative events, and the technical and design staff serving all academic performing arts.
Teaching, Research, and Service Expectations:
- The standard teaching load is 3/3. Teaching responsibilities will include Introduction to Acting and Introduction to Directing along with courses from among the following: Advanced Acting, Musical Theatre Appreciation, Musical Theatre Performance, and Play Analysis. These required course offerings are taught in rotation with Theatre faculty. Faculty also have the opportunity to develop specialized courses.
- Direction of one main stage show per academic year equivalent to a course release
- Primary advising of the student senior comprehensive (capstone project)
- A line of scholarly and/or creative work pertinent to the candidate’s area of interest
- Program and College service will be required
Qualifications:
- Terminal degree (Ph.D. or MFA) in Theatre Literature and Criticism, Theatre History, Acting, Directing, or related areas. Applicants completing their terminal degree within one year of appointment will be considered.
- Experience in directing both intimate and large-scale productions, including musicals
- Ability to teach Introduction to Acting and Introduction to Directing
For the initial application, please submit the following materials:
- Curriculum Vitae
- Letter of application that conveys your relevant experience and your interest in working at a Catholic, justice-oriented, women’s, liberal arts college
- Statement of teaching philosophy that addresses your commitment to fostering an inclusive classroom environment, considering students from a broad variety of backgrounds and learning styles
- A list of three references. Letters of reference will be solicited from listed referrers after initial review
Eligibility to Work: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of hire and must not require visa sponsorship from the College, either now or in the future.
All materials should be submitted by January 5th, 2026.
Education