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Title: Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts - 997995

Position Number: 997995

Unit/Department: Theater Arts

FTE: Full-Time, 9 month

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience

Department Summary:

The mission of the Department of Theatre Arts at Drake is to ensure students have the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve success as theatre artists and working professionals. To that end, the curriculum fosters understanding and appreciation for all aspects of theatre utilizing collaborative and experiential learning methods. Students apply knowledge and demonstrate skills acquired in the classroom in the creation of theatrical productions throughout the academic year. This mission isn’t simply a statement, it’s a philosophy and a guiding principle of the way we teach the art and craft of theatre at Drake. We believe in balance in our curriculum, our productions and in life. At Drake students receive a conservatory degree within a liberal arts institution. They are encouraged to pursue passions outside of theatre. We take a holistic approach to education. Students take classes not just in their area of specialization, but in all aspects of theatre as well as the broader Drake Curriculum. In the Department of Theatre Arts, we are a family. We take care of each other and thrive in collaborative environments. We are looking for someone like-minded to join our theatre family!

Job Summary:

The Drake University Department of Theatre Arts seeks applicants to fill a tenure-track position in our Musical Theatre program. Responsibilities include (but are not limited to): teaching courses in the musical theatre curriculum including applied voice lessons and music theory; directing one musical per year as part of our Main Stage season; music directing two productions annually, advising and mentoring student performances and assisting in recruiting and committee work. The successful candidate will have a terminal degree in musical theatre, experience teaching and directing at the university level and professional performance experience. The search committee is particularly interested in candidates who, through their research, performance, teaching, and/or service, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

Minimum Qualifications:

MFA or terminal degree in Theatre Performance, experience teaching and directing at the university level and professional performance experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

MFA or terminal degree in Musical Theatre, private or applied voice lesson teaching experience, music direction experience.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please complete the online application and attach (1) a cover letter, (2) CV/Resume, (3) a statement about your experience in supporting the success of students from diverse backgrounds, (4) a teaching philosophy and (5) the contact details for three references.

Please do not attach additional documents at this time. Supplemental documents may be requested or required of semi-finalists and finalists.

Questions about this position can be directed to the search chair: Erin Degner, Associate Professor of Theatre Arts and Director of the Musical Theatre BFA Program, [email protected]

Questions about the application process, working at Drake, spouse/partner support, reasonable accommodations, benefits, or additional information about Drake or Des Moines, Iowa may be directed to Drake Human Resources at [email protected].

All job offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, satisfactory reference checks, and proof of authorization to work in the United States.

Review of Applications Begins:

Review of applications will begin immediately and remain open until January 1st, 2026.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary is competitive with peer schools and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our digital benefits guide: Drake Benefits Guide (https://www.drake.edu/hr/benefitsoverview/) .

One of our very popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. You can learn about both the tuition waiver policy and tuition exchange programs here: Tuition Benefits (https://www.drake.edu/hr/benefitsoverview/tuitionbenefits/) .