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The Department of Theatre at the University of Southern Maine seeks a Fixed-Length Lecturer specializing in Performance and Directing to begin in September 2026 through May 2027.

The ideal candidate would have a background in theatrical Acting and Directing. Primary responsibilities will include directing the Spring Musical and teaching courses in Acting, Voice, and other areas of expertise. They would also contribute to curricular development in the areas of Performance and the Business of Performing Arts. The candidate would serve as Faculty Advisor to a roster of Theatre Majors, take part in season planning and recruitment efforts, and help build partnerships with Professional Theatres throughout the state.

The Department of Theatre (https://usm.maine.edu/department-theatre/) is housed within the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at the University of Southern Maine, a public, four-year comprehensive institution that serves a diverse learning community, including veterans, non-traditional, and first-generation college students. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, a Theatre Minor, and a minor in Dance. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong, multifaceted core that introduces theatre as a collaborative art form, an academic discipline, and a professional industry. A wide range of electives offers a bespoke, exploratory experience alongside in-depth specialization in the areas of performance, design, dramaturgy, scenic and prop construction, stage management, theatre education, and administration. The typical production season includes two straight plays, a musical, a dance concert, and a radio play. Facilities include a 150-seat mainstage theatre, a newly refurbished 40-seat black box laboratory, the Bill Dufries sound studio, scenic and costume shops, and newly acquired dance, rehearsal, and performance spaces in Corthell Hall. This growth reflects the academic unit’s current momentum. The departmental culture is highly cooperative.

The ideal candidate would add to a culture of collective problem-solving, ingenuity, and ethical inquiry. They would invest in the overarching goal of establishing USM Theatre as a destination for the Performing Arts and Southern Maine as an industry hub for theatre, musical theatre, and dance.

Overall Duties:

+ Teach a 4/4 undergraduate course load in the curriculum, including courses in acting, musical theatre performance, and other areas of expertise.

+ Develop curricula in the realm of Musical Theatre, Dance, and self-marketing in the entertainment industry.

+ Engage in season planning.

+ Engage in recruitment and community outreach efforts.

+ Produce and facilitate the yearly digital senior showcase, and distribute the showcase to industry stakeholders.

+ Build partnerships with professional theaters in the Greater Portland and New England area.

+ Advise undergraduate theatre majors and dance minors.

+ Mentor and assist students in securing summer and post-graduate employment opportunities

+ Direct at least one mainstage production annually.

+ Attend studio and technical/dress rehearsals as necessary.

About the University:

The University of Southern Maine (https://usm.maine.edu/) 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 (https://usm.maine.edu/about-our-university/) .

The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community.

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.

The targeted starting date for this fixed-length position is for the 2026 – 2027 Academic Year and will pay a base salary of $51,751 plus benefits. When hired, candidates must reside within a 90-minute commutable distance from the USM campuses. This requirement is essential for the ability to participate in supporting and building upon our university culture of "student focused every day" and allows for regular participation in on-campus activities, meetings, and fulfills the responsibilities of the role effectively.

The University of Southern Maine provides highly competitive benefits (https://usm.maine.edu/campus-human-resource-services/benefits-and-wellness/#xd\_co\_f=OTZlMjgzOTAtNWZlOS00NDI4LWI0ZTMtNThjMGVjNDRkOTA3~) that include health, dental and vision insurance; life insurance; short- and long-term disability insurance; a tuition waiver program for employees and tuition discounts for spouses and eligible dependents; a 403(b)-retirement plan with 10% employer contribution; and more. To learn more, please review the Benefits Information Summary (https://usm.maine.edu/campus-human-resource-services/wp-content/uploads/sites/235/2022/07/Single-Page-Benefits-AFUM.pdf) .

Required Qualifications:

+ Terminal degree in Theatre or related field and/or commensurate Professional Experience in the Performing Arts Industry.

+ Teaching experience at the college level.

+ Experience directing fully produced productions at the college level.

+ Experience with diverse teaching skills that suit a variety of learning styles.

+ Demonstrative focus on student-centered learning.

+ Acting/performance experience and the ability to model and demonstrate skills for students.

+ Preference will be given to candidates with previous theatrical leadership positions, such as artistic director, company manager, or production manager.

How to Apply:

Click on the ‘Apply Now’ button at the bottom of this page or at USM Careers (https://fa-ewca-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX\_1/jobs?lastSelectedFacet=ORGANIZATIONS&mode=location&selectedOrganizationsFacet=300000014113625) and submit the following materials:

You will create an applicant profile and submit the following:

+ Cover Letter

+ Curriculum Vitae

+ Statement of Teaching Philosophy

+ List of the names and contact information for three references

We will examine candidate packages on an ongoing basis as they are submitted.

All required materials must be submitted by January 4, 2026.

Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.

At this time, the University of Southern Maine is unable to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.

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) (https://usm.maine.edu/public-safety/annual-security-and-fire-safety-report/) . 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 contact our Public Safety Office at 207.780.5211.

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 ww.maine.edu/title-ix/.