Explore the definition, responsibilities, qualifications, and career paths for faculty researcher positions in performing arts within higher education.
A faculty researcher is an academic professional employed by a university in a faculty capacity, where the core responsibility revolves around advancing knowledge through rigorous, original research rather than extensive teaching duties. This position blends scholarly inquiry with institutional affiliation, often leading to tenure. In the context of performing arts—which encompasses live disciplines like theatre, dance, music performance, and interdisciplinary spectacles—a faculty researcher investigates the theoretical, historical, and practical dimensions of performance.
Performing arts research differs from traditional sciences by emphasizing practice-based approaches, where creating a dance piece or staging a play generates empirical insights. For a broader understanding of the faculty researcher role across disciplines, explore faculty researcher jobs. These positions are vital in higher education for fostering innovation in cultural expression and audience interaction.
Faculty researcher positions in performing arts emerged prominently in the mid-20th century as universities expanded arts faculties. Pioneers like those at Yale School of Drama in the 1960s integrated research with practice, influencing modern frameworks. By the 1990s, UK institutions formalized practice-as-research (PaR), recognized by research councils. Today, global programs, such as those at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), emphasize interdisciplinary work blending performance with technology.
Faculty researchers in performing arts design and execute research projects, publish findings in journals like Performance Research, and secure funding. They supervise graduate students, collaborate on productions, and present at conferences such as the International Federation for Theatre Research (IFTR). Responsibilities include archiving performances and analyzing cultural impacts, contributing to fields like decolonial theatre studies.
A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in performing arts, theatre studies, dance, or a closely related field is the minimum requirement. Many hold Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees alongside, with postdoctoral fellowships preferred for entry-level faculty researcher jobs.
Expertise centers on practice-based research, defined as scholarly work where artistic output forms the core evidence. Common foci include somatic practices in dance, scenography evolution, or neurodiversity in acting methodologies. Researchers might explore how performances address climate change, drawing from 2020s trends in eco-theatre.
Candidates excel with 5+ peer-reviewed publications, successful grants (e.g., from the Canada Council for the Arts), and professional directing credits. International experience, like residencies at London's Barbican Centre, strengthens applications. Transitioning from postdoctoral roles is common.
Soft skills like adaptability and public engagement enhance impact. For career tools, review how to write a winning academic CV.
Build a portfolio showcasing research outputs alongside traditional CVs. Network at events like the American Society for Theatre Research conference. Target institutions with robust arts funding, such as those in the UK or US. Stay updated via research jobs listings. Actionable step: Publish in open-access journals to boost visibility.
Faculty researcher jobs in performing arts offer dynamic careers blending creativity and scholarship. Explore opportunities on higher ed jobs, gain advice from higher ed career advice, browse university jobs, or for employers, post a job.
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