Ignite Your Passion: Thriving Careers in Performing Arts Academia Await!
Performing Arts faculty jobs blend creativity, education, and performance in captivating higher education environments. Aspiring theater directors, dance choreographers, vocal coaches, and drama scholars find tenure-track, adjunct, and lecturer roles at universities emphasizing innovative programs. Front-load your search with Browse Higher Ed Jobs for the latest openings.
For students, degrees like BFA in Acting or MFA in Directing pave paths to academia or professional stages. Explore Rate My Professor to find inspiring instructors at top schools. Graduates pursue roles from community college adjuncts to Ivy League professors, with median earnings climbing to $92,000 for full professors per 2023 AAUP data.
Professors enjoy prestige in fields like experimental theater or contemporary dance, though fringe niches like circus arts at Minnesota State University Mankato or puppetry at University of Connecticut offer quirky entry points. Salaries average $83,120 for postsecondary fine arts teachers (BLS 2023), boosted in locales like New York City. Dive into detailed professor salaries by role and region. Trends show rising demand for diverse faculty amid post-pandemic hybrid performances.
What to Study: Key Degrees for Performing Arts Careers
Students targeting faculty roles start with bachelor's in theater, dance, or music performance, advancing to MFAs or PhDs. Niche programs include musical theater at NYU Tisch or devised theater at Brown University. Use higher ed career advice to map your path.
- BFA in Dance: Focuses on choreography; leads to college instructor roles.
- MA in Theater Studies: Theory-heavy for lecturer jobs.
- PhD in Performance Studies: Ideal for research universities.
Faculty Job Opportunities and Trends
Performing arts departments seek innovative leaders for roles in faculty jobs, lecturer jobs, and adjunct professor jobs. Demand surges in urban hubs; check New York or Los Angeles listings. A 2024 MLA report notes 15% growth in humanities hires, with performing arts leading due to experiential learning trends.
Fringe quirk: Colorado College's Block Plan immerses students in intensive performing arts blocks, attracting faculty for short-term innovations. Rate dance faculty via Rate My Professor.
Professor Salaries and Earnings
Earnings vary: assistant professors average $75,000, full professors $110,000+ (AAUP 2023). Urban premiums apply—NYC roles hit $120,000. Compare via Professor Salaries and University Salaries.
| Role | Median Salary (2023) | Top Location |
|---|---|---|
| Adjunct | $45,000 | Community Colleges |
| Assistant Professor | $75,000 | NYC |
| Full Professor | $110,000 | Ivy League |
Source: BLS/AAUP. Theater professors rate highly—see Rate My Professor for prestige insights.
Career Paths and Prestige
From student to star professor: alumni like Lin-Manuel Miranda (Wesleyan) highlight paths. Prestige peaks at Juilliard or Yale School of Drama faculty spots. Job seekers, leverage free resume templates for applications.
Associations for Performing Arts
International Society for the Performing Arts
A global network dedicated to connecting performing arts leaders to advance the field through collaboration, innovation, and advocacy.
Actors' Equity Association
A labor union representing professional actors and stage managers in live theatre across the United States.
International Theatre Institute
An international organization under UNESCO promoting exchange, collaboration, and understanding in the performing arts worldwide.
Society of London Theatre
An organization representing producers, theatre owners, and managers of major theatres in London to promote and protect the theatre industry.
Dance/USA
A national service organization advocating for the advancement of professional dance through research, advocacy, and community building in the United States.
European Theatre Convention
A network of public theatres across Europe fostering contemporary theatrical creation, international collaboration, and cultural exchange.
Ausdance
The national advocacy body for dance in Australia, supporting the development, education, and promotion of dance practices nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
🎓What qualifications are needed for performing arts professor jobs?
Typically, an MFA or PhD in theater, dance, or music performance, plus professional experience. Check Rate My Professor for standout faculty profiles.
💰What is the average salary for performing arts faculty?
Median $83,120 (BLS 2023), up to $120K in NYC. Explore details at Professor Salaries by rank and location.
🎭What degrees should students pursue in performing arts?
BFA/BA for entry, MFA/PhD for faculty. Top paths: acting at Carnegie Mellon. Get career advice.
📈What are current trends in performing arts jobs?
15% growth in diverse hires; hybrid performances post-2020. Browse faculty jobs.
🤹What unique performing arts programs exist?
Fringe gems: circus arts at Minnesota State, puppetry at UConn. Rate instructors via Rate My Professor.
⭐How prestigious are performing arts faculty roles?
High at Juilliard or Yale; alumni influence Broadway. See university rankings.
🗺️Best locations for performing arts academia?
NYC, LA, Chicago. Search New York jobs on AcademicJobs.com.
🚀Career paths from student to professor?
Degree, adjunct, tenure-track. Use cover letter templates for applications.
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