"Assistant Professor of Theatre, Acting (1602)"

Job Description

The Idaho State University Department of Theatre and Dance, part of the School of Performing Arts in the College of Arts and Letters, invites applicants for a 9-month, tenure-track position in acting beginning in August of 2026. We are seeking a candidate who demonstrates a strong commitment to undergraduate education and collaborative creation.

As a college, we pride ourselves on being a community of scholars who make meaningful, professional contributions to our disciplines, departments, university, and community. This includes being passionate about providing outstanding learning opportunities for our students, many of whom are first-generation college students from Idaho and surrounding regions. We also pride ourselves on our commitment to working collaboratively with others to achieve university goals to meet our collective mission. Our goal in the College of Arts and Letters is to work together in putting students first, and we expect all our faculty to embrace this core value.

The Department of Theatre and Dance at Idaho State University is guided by a vision to grow a family of artists who inspire empathy and engage our world. Our mission is to cultivate a community of artists by offering a comprehensive range of opportunities that promote individual growth and collaborative thought. We look forward to expanding these efforts and are excited to welcome new people, ideas, and experiences into our spaces.

Candidates must demonstrate a pedagogical and professional profile. A completed Master of Fine Arts degree is required. The ideal candidate will be versed in a variety of acting, movement, and vocal techniques, including experience teaching musical theatre and choreography for the stage.

Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities include teaching courses in acting at all levels, voice and dialects, movement for the stage, and other courses based on areas of study, skill sets, and professional/artistic interests. The candidate will direct 1-2 main-stage productions per year and mentor students in performance and directing projects. Directing load includes evening rehearsals, weekly design and production meetings, weekend attendance to technical rehearsals, and addressing the public for publicity. The typical instructional workload for this position is the equivalent of 9 credit hours per semester (including teaching, mentoring, and directing). Additional responsibilities include:

• Contributing to the advancement and growth of the Theatre program.
• Assisting in student recruitment, advising, and other service related activities.
• Maintaining an active professional profile through performance and/or scholarly and creative activity.
• Collaborating with the Idaho State University Department of Theatre and Music on regularly occurring theatrical, musical, and opera productions.

Preferred and Required Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Master of Fine Arts degree in Theatre, Acting/Performance.
• Evidence of successful teaching at the university level.
• Evidence of professional acting.
• Evidence of choreographing and/or directing musical theatre.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant professional acting and/or directing experience, both musicals and straight plays.
• Experience teaching advanced acting, voice and dialects, and movement.
• Experience or advanced training in choreography, stage combat, or other areas of specialization.

Additional Information

You must submit your CV/resume, cover letter, link to your digital portfolio, philosophy of teaching statement, and list of three (3) professional references, including current contact information. This position will remain open until it is filled; however, priority consideration will be given to applications received on or before November 9, 2025. Salary will be between $58,000 to $62,000 per year, commensurate with education and experience. Benefits include comprehensive health, dental, and vision; life insurance; disability plan; employee assistance program (EAP); excellent retirement options and company contribution; and generous paid time off/sick leave accrual. All offers of employment are conditional pending the successful completion of a background investigation, provided by HireRight.

Note: For answers to additional questions, please review our frequently asked questions.

Idaho State University is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, including Veterans and individuals with disabilities.

The State of Idaho is committed to access and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request. If you require an accommodation at any step in our recruitment process, you are encouraged to contact (208) 334-2263 (TTY/TTD: 711), or email ada.coordinator@dhr.idaho.gov.