"Assistant Professor of Theatre: Acting, Directing, or Musical Theatre"

The Fine Arts Division of the Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences at Pepperdine University seeks a theatre faculty member with strong experience in two of the following areas: acting, directing, and/or musical theatre choreography, for a tenure-track faculty position beginning August 1, 2026. This faculty member will teach classes in their primary area(s), as well as theatre courses in the general education curriculum. They will also direct in our mainstage season. As a member of the Theatre Program, they will participate in recruiting, academic advising, and program administration/assessment.

While developing and maintaining a regional and national reputation as a practitioner/teacher, the successful candidate will show a clear artistic and scholarly agenda and be able to articulate how those goals serve the mission of a liberal arts theatre program. The exceptional candidate will show an ability to prepare and teach students in a manner that reflects the diverse range of theatrical opportunities of the 21st century. As teaching is our foremost emphasis at Seaver College, candidates should also demonstrate exceptional interest and effectiveness in mentoring undergraduate students.

MFA or equivalent in Acting, Directing, and/or Musical Theatre, required. We encourage applicants to highlight their area(s) of specialization, such as fight choreography, intimacy coordination, Michael Chekhov technique, Viewpoints, clown, mask, dance styles, etc.

Successful candidates will demonstrate an active commitment to Pepperdine University's Christian mission and the mission of Seaver College.

The salary for this appointment will range from $90,174 to $96,257 and reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this faculty appointment. Actual salary may vary based on the qualifications and experience of the applicant, as well as market conditions. In addition to salary, Pepperdine offers a robust suite of employee benefits.

Click [Apply] at the top or bottom of this page to apply now or visit Pepperdine University Careers for additional information.

Review of candidates' files will begin September 15, 2025 and applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds. Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.

Contact:

Professor Hollace Starr (hollace.starr@pepperdine.edu)

Chair, Search Committee

Fine Arts Division, Pepperdine University

24255 Pacific Coast Highway

Malibu, CA 90263