"Assistant Professor of Theatre History"

Job Details

Assistant Professor of Theatre History

POSITION SPECIFICS

The School of Theatre in the College of Arts and Architecture at the Pennsylvania State University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Theatre History. Full University Benefits apply. The Penn State School of Theatre is home to multiple undergraduate degrees, including a BA in Theatre, BFA degrees in Acting, Musical Theatre, Design & Technology, and Stage Management, and an MFA in Theatre (with Design, Technology, Music Directing, and Directing emphases). The successful candidate will teach a 3/2 course load, or its equivalent, which may include courses in theatre history, theory, or dramatic literature. They will contribute to the broader curriculum as appropriate and will be expected to maintain an active research and/or creative activity profile that demonstrates ongoing contributions to the field. It is also expected that the faculty member will engage in service activities through participation on committees within the School of Theatre, the College of Arts and Architecture, the University, and the professional community.

The University Park campus is located within State College, Pennsylvania, which was recently ranked number 5 in a ranking of top college towns by the American Institute for Economic Research, and number 15 in a ranking of the Safest College Towns in America by Safewise. Located in a valley in the Appalachian Mountains, in Centre County, Pennsylvania, employment at Penn State offers an incredible opportunity to enjoy the beauty of central Pennsylvania outdoors combined with all the culture, sports, and entertainment a large university community can bring, and is within drivable distance from New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Washington DC.

Required qualifications:

• A Ph.D. in Theatre, Performance Studies, or a related area of study.
• Ability to meaningfully contribute to a nationally recognized Theatre program in the areas of teaching, research/creative activity, and service.
• Experience and interest in teaching undergraduate courses in theatre history (including Theatre History I and II), dramatic literature, script analysis, and performance theory in global contexts.
• Experience or interest in teaching theatre and/or performance studies to general education, BA Theatre Studies, performance BFA, and Design/Tech BFA undergraduate students
• Experience or interest in teaching theatre studies courses to MFA Theatre students focusing in directing, design, or technology.
• Active publication trajectory or record, and/or professional theatre experience.
• Evidence of equitable considerations, awareness, and practice regarding curricula development, inclusive practices in educating all student bodies and working with a multidisciplinary faculty and staff, along with evidence of working collectively to cultivate a culture that supports success and enables all members of a college community to thrive.

Desired Qualifications:

• Experience in the teaching, artistic, and/or research areas in Premodern or Modern global diasporic practices, such as African, Asian, Latina/o/x, and/or Native American/Indigenous/First Nations cultures and methodologies.
• Experience advising and/or mentoring undergraduate and graduate students in research, scholarship, and theatre production.
• Experience with a creative practice such as playwriting, devising, or related form of theatrical creation and collaboration.
• Experience in playwriting.

Application:

Please submit the following:

• Cover Letter (see below)
• Curriculum vitae
• Research Statement (1 page)
• Teaching Philosophy (1 page)
• A list of at least three (3) current references with contact information.

In your cover letter, describe how your academic research, creative activity, pedagogy, and service experience engage with diverse programmatic populations in ways that are inclusive, equitable, and open to all individuals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, or other protected characteristics.

Applications received by October 20, 2025, will receive full consideration; however, the search will continue until the position is filled.

BACKGROUND CHECKS/CLEARANCES

Employment with the University will require successful completion of background check(s) in accordance with University policies.

BENEFITS

Penn State provides a competitive benefits package for full-time employees designed to support both personal and professional wellbeing. In addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, employees enjoy robust retirement plans. One of the standout benefits is the generous 75% tuition discount, available to employees as well as eligible spouses and children.

For more detailed information, please visit our Benefits Page.

EEO IS THE LAW

Penn State is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. If you are unable to use our online application process due to an impairment or disability, please contact 814-865-1473.

The Pennsylvania State University is committed to and accountable for advancing equity, respect, and belonging. We embrace individual uniqueness, as well as a culture of belonging that supports equity initiatives, leverages the educational and institutional benefits of inclusion in society, and provides opportunities for engagement intended to help all members of the community thrive. We value belonging as a core strength and an essential element of the university's teaching, research, and service mission.