"Assistant Professor of Theatre - Musical Theatre"

Job Details

The Wilkes University Division of Performing Arts seeks highly qualified applicants for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Theatre in Musical Theatre, beginning Fall 2026 pending available funding. The Wilkes University Theatre Program offers a BFA in Musical Theatre, a BA in Theatre Arts, and a BFA in Theatre Design and Technology.

Position Summary

The successful candidate will play a key role in developing and expanding the BFA in Musical Theatre program.

Responsibilities include:

• Teaching undergraduate courses in Musical Theatre and Theatre
• Contributing to the production season of four annual mainstage theatre productions, including directing one to two shows per year
• Curriculum development and student mentorship
• Recruitment of prospective students
• Engagement in scholarly and creative activities
• Participation in university and departmental service

Expertise in one or more areas of musical theatre-acting, directing, choreography, and/or voice for the stage-is desirable.

Qualifications

• MFA in Theatre or equivalent terminal degree
• Professional experience in musical theatre
• Directing experience in both professional and university settings
• Successful university or conservatory teaching experience, including student mentorship
• Comprehensive knowledge of the musical theatre canon, including classical, contemporary, and culturally diverse works

Wilkes University is an independent, comprehensive university dedicated to academic excellence in the liberal arts, sciences, and selected professional programs. The University has approximately 2,000 students at the undergraduate level and over 1,500 full time equivalent students at the graduate and first professional levels.

Its institutional focus is on developing strong mentoring relationships with each of its students and contributing vitally to economic development of Northeastern Pennsylvania. The University is located in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, a revitalized city that is located on the lovely Susquehanna River and is within two and one-half hours driving distance of New York City and Philadelphia.

To apply, visit https://wilkesuniversitycareers.applicantpro.com/jobs/.  Please submit the following materials:

• A cover letter highlighting qualifications and interest in the position
• Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Statement that covers teaching interests and philosophy
• Names and contact information of three professional references

Additionally, please arrange to have three letters of reference sent directly from each author to: Jon Liebetrau (jon.liebetrau@wilkes.edu), Chairperson for the Division of Performing Arts.

The position will remain open until filled with preference given to candidates submitting all the required materials by 10 December 2025. Questions about this position can be sent to jon.liebetrau@wilkes.edu. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Wilkes University is constantly seeking to become a more diverse community and to enhance its capacity to value and capitalize on the cultural richness that diversity brings. The University strongly encourages applications from persons with diverse backgrounds. Wilkes University does not discriminate in its employment practices or in its educational programs or activities on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, disability, pregnancy, sex/gender, gender identity and/or expression, sexual orientation, marital or family status, military or veteran status, or genetic information.

Employment at Wilkes is contingent upon the results of a thorough background screening. PA Act 153 requires that persons working in positions with regular and unsupervised contact with minors complete additional clearances, including FBI fingerprinting and PA criminal and child abuse clearances.