"Assistant Professor - Theater and Dance"

Assistant Professor - Theater and Dance

Austin Peay State University is seeking a qualified theatrical practitioner in the Department of Theatre and Dance to begin on August 1, 2026, on a 9-month contract reporting to the Chair of the Dept. of Theatre of Dance. The full-time faculty position will be tenure-track at the level of Assistant Professor.

The Department of Theatre and Dance at Austin Peay State University is a growing program that offers a BFA with established concentrations in Acting, Design, Musical Theatre, a new Stage Management BFA, and a BA with concentrations in Theatre and Dance. Minors in Theatre and Dance are popular choices for many students. Our performance spaces include an intimate proscenium theatre seating just under 200, a convertible Laboratory Theatre space that can be used as a thrust stage, in the round, or an alley, and a recording studio with VO, cast recording, green screen, and mocap capabilities. The department also has two large dance studios, a drafting lab, a movement lab, and a large rehearsal hall. Theatre and Dance are integral parts of the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts (www.apsu.edu/creativearts). A long-established, state-funded initiative, APSU's Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts, is designed to enhance the cultural environment of the university, community, and region through a diverse range of imaginative arts experiences.

The APSU Department of Theatre and Dance produces a season of five shows, and this position will be integral in the mounting of these productions. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to teach and mentor students in classes, final performances, and capstones, and participate in the vibrant department performance culture. Release time is offered for the design productions.

We are looking for someone with a wide range of theatrical experience; however, special consideration will be given to candidates with expertise in stage management and lighting.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Teach four classes (twelve credit hours) with a three-credit-hour release for administrative work.
• Participating in curriculum development and continual assessment of BFA and BA concentrations.
• Advise and mentor students effectively throughout their time in the program and help majors persist toward graduation.
• Show a commitment to continued recruiting efforts as the program continues to grow.
• Design productions in the Theatre & Dance season.
• Serve on elected and appointed committees and accept other duties as assigned by the chair.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of contemporary entertainment industry practices

Physical Requirements

• Exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally

Required Minimum Qualifications

• MFA, or terminal degree, in an entertainment industry-related field
• A minimum of two years of experience in university teaching
• A record of recent professional work in the entertainment industry
• A background search will be required of the successful applicant

Austin Peay State University is a four-year public, doctoral-level university, with six colleges and four Chairs of Excellence. The University has an enrollment of over 10,000 students and is located in Clarksville, Tennessee, a community of an estimated 150,287 people located approximately 40 miles northwest of Nashville, TN.