"Assistant Professor, Theatre"

Job Details

Established in 1844, Saint Mary’s College was founded and is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross. Saint Mary’s College is a liberal arts college for women, with a strong commitment to the education of undergraduate women, and graduate women and men. As a Catholic institution of higher learning, the College is also committed to creating and maintaining an environment that respects the human dignity and civil rights of all persons. All faith traditions are welcome among our administrators, faculty, staff, and students.

The Saint Mary’s College Department of Communication Studies, Dance, and Theatre invites applications for a tenure-track position in the Theatre program, beginning in Fall 2026.

Saint Mary’s College is a liberal arts institution with a rich appreciation for the fine and performing arts in all forms. The Department of Communication Studies, Dance, and Theatre at Saint Mary’s houses the programs in Dance, Theatre and Communication Studies. The Program in Theatre offers a generalist Bachelor of Arts in Theatre as well as four minors: Fashion and Costume, Musical Theatre, Performance, and Production (theatre technology). The Theatre Program is also home to the Margaret Hill Endowed Visiting Artist Series, which organizes and supports special programming such as intensive workshops, performances, and lectures from guest artists, as well as opportunities for guests to work with students and faculty for productions.

The Theatre Program at Saint Mary’s College is highly collaborative among faculty and students. It provides a welcoming environment, and more than 10% of the student body participates annually in onstage, backstage, and other leadership and support roles. The Theatre Program works closely with the Program in Dance and the Music Department, with shared performance spaces, collaborative events, and the technical and design staff serving all academic performing arts.

Teaching, Research, and Service Expectations:

• The standard teaching load is 3/3. Teaching responsibilities will include Introduction to Acting and Introduction to Directing along with courses from among the following: Advanced Acting, Musical Theatre Appreciation, Musical Theatre Performance, and Play Analysis. These required course offerings are taught in rotation with Theatre faculty. Faculty also have the opportunity to develop specialized courses.
• Direction of one main stage show per academic year equivalent to a course release
• Primary advising of the student senior comprehensive (capstone project)
• A line of scholarly and/or creative work pertinent to the candidate’s area of interest
• Program and College service will be required

Qualifications:

• Terminal degree (Ph.D. or MFA) in Theatre Literature and Criticism, Theatre History, Acting, Directing, or related areas. Applicants completing their terminal degree within one year of appointment will be considered.
• Experience in directing both intimate and large-scale productions, including musicals
• Ability to teach Introduction to Acting and Introduction to Directing

For the initial application, please submit the following materials:

• Curriculum Vitae
• Letter of application that conveys your relevant experience and your interest in working at a Catholic, justice-oriented, women’s, liberal arts college
• Statement of teaching philosophy that addresses your commitment to fostering an inclusive classroom environment, considering students from a broad variety of backgrounds and learning styles
• A list of three references. Letters of reference will be solicited from listed referrers after initial review

Questions may be directed to Colleen Fitzpatrick, Chair, Search Committee, at cfitzpat@saintmarys.edu. All materials should be submitted through Saint Mary’s College’s hiring portal (Careers.SaintMarys.edu) by January 5th, 2026.

Saint Mary’s College is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In keeping with the College’s mission, the College seeks applicants who share a commitment to creating and maintaining an environment that respects the human dignity and civil rights of all persons. You can find our Equal Opportunity Employment Statement at https://www.saintmarys.edu/files/2024/10/Equal%20Opportunity%20In%20Employment%20Policy%20October%202024.pdf

Organization

Saint Mary’s undergraduate liberal arts education empowers women to explore, lead, take intellectual risks, and prepare to change the world. Its graduate programs elevate women and men alike to a higher plane of involvement in select professional programs.

The College

Located in Notre Dame, Indiana, just north of South Bend and across the street from the University of Notre Dame, Saint Mary's College is sponsored by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, who founded the College in 1844. Traditionally a women’s college, Saint Mary’s began admitting men into its graduate programs in 2015.

The campus

Our suburban campus includes 100 acres of trees, gardens, and manicured lawns, historic buildings, and technologically advanced classrooms beside the Saint Joseph River. Across the street, the University of Notre Dame expands the opportunities for Saint Mary’s students, who can attend Notre Dame classes and sporting events, and participate in sports, clubs, and organizations at Notre Dame. Faculty may also avail themselves of the library resources of the university and other area colleges.

The students

There are approximately 1,500 undergraduate students who come from 42 states and 17 other countries. Approximately 90 percent of undergraduate students live on campus and are guaranteed housing all four years. Two graduate programs are offered in a hybrid delivery mode, with most course work online and periodic campus visits, while the other two graduate programs are offered on campus.

The education

We have six nationally accredited programs and more than 30 majors to help you pursue a meaningful career and make a difference in the world. Saint Mary's also has four graduate programs.

The faculty

Our faculty consists of top scholars who are recognized for excellence in their fields of study. All of our classes are taught by faculty, not teaching assistants. All students enjoy close working relationships with professors in classes averaging 15 students and a student/faculty ratio of 10:1.

Hands-on learning

Approximately 50 percent of 2019 undergraduates studied abroad in Australia, Austria, France, India, Ireland, Italy, South Africa, Spain, and other countries. Our focus on hands-on learning takes students into the field for course work and professional internships, available through numerous sources. Our commitment to service is demonstrated by student involvement. Roughly two-thirds of Saint Mary’s seniors volunteer annually.

Student life

Students lead more than 60 organizations on campus, including campus publications, fine arts clubs, community service groups, and social and professional organizations. Students are empowered to make key decisions regarding Saint Mary’s social, education, spiritual, and service opportunities through the Student Government Association.

Athletics

We have eight NCAA Division III varsity athletic teams and a wide range of club and intramural sports available to Saint Mary’s students through both Saint Mary’s College and the University of Notre Dame.

Financial aid

More than 90 percent of Saint Mary’s undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid, totaling more than $25 million in institutional grants and scholarships. Graduate students are able to use the Office of Financial Aid for help to defray their professional education.

Graduates

Fifty percent of Saint Mary’s recent alumnae have careers in business and industry, education, and health/medical services. Thirty percent attend graduate or professional school immediately upon graduation. Saint Mary’s College ranks in the top quartile of the 100 liberal arts colleges whose graduates earn the research-oriented Ph.D. More than 95 percent of seniors report being satisfied with their educational experience at Saint Mary's College.

Company info

Website: http://www.saintmarys.edu/

Telephone: 574-284-4575

Location: Saint Mary's College

135 Le Mans Hall

Notre Dame

IN

46556

US