"Faculty - Assistant Professor of Theatre Directing"

Position Announcement

The Utah Valley University School of the Arts invites applications for a Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Directing to join our core undergraduate faculty in the Department of Theatrical Arts for Stage and Screen to begin August 2026. The successful candidate will be a dynamic and skilled pedagogue able to teach and mentor various levels of Directing with students in all areas including BSED, BA, BS, and BFA, with an additional secondary area in New Play Development, Devising, Acting, or Theatre History.

The Department of Theatrical Arts for Stage and Screen offers BFA emphases in Acting, Musical Theatre, and Design/Technology, as well as BA and AA degrees in theatre and a BS in Theatre Education. Located in picturesque Orem, UT, at the base of the Wasatch Mountains and just south of cultural and recreational hubs Salt Lake City, Park City, and Sundance, Utah Valley University is a rapidly expanding, dual-mission teaching university and the largest institution of higher education in Utah.

The School of the Arts has over 1700 students enrolled in over 20 programs, making it one of the largest art schools/colleges in the state. In March 2019, the School of the Arts celebrated the ribbon cutting on the new Noorda Center for the Performing Arts, which houses academic performance seasons and presents a professional performing arts series. The Noorda Center has hosted guests such as Bernadette Peters, Audra McDonald, Jason Alexander, Renee Elise Goldsberry, Utah Symphony, and others.

UVU provides accessible, welcoming, and unique learning experiences and resources for students of all backgrounds. The Theatre Department consists of over 250 undergraduate students. The Theatre faculty is composed of collaborative artists who work together to provide a variety of experiences and a broad and multi-faceted understanding of theatre, entertainment industries, and the world. The candidate is expected to demonstrate a commitment to UVU's mission, providing excellence in teaching, effectively engaging students from varied backgrounds, and fostering respectful, accessible learning environments.

Summary of Responsibilities

• Teaches assigned courses in the field of Directing and secondary areas. This includes teaching a directing curriculum which consists of multiple levels of directing courses and directing productions within the department. Responsible for mentoring student directed productions. Required to direct a Main Stage production on a regular recurring rotation. Prepares and follows an approved course of study with measurable objectives. Prepares instructional materials such as course outlines, syllabi, exams, audio/visual aids, and other instructional materials as necessary. Instructs, manages and supervises individuals and groups in the classroom and studio by the following methods: demonstration, discussion, visual aids, audio aids, video-conference, and field trip/community engagement. Evaluates instruction and learning by means of written, oral, practical, and performance tests. Maintains a student-oriented and engaged approach to education. Maintains and submits accurate and current reports and records regarding student grades, attendance, accountability, and follow up. Establishes and maintains office hours and advises students during this time and at other times as needed; assists advisors, department chairperson, faculty, and department staff in maintaining an effective program, including curriculum development. Aids students with preparation for Grad School and professional interviews.
• Devotes time to creative/scholarly/professional activities. Improves professionally and maintains currency in the courses taught by reading and utilizing materials found in theatrical and professional publications. Keeps abreast of new performance development trends, and techniques through participation in workshop seminars, actual work experience, and exchange programs with business and industry to maintain skills and knowledge.
• Devotes time to service on committees for the Theatre Department, the School of the Arts, and the University.
• Performs other job related duties as assigned.

Qualifications / Licenses / Certifications

MFA or equivalent terminal degree in Directing or a related field.

Preferred Qualifications:

• University teaching experience.
• Directing experience.
• Secondary expertise in one or more of the following: New Play Development, Acting, Devising, Intro to Theater, or Theater History.
• Experience with student recruitment.
• Experience with engaged learning opportunities (such as study abroad programming).

Knowledge / Skills / Abilities

Knowledge

• Knowledge of current instructional theory, methods, strategies, and techniques.
• Knowledge in student management, motivation, and evaluation techniques.
• Knowledge of current industry practices, including AI.

Skills

• Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills;
• Excellent Communication skills.
• Skills in interpersonal relationships, problem-solving, and decision-making.

Abilities

• Ability to teach and mentor multiple levels of directing.
• Ability to adapt teaching to the needs of students of differing backgrounds and abilities.
• Ability to relate well with students and colleagues.
• Ability to evaluate student work effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to teach face-to-face and online courses.

EEO Statement: UVU employment decisions are made on the basis of an applicant's qualifications and ability to perform the job without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age (40 and over), disability, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, or other bases protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.