"Theatre Assistant Professor - Acting | Tenure Track for Fall 2026 I02425"

Job Details

Posting Details

Position Details

Posting Number
I02425

Classification Title
Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Theatre - Acting I02425

Working Title
Theatre Assistant Professor - Acting | Tenure Track for Fall 2026 I02425

Employee Group
Faculty

Bargaining Unit
APSCUF

Location
Main Campus

Department
Theatre

Employment Type
Regular FT

Work Schedule
Evening/weekend hours will be necessary during rehearsals, tech/dress rehearsals, performances, and for department/university/recruitment events.

Position Summary

POSITION: Assistant Professor of Acting, Full Time – Tenure Track
DEPARTMENT: Department of Theatre, College of Liberal Arts, Slippery Rock University.
SUMMARY: The SRU Theatre Department is seeking a dynamic, innovative, and motivated theatre artist and scholar to fill a new, full-time, tenure-track faculty position to begin Fall 2026. This position will lead the continued development and execution of the BFA Acting program; teach several specialized BFA technique courses; and direct at least one production a year in our $31 million+ newly-renovated performance facilities.
The Theatre Department at SRU is a well-established undergraduate program offering a BFA degree in Acting (with concentrations in Musical Theatre and Acting) as well as BA degrees in Acting, Theatre Arts Management, Design & Technology, and Theatre Studies. Our department focuses on producing contemporary and new work as well as boldly inventive adaptations of classics. We are also focused on cultivating authentic, unique artists who are resilient and prepared for the theatre of tomorrow. To support our community we practice the principles of TIE and boundary work—honoring and respecting boundaries in all spaces: classroom, creative, and community.
The candidate will be expected to assume a prominent leadership role in the successful development and continuing implementation of the new BFA Acting concentration, including extensive recruitment responsibilities, curricular development, mentoring of students, and advancing the visibility and reputation of the department and university.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Teaching responsibilities: 3-4 courses per semester.
Course rotation WILL include Acting 1 (for BFA Acting students), Movement for the Actor, Acting for Camera I & II, Scene Study/Advanced Scene Study
Course rotation MAY include (as applicant’s abilities and schedule allow) Senior Showcase, Auditioning, Acting Shakespeare, Voice for the Actor, Meisner Technique, Stage Combat, IPA /Dialects, Fundamentals of Acting (non-major acting course, and Art of Theatre (large general education course)
Additional Responsibilities will include: directing 1-2 mainstage productions per year; participation in the development and leadership of the BFA Acting concentration; recruitment, advising, continuing professional development, service to the department, college and university.
The information above describes the general nature of the job duties of this position. This position may be assigned other duties, and the essential functions may be adjusted as necessary.

APPOINTMENT:
Assistant Professor level to begin August 2026.

ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY:
Slippery Rock University, founded in 1889, is a member of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education. The University is shaped by its normal school heritage and characterized by its commitment to intellectual development, leadership and civic responsibility. SRU provides students with a comprehensive learning experience that intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced educational and learning opportunities that will help them succeed in their lives, professional careers and be engaged citizens.
Slippery Rock University is a four-year, public, coeducational, comprehensive university offering a broad array of undergraduate and select graduate programs to more than 8,200 students. The University has earned full institutional accreditation through the Middle State Commission on Higher Learning and discipline specific accreditations.
Located in the rolling hills of western Pennsylvania, the 660-acre campus is less than an hour north of Pittsburgh, one hour south of Erie, and 45 minutes east of Youngstown, Ohio. Two major highways, I-79 and I-80, intersect with seven miles of the University, conveniently linking it to the entire Commonwealth and its contiguous regions.
The campus is situated in the borough of Slippery Rock in Butler County, Pennsylvania, a safe and friendly community of approximately 3,000 people.
Background investigation required for employment. Slippery Rock University is a member of the PA State System of Higher Education and is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Visit our web page at www.sru.edu.

Minimum Qualifications

Terminal degree ( MFA or PhD) in Acting, Directing, Musical Theatre, or appropriately related theatre discipline completed by August 1, 2026
Evidence of a body of work as a professional actor
Evidence of experience teaching at the post-secondary level
Evidence of previous training/experience in, and the ability to teach:

• Movement for the Actor
• Acting for Camera I & II
• Acting Techniques such as Meisner, Global Majority Acting Techniques, Chekhov, Viewpoints, etc.
• Fundamentals of Acting/Acting I

Evidence of the ability to direct theatrical productions
Evidence of a commitment to the education of diverse populations
Experience with community engagement and/or service.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred qualifications:

• At least three year’s successful post-secondary level teaching experience;
• Experience recruiting, developing curriculum and/or leading a BFA Acting Program;
• A broad knowledge of acting and directing techniques (including global majority theatrical traditions);
• Incorporation of global-majority best-practices in teaching;
• Experience teaching IPA /Dialects;
• Experience incorporating TIE and Boundary work into teaching practice;
• Excellent communication and organizational skills;
• Experience advising and mentoring students;
• Established, or potential for, collaborations with regional and/or national professional theatre companies
• Commitment to scholarly growth and University service
• Experience directing musical theatre.

Special Instructions to Applicants

All applicants must upload a current c.v., cover letter, a statement of teaching philosophy (not to exceed one page in length), a statement detailing the candidate’s personal history and experience with inclusive practices in the classroom (not to exceed one page, it may include discussion of identity and belonging, cultivation of community, boundary/consent/wellness practice, and developing student resilience, etc.—to be uploaded under “other document” in the portal), and copies of either official or unofficial transcripts. Official transcripts will be required of the final candidate hired, prior to appointment.
As part of the CV, applicants must supply complete contact information (email, phone, and institutional affiliation) for at least three professional references, with the applicant’s relationship to each clearly identified.
Applicants may provide additional documents such as: evidence of successful teaching, syllabi and teaching materials, and links/URLs to professional websites. If submitted, weblinks should be submitted either as a PDF or as a URL (with any necessary instructions to allow access) using the “Portfolio” tab under Optional Documents.
Recommended candidates will be required to complete a criminal background check, including Act 34 Background Check and Act 151 (Child Abuse) Background Check and Federal Criminal ( FBI ) clearance prior to appointment.
Full consideration will be given to applications received by December 26, 2025.

Applicant Documents
Required Documents
1. Curriculum Vitae
2. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
3. Teaching Philosophy
4. Unofficial Transcripts
5. Other Document
Optional Documents
1. Unofficial Transcripts 2
2. Unofficial Transcripts 3
3. Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness (e.g. peer reviews, student evaluations, honors and awards, etc.)
4. Sample Syllabus and Class Assignments
5. Portfolio