Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre
Department: Performing Arts
Position Type: Full-Time, Non-Tenure-Track (One-Year Visiting Appointment, with possibility of renewal)
Start Date: September 2026
Application Deadline: Review of applications begins immediately and continues until the position is filled
Position Summary
The Performing Arts Department invites applications for a one-year Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre position beginning in Fall 2026. We seek a versatile theatre artist-scholar who can teach across our undergraduate curriculum, mentor students in production work, and contribute to the department's creative and intellectual community. This is a full-time teaching position with production responsibilities.
Responsibilities
- Teach undergraduate courses in the successful candidate's area(s) of specialization (e.g., acting, directing, theatre history and literature, and design/technical theatre)
- Advise and mentor students on department productions in a design, directing, dramaturgy, or performance capacity, depending on expertise
- Attend and participate in department meetings, auditions, and production meetings as appropriate
- Advise undergraduate students on academic and artistic development
- Contribute to departmental initiatives in curriculum development, recruitment, or community engagement as opportunities arise
Required Qualifications
- MFA or equivalent terminal degree or experience in Theatre, Performance Studies, or a closely related field
- Demonstrated excellence in teaching at the undergraduate level
- Active record of professional or creative work in theatre (directing, performance, design, playwriting, or related practice)
- Ability to teach effectively across a range of student experience levels
- Strong communication, collaboration, and mentorship skills
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience teaching diverse student populations
- Interest or experience in devised theatre, new play development, or interdisciplinary performance
- Familiarity with production management or technical theatre
- Evidence of scholarly or creative research agenda
- Experience advising student organizations or co-curricular activities
Application Process
To apply, please submit the following materials electronically:
- Cover letter addressing qualifications and interest
- Curriculum vitae
- Contact information for three professional references
Missouri Southern State University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages
applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans.
Skills Required
- MFA or equivalent terminal degree or experience in Theatre, Performance Studies, or a closely related field
- Demonstrated excellence in teaching at the undergraduate level
- Active record of professional or creative work in theatre, including directing, performance, design, playwriting, or related practice
- Ability to teach effectively across a range of student experience levels
- Strong communication, collaboration, and mentorship skills
- Experience teaching diverse student populations
- Interest or experience in devised theatre, new play development, or interdisciplinary performance
- Familiarity with production management or technical theatre
- Evidence of scholarly or creative research agenda
- Experience advising student organizations or co-curricular activities
What We Do
Missouri Southern State University (MSSU) is a public university in Joplin, Missouri, dedicated to educating and graduating knowledgeable, responsible, successful global citizens. It offers higher education programs and prepares students to participate actively in a global society. Founded in 1937, the institution has grown alongside the Joplin community and serves as a comprehensive regional university through academic learning, exploration, and engagement.
