Assistant Professor– Theatre History and Dramatic Literature

JOB TITLE:   

Assistant Professor – Theatre History and Dramatic Literature

JOB PURPOSE:   

The University of Wyoming Department of Theatre and Dance welcomes applications for a full-time, benefited, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Theatre History and Dramatic Literature beginning August 2025. We seek a research scholar who will contribute their expertise in collaborative modalities and settings. This individual will have a demonstrated ability to teach Dramatic Literature, Theatre History, and courses that make up the Theatre and Dance undergraduate core curriculum. Ability to teach in the Acting Performance area and a record of active scholarship, publication, and professional development are desired. Candidates should also be able to engage collaboratively with department members to shape the future of the Department of Theatre and Dance through curriculum development and self-governance. 

This position supports all major degrees in the department and supports students in their goals to work in the public sector or pursue postgraduate education. In addition to interdisciplinary opportunities, UW offers students and faculty alike the support to work closely with the American Heritage Center’s archival collection and the Neltje Center for Excellence in Creativity and the Arts. 

The UW Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts, home to the Department of Theatre and Dance and Department of Music, provides generous space for undergraduate scholarship and studio practice. The Theatre and Dance spaces feature a 388-seat proscenium theatre, 250-seat thrust theatre, a flexible black box theatre, lecture classroom, two theatre studios, two dance studios, musical theatre classroom, design studio, costume and production shops, and storage. The department offers a Bachelor of Art in Theatre and Dance, Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre and Dance with concentrations in Acting Performance, Dance, Dance Science, Design, Production, and Management, Musical Theatre Performance, and Theatre/English, and a variety of related minors. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  

• Teach a 2/3 course load for the academic year, which may include Theatre History, Dramatic Literature, Text Analysis, Directing, Introduction to Performance Studies, and Introduction to Theatre, TV and Film, as well as other areas of expertise in tandem with the department’s undergraduate core curriculum
• Maintain active scholarly research and professional development at regional and national levels 
• Serve as mentor to major and minor students in the department 
• Provide service to the department, college, and university 
• Maintain high standards of quality in teaching and creative activity/research
• Work with colleagues to develop an evolving dramatic literature, theatre history, and departmental core curriculum
• Work productively and collaboratively with production teams to develop and implement ideas as part of the production process; creative activity/research on production may include dramaturgy and other roles based on candidate’s areas of expertise
• Successful candidates must be available, willing, and able to work evenings and weekends based on the production schedule.

REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY: 

This position provides vital support to campus customers and requires the successful candidate be available to work on campus.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Candidates must have a Ph.D. in Theatre History, Dramatic Literature, Dramaturgy, Dramatic Criticism, Theatre and Performance Studies, Interdisciplinary Theatre Studies, or related Theatre History disciplines at the time of appointment. 
• Minimum one-year university or college level teaching experience as instructor of record
• Demonstrated ability to teach Western and non-Western theatre history and dramatic literature
• Excellent written communication skills based on application materials 

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:  

• Demonstrated two years or more in teaching at the college and/or university level in theatre history, dramatic literature, or related theatre history disciplines
• Has a clearly defined and ongoing research agenda in theatre history, dramatic literature, and/or related theatre history disciplines 
• Demonstrated history of teaching excellence in a variety of undergraduate courses focused in theatre history, dramatic literature, and/or related theatre history disciplines
• Demonstrated experience or support in professional theatres
• Demonstrated ability to advise, mentor, and support students from a variety of backgrounds and experiences in the classroom and department
• Experience successfully working in a collegial team environment  

REQUIRED MATERIALS:  

For full consideration, applications should be submitted by October 21, 2024.  Applications will be accepted after this date until a suitable candidate is identified. 

• Cover letter, maximum of 3 pages, that briefly outlines a research agenda, teaching philosophy, and how you meet the minimum and, as applicable, the desired qualifications
• Curriculum vitae
• 2-3 Page Writing Sample (e.g., dissertations, journal articles, books, dramatic criticism, etc.)
• Contact information for four work-related references
• Additional materials will be requested for those advancing during the interview process

HIRING STATEMENT:  

UW is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer (UW Reg 4-1). The University does not discriminate in employment or personnel practices on the basis of race, gender, religion, color, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, creed, ancestry, political belief, pregnancy, or any other protected category or participation in any protected activity.  In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please call 307-766-2377 or email jobapps@uwyo.edu.

ABOUT LARAMIE:

The University of Wyoming is located in Laramie, a town of 30,000 in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West. The state of Wyoming continues to invest in its university, helping to make it a leader in academics, research and outreach. The university has state-of-the-art facilities in many areas and the community provides the advantages of a major university.

Located in a high mountain valley near the Colorado border, Laramie offers both outstanding recreational opportunities and close proximity to Colorado’s Front Range, a bustling group of metropolitan cities including Denver, Boulder, and Fort Collins. This beautiful mountain landscape offers outdoor enjoyment in all seasons, with over 300 days of sunshine annually. For more information about the region, please visit http://visitlaramie.org/