The Fine Arts Division of the Seaver College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences at Pepperdine University seeks a theatre faculty member with strong experience in two of the following areas: acting, directing, and/or musical theatre choreography, for a tenure-track faculty position beginning August 1, 2026. This faculty member will teach classes in their primary area(s), as well as theatre courses in the general education curriculum. They will also direct in our mainstage season. As a member of the Theatre Program, they will participate in recruiting, academic advising, and program administration/assessment.

While developing and maintaining a regional and national reputation as a practitioner/teacher, the successful candidate will show a clear artistic and scholarly agenda and be able to articulate how those goals serve the mission of a liberal arts theatre program. The exceptional candidate will show an ability to prepare and teach students in a manner that reflects the diverse range of theatrical opportunities of the 21st century. As teaching is our foremost emphasis at Seaver College, candidates should also demonstrate exceptional interest and effectiveness in mentoring undergraduate students.

Successful candidates will demonstrate an active commitment to Pepperdine University's Christian mission and the mission of Seaver College. 

Please submit all application materials at https://apply.interfolio.com/171060.

Qualified individuals should be able to show respect for workplace differences, and have the ability to work effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

Offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a criminal, education, and employment screening. The University conducts such screenings in compliance with applicable laws and with the objectives of evaluating risk and supporting a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and guests; safeguarding key University assets including people, property, information, and the University’s reputation; and providing comprehensive job-related information to University leaders to enable them to make prudent hiring decisions. Individuals will be required to disclose criminal convictions on a designated form after receiving a conditional offer of employment; failure to disclose accurate information may result in withdrawal of the offer or termination of employment. Qualified individuals with criminal histories will be considered for employment in compliance with applicable laws, including the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance.

This is a Full-Time, Exempt, 40 hour per week position.

Expected Pay Range: $90,174 - $96,257 per year

The above pay range reflects what Pepperdine University reasonably expects to pay for this position at time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on relevant factors such as work experience, market conditions, education/training, and skill level. In addition to base pay, Pepperdine offers a robust and highly competitive benefits package.

Pepperdine is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of any status or condition protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Application Instructions:

Review of candidates' files will begin September 15, 2025 and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. 

To apply, please submit the following materials via this link:

• Letter of application
• Curriculum vitae
• Names and contact information for three references: These should be the same individuals who will provide a Confidential Letter of Recommendation or Evaluation if you proceed with the interview process.
• Transcripts of all graduate work. (Unofficial copies are acceptable for the application; however, official transcripts may be required for selected applicants.)
• Personal Statement. Reflect on Pepperdine’s Christian mission and address your pattern of support for generally accepted Christian values and the University’s mission, your active participation in a faith community, and your practice or vision for integrating faith and learning in the classroom. 
• [Confidential Letter of Recommendation or Evaluation] Once selected for preliminary interviews: Three current letters of reference. All letters should be specific to the position and completed within one year prior to the date of submission. The name and email address for each individual providing a letter of recommendation is required when submitting an application.
• [Teaching statement] Once selected for preliminary interviews: Teaching statement. Please reflect on your values, beliefs, and goals regarding the teaching and learning process and any pedagogical practices used or envisioned to achieve these goals. Two to three pages maximum length.
• [Research Statement] Once selected for preliminary interviews: Research Statement. Outline your short- and long-term objectives and goals for your research and/or creative activities. Please reflect on currently published or presented work(s) as a foundation for the statement. Two to three pages maximum length.

Additional Requests:

• A copy of your artistic resume, if different from your academic resume.
• A link to your professional, artistic website (if applicable).
• A portfolio of supplemental materials, including production images, choreography videos, etc., that provide greater insight into your creative process.

For more information, please contact the chairperson of the search committee: 

Professor Hollace Starr (hollace.starr@pepperdine.edu)
Fine Arts Division, Pepperdine University
24255 Pacific Coast Highway
Malibu, CA 90263