VP Area: Theatre School

Department: Theatre School

FLSA Status: Exempt

Benefit Eligibility:  Yes

The School of Theatre at Oklahoma City University invites culturally and academically diverse applicants for a tenure-track Assistant Professor of Theatre beginning January 2025.

OCU is committed to building a diverse and inclusive faculty, staff, and student body. We welcome applications from members of groups traditionally underrepresented in the faculties of higher education institutions. The School of Theatre is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion and are aligned with our university’s overarching vision and mission. Further, we aspire to engage in our work in equitable and inclusive ways, and desire to work with a team member who is committed to our university’s and Office of Diversity and Inclusion’s strategic goals.

Teaching, Scholarship, and Service Requirements

The successful candidate will join our professional artistic community, teach within the school of theatre, and serve as a leader in the BA in Theatre Innovation and Entrepreneurship (BATIE) program. They will teach courses in a flexible, individualized degree program for students interested in becoming directors, dramaturgs, playwrights, teachers, and arts administrators, or who would like to double major in another field of study.

Training for the BA Theatre program centers on tailoring a course of study to the student’s unique interests and goals while building a broad foundation supportive of multi-faceted careers in and outside of the theatre. Duties include teaching core courses in Script Analysis as well as other areas of expertise; serve as a leader in the BATIE program, serve as mentor to students within the BATIE program; assist in forging and maintaining relationships with regional and international partners; collaborating on the annual student capstone.

Positive tenure and promotion decisions require excellent teaching; an exceptional record of creative/scholarly activity in the discipline; strong service contributions to the school, university, and relevant external professional organizations that serve the broader discipline’s communities. The successful candidate is expected to participate in the school's assessment program, and in student recruiting and retention efforts for the school and university.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants with an earned terminal degree in theatre or related discipline (ABD included) will be considered; previous university level teaching experience preferred. Applicants should have significant professional experience as a theatre artist and a passion for teaching and mentoring undergraduate students within a rigorous pre-professional training program. In addition to the ability to provide instruction in Script Analysis, we are seeking applicants with experience in at least two of the following areas: Directing, Producing, Applied Theatre, Dramatic Literature Dramaturgy, Arts Administration and/or Playwriting.

School of Theatre

The School of Theatre offers comprehensive and diverse undergraduate focused programs with tracks in professional, educational, and applied theatre training. At the undergraduate level we offer a BFA in Acting, BFA in Design and Production, and a BA in Theatre Innovation and Entrepreneurship program that has gained a national reputation and has a steady population of over 200 majors. The school also offers a one-of-a-kind MFA in Screen Acting with year-one in Los Angeles and year-two in London. The School of Theatre is a part of the Margaret E. Petree College of Performing Arts which includes the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment and the Wanda L. Bass School of Music. TheatreOCU is the School of Theatre’s producing arm, typically mounting four mainstage and 6-7 lab productions each season. Design and Production also supports the Opera & Musical Theatre program which produces three musicals and three operas each year. The school has partnerships with multiple professional partners including Oklahoma Children’s Theatre, Music Theatre of Wichita, Lyric Theatre, Factor 110, and Oklahoma City Ballet. The Design and Production area has been ranked in the Top 30 College Theatre Design/Tech programs by OnStage Blog for the past two years.

The School of Theatre prepares young theatre artists for a sustainable, professional life. Our faculty inspire undergraduate students in a rigorous, disciplined, and collaborative academic and production environment. Our program is grounded in the philosophy of putting theory into practice from the classroom to the stage to produce creative, culturally aware, and highly effective theatrical artists. More information on our programs and productions can be found at: www.okcu.edu/theatre

About Oklahoma City University

Oklahoma City University was founded in 1904 and is a coeducational, urban, private university located in the Uptown district of Oklahoma City. The university is affiliated with the United Methodist Church and offers a wide variety of degrees in the liberal arts and sciences disciplines. Oklahoma City University is the only Oklahoma institution listed in the top tier of the regional, master's-level university category by U.S. News and World Report magazine.

Employee Benefits

The faculty of OCU are afforded a generous and comprehensive benefits package designed to fit the needs of you and your family.  Benefits offered include: health (medical, dental and vision) insurance, flexible spending accounts, university paid life insurance, university paid long-term disability insurance, retirement plans, and tuition remission for employees and qualifying dependents who wish to take classes or pursue a degree at OCU.

Required Application Materials

All applications submitted must include:

• CV and Cover Letter with Professional References listed
• Statement of Teaching Philosophy
• Unofficial Transcripts*

*Official transcripts are required to complete hiring process.

Contact for Additional Questions

• Search Chair: W. Jerome Stevenson, Associate Dean, School of Theatre, wjstevenson@okcu.edu
• Diversity Advocate:  Dr. Amy Osatinski, Associate Professor of Theatre History, asosatinski@okcu.edu  

Oklahoma City University is an equal-opportunity employer and affirms the values and goals of diversity.