Job No. 155276
- Job Title:
- Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre
- Employer:
-
Friends University
- Location:
-
WICHITA , KS
- Posting Date:
- 27-Mar-2025
- Description:
-
Description
Friends University invites applications for a tenure-track position in Musical Theatre at the Assistant Professor level, beginning Fall 2025. This renewable appointment is for 9 months and reports to the Division Chair of Fine Arts. The ideal candidate will serve as coordinator for the musical theatre degree program, possess an MFA or professional equivalency (as determined by university policy and with administrative approval) in Music Theatre, Acting, Directing or Dance, 3-5 years of teaching at the university level, and significant professional experience as an actor, singer, or dancer on the national stage. Primary duties of the position include stage direction of musicals and theatrical plays, teaching classes in acting, directing, scene study, auditioning, music theatre workshop, and courses relevant to the candidate’s area of expertise. Additional key responsibilities include cultivating a program of excellence within the fine arts at Friends and the ability to recruit students throughout the Midwest. Friends seeks applicants whose background and experience reflect a commitment to supporting diverse communities. Applicants must also be able to articulate a vision for the program that aligns with our values as a Christian educational institution.
ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY & THE COMMUNITY
Friends University offers a complement of traditional undergraduate majors, non-traditional adult degree-completion programs, and professional graduate programs. Founded in 1898, the University is situated on a beautiful park-like campus in the heart of Wichita, Kansas. Wichita is a vibrant urban city with all the charms of a small town. Our great community offers something for everyone and is rich in arts, education, leisure, and commercial resources. Music Theatre Wichita and various other production houses offer students opportunities to audition and intern with professionals from our backyard to Broadway.
Friends University seeks to hire faculty who will embrace our mission and celebrate our commitment to equipping students to honor God in their personal, professional, and spiritual lives by adhering to the University’s RISE Core Values (Respect, Inclusion, Service and Excellence).
Qualifications
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
The successful candidate will hold a master's degree (MM or MFA) in Musical Theatre or allied discipline, or equivalent professional experience. Prior teaching experience and a record of artistic/scholarly achievement is desired. In addition to the duties/courses mentioned above, the successful candidate will support students through advising and placement with internship opportunities and serve on university committees and in our community. An ability to supervise adjunct and production-related contract work in support of productions, including oversight of budget and production schedules.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
The university prefers to hire a candidate who holds an MFA in Musical Theatre, Acting, Directing, Dance or equivalent professional experience. In addition to the required qualifications, we seek a dynamic individual with a successful track record of recruiting students, establishing a top-tier program, possessing extensive knowledge of musical theatre repertoire and developing trends, and who maintains significant connections within the professional national and regional theatre scene. Additional directing experience in stage plays and a willingness to direct one theatre production per year in addition to musicals (awarded as load hours).
Rank and salary are commensurate with education and experience.
APPLICATIONS SHOULD INCLUDE
A Cover Letter outlining how your qualifications and experience will suit the position at Friends University,
A complete Curriculum Vitae,
A Teaching Statement that articulates a vision to cultivate Christian character through the integration of our RISE values,
Provide a link to a professional website/portfolio demonstrating recent performances, teaching and/or productions,
Contact information for three professional/academic references.