Open Rank Tenure-Track Professor of Acting & Directing

Department: Col of Visual and Performing Arts

Classification: 9-month Instructional Faculty

Job Category: Instructional Faculty

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: N/A - I/R Faculty

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: On Site Required

Salary: $110-$115k (Associate), $115-$130k (full)

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The School of Theater at George Mason University provides students with a dynamic and collaborative program within an inclusive learning environment which promotes creativity, initiative, and greater awareness of diverse identities and cultural experiences. Candidates without the terminal degree but with substantial equivalent professional experience may be considered. The School of Theater offers BA and BFA degrees with concentrations in performance, design & technical theater, musical theater, theater education, and theater studies. In collaboration with our student organization the Mason Players, we produce six shows per academic year including an evening of original short plays, a musical, a mainstage production, a studio and (at least) one fringe production. Additionally, the School presents several special events throughout the year including a Mason Cabaret concert, a Musical Theater Ensemble staged concert presentation, a festival of international plays and a variety of staged readings, workshops and other student opportunities.

About the Position:

Tenure track appointment for Associate or full Professor of Theater in Acting and Directing.

Responsibilities:

Teaching

• Scaffold and teach undergraduate acting and directing courses, 3 in the fall, and 3 in the spring semester;
• Mentor student directors in production; and
• This position is expected to direct at least one show every other academic year to replace one course's workload.

Governance and Service

• Serve on School of Theater, College of Visual and Performing Arts, and George Mason University governance committees as assigned by Director of the School of Theater; and
• Additional responsibilities negotiated with Director of School of Theater.

Creative and Scholarly Research 

• Engage in artistic and scholarly activities.

Required Qualifications:

• PhD, MFA, or terminal degree in Acting, Directing, or related field, and at least five years of professional experience as a theater director in Regional and/or Higher Education settings;
• Experience with multiple modes of theater practice which may include devised processes, physical theater, musical theater, and experimental theater among others;
• Experience mentoring student directors at the undergraduate level;
• Experience teaching specialized areas of study such as choreography, improvisation, stage movement, intimacy direction, script analysis, etc.;
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively;
• Demonstrated commitment to advancing inclusivity and belonging through research, teaching, and creative practice;
• Familiarity with Learning Management Systems such as Canvas;
• Active engagement in professional and artistic organizations, conferences, and networks related to performing and directing theater;
• Professional affiliation with such organizations as Actors' Equity Association (AEA)ACTORS', The Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC), or others;
• Strong commitment to building community through pedagogy and production; and
• Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Terminal degree in a related field.

Instructions to Applicants: 

For full consideration, applicants must apply for Open Rank Tenure-track Professor of Acting & Directing at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a Cover Letter/Letter of Intent with CV for review.

Posting Open Date: March 6, 2025

For Full Consideration, Apply by:  April 7, 2025

Open Until Filled:  Yes