Assistant/Associate Professor of Drama

University of Oklahoma; Norman (OK); On-site; USD 64,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The Peggy Dow Helmerich School of Drama at the University of Oklahoma seeks a full-time, tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor of Acting and Performance Area Coordinator to start in August 2027. This nine-month appointment includes teaching, area coordination, and service, with a salary range of $64,000–$75,000 depending on rank.

Responsibilities include leading the Performance Area faculty, teaching BFA acting courses, developing new offerings, mentoring students, recruiting, and

Qualifications

• MFA in Acting/Directing and/or a PhD in Theatre/Performance Studies.
• Six years of experience in the practice and pedagogy of actor training at the university level.
• Evidence of sustained professional practice in theatre, film, television, audio, content creation, and/or related media.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate/lead the Performance Area faculty and area events.
• Teach foundational courses in BFA Theatre: Acting Emphasis.
• Develop new courses in area(s) of specialty and mentor undergraduates.
• Contribute to recruitment efforts and participate in School of Drama productions.
• Maintain an active research/creative activity portfolio.
• Provide service to department, college, university, and profession.

Skills

Experience in actor training

Professional practice in theatre/film/

Mentoring undergraduate students

Education

MFA in Acting/Directing

PhD in Theatre/Performance Studies

Job description

Assistant/Associate Professor of Drama

University of Oklahoma Norman Campus: Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts: Peggy Dow Helmerich School of Drama

Location

Norman, OK

Open Date

Sep 17, 2026

Description

The Peggy Dow Helmerich School of Drama in the Weitzenhoffer Family College of Fine Arts at The University of Oklahoma seeks applicants for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor of Acting and Performance Area Coordinator to start in August 2027. This is a nine-month faculty appointment with a 2/3 course load and an administrative service position component. The salary range is $64,000-$75,000dependenton the rank oftheinitial hire.

This position providesanopportunity to teach at the heart of a nationally respected actor training program and shape the artistic and curricular direction of the Performance Area at an R1 research institution.

Responsibilities include:

• For the service component of the position as the Performance Area Coordinator, the initial appointment is one year with the possibility to renew the service position every 3 years. If not renewed, there will be no salary reduction. This position will lead the Performance Area faculty (BFA program in Drama: Acting or Dramaturgy Emphasis; MFA in Drama: Directing Option). Other responsibilities may include coordinating/organizing area event schedules, including but not limited to monthly area faculty meetings, acting auditions, and student assessments; maintaining class lists; evaluating petitions and distributing student forms; facilitating curriculum review; communicating with the director and guest artists; representing the area in faculty meetings and recruitment events; and handling student concerns and conflict resolution.
• Teaching foundational courses in the BFA in Theatre: Acting Emphasis curriculum, selected from Introduction to Acting, Character Study for the Actor, Scene Study for the Actor, Performing Shakespeare, and other upper-level acting technique courses.
• Developing new courses in area(s) of specialty.
• Mentoring undergraduate students.
• Contributing to recruitment efforts.
• Regularly participating in School of Drama productions as a director or in a similar artistic capacity and contributing positively to the training of School of Drama majors.
• Maintaining an active research/creative activity profile commensurate with the expectations of an R1 institution. Directing a School of Drama production may count toward creative activity or teaching, pending prior negotiation with the director of the school.
• Providing service to the department, college, university, and profession.

The Peggy Dow Helmerich School of Drama is a vibrant community of artists and storytellers. Through rigorous and innovative curricular training and production practice, we empower students to explore the full spectrum of theatrical expression and their work as artists; we develop skilled, risk-taking, and compassionate professionals who contribute to the betterment of society; and we champion interdisciplinary collaboration and creative, critical inquiry to prepare graduates for meaningful careers in theatre and beyond.

Housed in an R1 research institution, the School of Drama combines the advantages of a liberal arts education with conservatory-style BFA training in Acting, Costume Design, Dramaturgy, Lighting Design, Scenic Design, Stage Management, and Sound Design, as well as professional MFA training in Directing. More information about our program can be found at drama.ou.edu.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications for Assistant Professor rank:

• An MFA in Acting/Directing and/or a PhD in Theatre/Performance Studies.
• Experience in the practice and pedagogy of actor training at the university level.
• Evidence of sustained professional practice in theatre, film, television, audio, content creation, and/or related media.

Required Qualification for Associate Professor rank:

• An MFA in Acting/Directing and/or a PhD in Theatre/Performance Studies.
• Six years of experience in the practice and pedagogy of actor training at the university level.
• Evidence of prolific and high caliber professional practice in theatre, film, television, audio, content creation, and/or related media.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Teaching and research/creative experience in any one of the following: (1) global theatre actor training and performance traditions; (2) Shakespeare and heightened text; (3) ensemble-based, devised dramaturgies; (4) voice; and (5) movement.
• Experience and interest in directing productions at the university and/or professional level.
• Active union membership and professional affiliations.
• Record of publications and scholarship.
• Evidence of administrative leadership relevant to the position.
• Curriculum development experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University, in compliance with all applicable federal and state laws and regulations, does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, genetic information, gender identity/expression (consistent with applicable law), age (40 or older), religion, disability, political beliefs, or status as a veteran in any of its policies, practices, or procedures. This includes but is not limited to admissions, employment, housing, financial aid, and educational services.

Why You Belong at the University of Oklahoma

The University of Oklahoma values our community's unique talents, perspectives, and experiences. At OU, we aspire to harness our innovation, creativity, and collaboration for the advancement of people everywhere. You Belong Here!

Mission of the University of Oklahoma

The Mission of the University of Oklahoma is to provide the best possible educational experience for our students through excellence in teaching, research and creative activity, and service to the state and society.