Assistant Professor - Performance Studies and Screen Arts

Louisiana State University (LSU); United States; On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement options

Tuition exemption

Job summary

Louisiana State University (LSU) seeks a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Performance Studies and Screen Arts (75% Communication Studies, 25% Screen Arts), beginning August 2027. The role emphasizes innovative theory and hands-on production, mentoring students in both live performance and media creation.

The candidate should bridge Theatre, Film/Media Production, and Interdisciplinary Arts, with an emphasis on practice-as-research and publication across live stage and screen environments.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or MFA in Performance Studies, Screen Arts, Media Production, Film, Theatre, or a closely related discipline (by the time of appointment).
• Demonstrated, active agenda of "practice-as-research" or "research-creation" balancing hands-on media/theatrical production with academic publishing.
• Research and creative credentials commensurate with a Comprehensive Doctoral University.
• Evidence of excellence in teaching.

Responsibilities

• Conduct high-quality research, both written and produced.
• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses and mentor students in hands-on creative production.
• Serve as a bridge between HopKins Black Box theatre and SCRN production spaces, integrating live performance with media production.

Skills

Ph.D./MFA in relevant field

Practice-as-research / research-crea

Teaching excellence

Education

Ph.D./MFA

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Assistant Professor - Performance Studies and Screen Arts

Position Type:

Faculty

Department:

LSUAM HSS - Communication Studies (Bryan McCann (00007537))

Work Location:

0229 Charles E. Coates Hall

Pay Grade:

Academic

Job Description:

The Department of Communication Studies, in a joint appointment with the Screen Arts (SCRN) program, seeks a scholar-practitioner for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position (75% Communication Studies, 25% Screen Arts) beginning August 2027. We are looking for an innovative theorist and maker to conduct high-quality research—both written and produced—teach undergraduate and graduate courses, and actively mentor students in hands-on creative production.

As our programs are dedicated to the ongoing evolution of intermedial practice, we seek candidates who will serve as a creative bridge between our experimental live performance laboratory, the HopKins Black Box theatre, and SCRN’s production environments (which encompass practical filmmaking, immersive media, and virtual production). The successful candidate will view practical production—in live stage performance, as well as film and television, live scenography, production design, or indie media—as a primary methodology and way of knowing. We strongly encourage applications from scholars whose backgrounds bridge Theatre, Film/Media Production, and Interdisciplinary Arts, provided they are committed to utilizing their hands‑on production experience to drive rigorous academic publication and create original performances in the HopKins Black Box theatre and SCRN spaces.

Required Qualifications

• A Ph.D. or MFA in Performance Studies, Screen Arts, Media Production, Film, Theatre, or a closely related discipline (by the time of appointment).


• A demonstrated, active agenda of \"practice-as-research\" or \"research-creation\" that balances hands‑on media or theatrical production with academic publishing.


• Research and creative credentials commensurate with a Comprehensive Doctoral University.


• Evidence of excellence in teaching.

Preferred Qualifications

We seek a scholar-practitioner with a strong publication and practical production record (or clear potential) whose work complements existing faculty strengths. The ideal candidate will have practical experience in combining media creation with live performance or physical environments with a deep commitment to translating those skills into a laboratory setting. The candidate should have a strong interest in emerging and immersive media, while also being able to teach traditional performance studies and media production courses. We are looking for a candidate who will actively involve and mentor students in original, devised, or experimental production making across both stage and screen.

Areas of topical interest are open, but we especially welcome candidates whose work bridges physical stagecraft and scripting with digital/cinematic media, which may include:

• Intermedial, multimedia, and devised performance


• Translation of performance and directing techniques between live/staged and camera/media environments


• Indie media creation, applied production, and public-facing storytelling


• Scenography, production design, and physical world-building for stage and screen


• Practical integration of live bodies with extended reality or virtual production spaces

Salary Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Background Check An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Application Timeline Application review will begin November 12, 2026.

Benefits LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more.

THE LSU SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Posting Date:

October 8, 2026

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

April 6, 2027

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information:

For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email [e-mail] . For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.