Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts - 997995

  • Theater Arts
  • Faculty, tenure track

Title: Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts - 997995

Position Number: 997995

Unit/Department: Theater Arts

FTE: Full-Time, 9 month

Salary: Commensurate with qualifications and experience 

Department Summary:

The mission of the Department of Theatre Arts at Drake is to ensure students have the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve success as theatre artists and working professionals. To that end, the curriculum fosters understanding and appreciation for all aspects of theatre utilizing collaborative and experiential learning methods. Students apply knowledge and demonstrate skills acquired in the classroom in the creation of theatrical productions throughout the academic year. This mission isn’t simply a statement, it’s a philosophy and a guiding principle of the way we teach the art and craft of theatre at Drake. We believe in balance in our curriculum, our productions and in life. At Drake students receive a conservatory degree within a liberal arts institution. They are encouraged to pursue passions outside of theatre. We take a holistic approach to education. Students take classes not just in their area of specialization, but in all aspects of theatre as well as the broader Drake Curriculum. In the Department of Theatre Arts, we are a family. We take care of each other and thrive in collaborative environments. We are looking for someone like-minded to join our theatre family!

Job Summary:

The Drake University Department of Theatre Arts seeks applicants to fill a tenure-track position in our Musical Theatre program. Responsibilities include (but are not limited to): teaching courses in the musical theatre curriculum including applied voice lessons and music theory; directing one musical per year as part of our Main Stage season; music directing two productions annually, advising and mentoring student performances and assisting in recruiting and committee work. The successful candidate will have a terminal degree in musical theatre, experience teaching and directing at the university level and professional performance experience. The search committee is particularly interested in candidates who, through their research, performance, teaching, and/or service, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

Minimum Qualifications:

MFA or terminal degree in Theatre Performance, experience teaching and directing at the university level and professional performance experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

MFA or terminal degree in Musical Theatre, private or applied voice lesson teaching experience, music direction experience.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Please complete the online application and attach (1) a cover letter, (2) CV/Resume, (3) a statement about your experience in supporting the success of students from diverse backgrounds, (4) a teaching philosophy and (5) the contact details for three references.

Please do not attach additional documents at this time. Supplemental documents may be requested or required of semi-finalists and finalists.

Questions about this position can be directed to the search chair: Erin Degner, Associate Professor of Theatre Arts and Director of the Musical Theatre BFA Program, erin.degner@drake.edu  

Questions about the application process, working at Drake, spouse/partner support, reasonable accommodations, benefits, or additional information about Drake or Des Moines, Iowa may be directed to Drake Human Resources at jobs@drake.edu.

All job offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, satisfactory reference checks, and proof of authorization to work in the United States.

 


Review of Applications Begins:

Review of applications will begin immediately and remain open until January 1st, 2026.

Salary and Benefits:

Salary is competitive with peer schools and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.

At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our digital benefits guide: Drake Benefits Guide.

One of our very popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. You can learn about both the tuition waiver policy and tuition exchange programs here: Tuition Benefits.


For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant’s references, education, and, if applicable, experience.


About Drake:
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community—faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.

All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University’s core mission of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments. 



Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion at Drake:
At Drake University, we don’t just accept differences—we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. Drake University is proud to support an equal opportunity, diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. In fact, the celebration of diversity and inclusion are embedded in our Core Values. Learn more about our DEI commitment and efforts here.

We welcome applicants of diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. If you are a member of a socially or historically underrepresented or marginalized group or you have actively demonstrated a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we strongly encourage you to apply. If you are a member of one of the equity groups identified by applicable law, we encourage you to self-identify, where requested in our online application system.

Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (ph: 515.271.3133; e: jobs@drake.edu) and let us know how we can assist you.

At Drake University, we highly value a diverse, inclusive workforce. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We stand firmly against discrimination including on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.

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