Teaching Artist - Voice, Theater Arts
- Theater Arts
- Adjunct Instructor
Title: Teaching Artist, Theater Arts
Position Number: 200095
Unit/Department: Theater Arts
Salary: Commensurate with experience and qualifications of the selected candidate
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:
Drake University invites applications for a Teaching Artist of Voice with the expertise to teach both musical theatre and classical genres. This position begins January 26, 2026.
The successful candidate will teach private applied voice for theatre majors and minors, leading to healthy musical theatre and classical vocal technique and excellent musicianship. This includes preparing students for auditions and musical theatre roles. Attendance at studio performance classes and other departmental events is expected.
Applied Teaching Load is approximately 20 hours of studio voice teaching each week with bimonthly studio classes. The Spring 2026 semester runs from January 26 - May 15.
Minimum Qualifications:
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Vocal Performance, Pedagogy, or other vocal specialization.
• Experience: 3 year work-related experience
Preferred Qualifications:
• Education: Master’s degree or higher
• Experience: A proven record of at least four years of successful vocal studio teaching experience.
• The availability to teach regular weekly lessons during each 14-week semester.
• Advanced knowledge of teaching repertoire in musical theatre.
• Experience using IPA.
• Experience with planning, programming, and coaching undergraduate degree recitals and musical theatre role preparation.
• Piano skills commensurate with vocal exercises and simple accompaniments.
• Evidence of a strong background and current experience in vocal performance or pedagogy.
Salary and Benefits:
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 Drake Benefits Guide 2025. One of our 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. Tuition Benefits
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Qualified candidates should apply online and submit a cover letter that includes a concise statement of teaching philosophy, a curriculum vitae, and the contact information for three professional references electronically. Only complete, electronic submissions will be considered. Please do not send further materials (recordings, teaching evaluations, publications) unless requested. If you have any questions about this job positing or the application process, please email michael.rothmayer@drake.edu .
Review of Applications Begins:
A review of applications will begin immediately. This position will remain open until filled.
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.
STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
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. As reflected in our Core Values, we embrace a diverse and inclusive community.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Drake University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable law. 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 (p: 515.271.3133; e: jobs@drake.edu) and let us know how we can assist you.
