Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Theatre

Posting Details

Position Information

Position Title Tenure-Track Assistant Professor of Theatre Job Responsibilities

The School of Arts and Humanities at Truman State University seeks applicants for a tenure-track, 9-month Assistant Professor position in Theatre to start August 2027.

This position is a full-time, nine-month appointment located on Truman's campus in Kirksville, Missouri. In addition to the duties and responsibilities described below, faculty are expected to contribute to the campus culture of the Liberal Arts and Sciences and interdisciplinarity by teaching in the University's core curriculum (The Dialogues) and contributing to interdisciplinary initiatives and coursework as needed. The position contributes to the Truman Theatre program, housed in the Department of Communication and Theatre Arts. Truman Theatre is an active, community-facing element of the University that stages five productions annually, and brings together the campus community with the local arts community in Kirksville and in the region.

Responsibilities: The successful candidate will contribute to the Theatre program by teaching courses in theatre technical design, providing technical direction for Truman Theatre productions, and managing the scene shop. The position is expected to teach up to 9 credit hours per semester: 2 courses in theatre technical design, and credit-bearing practica (courses for students who work in theatre productions). The successful candidate must also demonstrate an active program in research, creative, and/or scholarly activity, advise undergraduates, and perform service to the program and department.

The University: Truman State University is home to a vibrant educational community. Our approximately 3,000 students thrive in a challenging, yet supportive, academic environment. More than 25% engage in significant undergraduate research and creative projects. Nearly 40% gain leadership experience, and nearly half go on to graduate or professional school.

Founded in 1867, Truman focuses on student learning outcomes and emphasizes high-impact experiences such as internships, research, and study abroad opportunities. Truman has the highest overall graduation rate among the state's public four-year colleges and universities. For nearly three decades, Truman has been recognized as the No. 1 public university in the Midwest regional category by U.S. News & World Report, and Washington Monthly consistently ranks Truman as one of the best master's universities in the nation. For more information about our mission and values and to see additional rankings and acknowledgments, visit truman.edu/about.

The Community: Located in northeast Missouri, Kirksville is a cultural and economic hub in the region. In addition to being the home of Truman, Kirksville is the birthplace of osteopathic medicine and features a medical school, dental school, and community college. The Kirksville School District is consistently recognized for academic excellence. The community takes pride in several annual events including the Red, White and Blue Festival, the Red Barn Arts and Craft Festival, and the FLATS Trail Half-Marathon. The charming downtown area features an arts center, local shops, and restaurants, and it is the site of numerous community events including weekly farmers' markets and summer concerts on the courthouse lawn. Just a few minutes outside of town is beautiful Thousand Hills State Park with hiking and biking opportunities surrounding the 700-acre Forest Lake. Kirksville offers easy access by car to Kansas City, St. Louis, and Des Moines. Daily flights from Kirksville Regional Airport to Chicago O'Hare and Dallas Fort Worth provide quick access to two of the country's major metropolitan areas. More information about Kirksville can be found at visitkirksville.com.

Benefits: Truman offers a comprehensive benefits package including life, health, and disability insurance, retirement contributions, paid sick leave, and a stipend for moving expenses. Paid parental leave and a tuition discount are available for eligible employees after one year. More details: https://hr.truman.edu/benefits/.

Required Qualifications

Required Qualifications: Required qualifications include

• MFA or terminal degree in the area(s) of Theatre Design and Technology, or a closely related field, with an open area of specialization.
• Professional and/or professional education experience in at least two of the following areas: Lighting Design/Technology, Sound Design/Technology, Projection Design/Technology, or Scenic Design/Technology.

Candidate evaluation: All applicants will be evaluated on

• Academic and professional qualifications.
• Professional or extensive academic experience in Theatre design and production techniques and procedures.
• The potential for teaching courses listed under "Preferred Qualifications."
• Evidence of teaching effectiveness in student-centered education.
• Evidence of successful mentorship of students.
• Strong oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Commitment to interdisciplinarity and the liberal arts and sciences.

Preferred Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications: Preferred qualifications include

• The department is interested in a candidate who can complement current faculty expertise and contribute new coursework, particularly in the following areas: advanced scenic, sound, or lighting design; projections design; scene painting; metalworking; lighting programming and control; light/sound technology; audio/sound design; production and design for film/video; or integrated media.

Posting Detail Information

Posting Number F141P Open Date 10/06/2026 Close Date Open Until Filled Yes Special Instructions to Applicants

Application: Applications must be submitted electronically at https://apply.interfolio.com/195031

For assistance with submitting an application, please contact Human Resources at 660-785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu.

Complete applications must include:

• a letter of application that clearly addresses the qualifications and evaluative criteria listed above;
• a current curriculum vitae;
• a statement of teaching philosophy that reflects on our liberal arts and sciences mission;
• a plan discussing how candidates will begin or continue professional creative activity, and how they connect undergraduates to career opportunities, scholarship, or creative activity;
• contact information for at least three references; and
• official or unofficial undergraduate and graduate college transcripts.

Review of applications will begin 11/19/2026 and will continue until the position is filled. If hired, applicants must provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States, official graduate transcripts, or documentation of degrees if transcripts are not available. Final candidates are required to successfully pass a background check. Questions about this position may be directed to the Interim Chair of the Department of Communication and Theatre Arts, Dr. Amy Norgard, (anorgard@truman.edu). Please include "Assistant Professor of Theatre Search" in the subject line.

Salary Non Discrimination Statement

Truman State University is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate in hiring, promotion, or any other employment practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal or Missouri law. We are committed to fair and equal treatment in all aspects of employment. Inquiries about these policies may be directed to the Institutional Compliance Officer, 660-785-4354, and titleix@truman.edu.

Truman is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. To request this document in an alternate form or to request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources, McClain Hall 101, 100 E. Normal, Kirksville, MO 63501, 660-785-4031 or hrstaff@truman.edu.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

Optional Documents