BA Acting & Performance Instructor - Theatre Arts and Dance

Theatre Arts & Dance
BA Acting & Performance Instructor
Teaching Specialist or Lecturer
Salary Range $51,500 - $76,117

Position Scope

The Department of Theatre Arts & Dance is searching for a BA Acting & Performance Instructor. This position will encompass a variety of responsibilities which include teaching undergraduate courses, directing in the department season, curriculum planning, season planning, implementation and coordination of a potential new degree in Musical Theatre, student mentoring and advocacy.

Job Description

Teaching and Directing (90%)

Teach and Direct a combination of 6 courses per year (3 per semester)

Teach undergraduate degree courses which may include:

• Voice for the Actor
• Text / Speech for the Actor
• Shakespeare and Heightened Text for the Actor
• Introduction to Theatre
• Acting I
• Acting II
• Acting III
• Dramaturgy
• Musical Theatre
• History of Musical Theatre

This is not an exhaustive list, teaching may include any undergraduate courses.

Direct a Studio or a Main Stage production in rotation with the three other full time BA performance faculty, every year or every other year dependent upon season.

Vocal Coach for actors.

Other teaching, directing, and coaching related duties as assigned.

Student Mentoring and Advocacy; Curriculum and Season Planning; Program Coordination, Recruitment (10%)

• Mentor 1/4 of performance majors in BA performance program and Musical Theatre Major
• Serve as Faculty Advocate on main stage and studio productions every year in rotation with the other 3 full time faculty in BA performance
• Lead Coordinator for new musical theatre major when this comes on board - coordinate with SOM, recruit for the major with SOM, provide administrative support and coordination for auditions etc.
• Actively participate in the BA undergraduate season selection committee
• Actively participate in and coordinate curriculum in conjunction with Chair, Director of Undergraduate Studies, Program Heads, Department Administrator.
• Serve on any and all program, department, CLA, or University committee(s) as needed
• Actively recruit students; may include some travel for recruitment
• Other job related duties as assigned

Eligibility

Teaching Specialist (9753) Bachelor's Degree in an appropriate related field to course being taught or 3 years college level teaching experience in equivalent subjects such as Voice for the Actor, Text/Speech for the Actor, and Shakespeare and Heightened Text for the Actor.

Lecturer (9754) Master's degree in an appropriate related field to courses being taught and 5 years college level teaching experience in equivalent subjects such as Introduction to Theatre, Acting at multiple levels, Dramaturgy, Musical Theatre, History of Musical Theatre, Devising, and/or in the area of the candidate specialization.

Required Qualifications

• Directing experience at the college or professional level
• Experience with student mentoring and advocacy
• Experience in vocal coaching in a professional setting

Preferred Qualification

• Extensive directing experience at the college or professional setting
• Extensive vocal coaching experience in a professional setting
• Experience in curriculum development, management, coordination
• Significant training in one or more of the following, or comparable, vocal pedagogical methods: Rodenburg, Roy Hart, Linklater, Berry, Knight-Thompson

Pay Range: $51500 - $76117; depending on education/qualifications/experience

Time Appointment: 100% 9-Month Appointment

Position Type: P&A Staff

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefit eligibility.

The University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

While our salary ranges provide a framework, it is important to note that most of the
time, the initial pay may not reach the maximum of the range. This approach ensures
that compensation reflects the value and unique contributions of each candidate while
maintaining equity within our organization. As part of our commitment to fair and
equitable compensation, please be aware that the salary offered to incoming candidates
will be based on their individual credentials and experience.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will have the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume or CV.

This position will remain open until filled.

Applications must be received by January 14, 2027. Applicant review will begin in January 2027. Position will start on 8/30/2027. Full Time 100%, 9 month academic year appointment.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail jobcentr@umn.edu.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by Forbes as a Best Employer for Company Culture (2026), Best Employer for Women (2023, 2025, 2026), and Best Employer by State (2022-2026). In 2026, we also received Culture Excellence & Industry Awards recognition for employee appreciation and work-life flexibility.