Assistant Professor of Dramaturgy and Theatre History

About the role

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University Department: College of Arts & Sciences Time Type: Full time FLSA Status: Exempt

About the role

The Department of Performing Arts in the College of Arts and Sciences at American University invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor beginning August 1, 2027.

We seek a colleague with expertise in Dramaturgy and Theatre History who will complement our current faculty specialties as well as potentially contribute to our specialization in Social Action, Justice, and the Performing Arts. Scholars and/or practitioners are encouraged to apply. Candidates should be effective teachers and must be committed to excellence in scholarly research.

Our department embraces multiple forms of scholarly/creative hybrids and treats a wide variety of outputs toward tenure consideration. Candidates should have a record of teaching effectiveness at the university level, and an advanced degree in Theatre or Performance Studies.

Teaching specialization will be in dramaturgy and theatre history, but additional opportunities to teach in other areas including performance, directing, playwriting, producing, or AI application in theatre, may be possible and the full profile of the candidate will be considered.

The faculty member will typically teach four undergraduate courses per academic year and will have the opportunity to develop new courses and initiatives in their area(s) of interest. In addition to scholarship and teaching, all faculty are expected to hold office hours and participate in Department, College, and University activities and service. The annual salary range is $95,000-100,000.

Initial review of applications will begin on October 5, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.For the initial submission, please provide a CV, a letter of interest outlining your qualifications and addressing the above-mentioned priorities, and one sample syllabus. Letters of reference and additional materials may be requested at a later date.

Please contact Richard Streeks, Administrative Coordinator, or if you have any questions. American University is a private institution within easy reach of the many centers of government, business, research, and the arts located within the nation's capital. Located in the second largest theatre market in the U.S., Washington, DC, is a destination for many top theatre-makers and scholars in the industry.

Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options. Other Details Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check. Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

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