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The Department of Theater and Dance at Amherst College invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position in directing, acting, and related topics, at the rank of assistant professor, to begin on July 1, 2024. Candidates for this position should have a primary expertise in directing, and the ability to contribute courses in directing, acting techniques, script analysis and dramatic literature/performance histories. 

Amherst College is one of the most diverse liberal arts colleges in the country. Nearly half of our students identify as domestic students of color, and another 11 percent are international, with non-U.S. citizenship; 16 percent are the first members of their families to attend college. Amherst is committed to providing financial aid that meets 100 percent of every student’s demonstrated need, and nearly 60 percent of our students receive financial aid. Our expectation is that the successful candidate will excel at teaching and mentoring students who are broadly diverse with regard to race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, gender, nationality, sexual identity, disability/ability, and religion.

We seek a theatrical director who can contribute course offerings in directing and acting at all undergraduate levels, alongside related courses in script and performance analysis, and dramatic literature/performance histories. In addition, we welcome candidates who may possess additional expertise in teaching any of a broad range of practice areas, such as non-Western acting techniques, physical theater techniques, mask work, and devising techniques, among any other possibilities. We are also particularly interested in candidates who have been engaged in new play development, and who are familiar with the current and increasingly diverse landscape of the American theater. The successful candidate will be committed to actively fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the study of theater. We also expect the successful candidate to be a practicing artist with a strong professional track record who is interested in making and supporting artistic work with and for students in a liberal arts context. Candidates who possess a track record of scholarship in addition to artistic achievement are also strongly encouraged to apply. The successful candidate will help to shape a liberal-arts oriented arts curriculum in a department that emphasizes collaboration and critical thinking.

Responsibilities include collaborating on—and teaching courses in—an integrated acting and directing curriculum, closely advising senior projects, and participating actively in the life of the department and its majors. The successful candidate will also be expected to lead a significant artistic project with students each year as part of the overall teaching load. Candidates must have a terminal degree (M.F.A. and/or Ph.D.). Applicants must submit electronically to http://apply.interfolio.com/129395 the following: a cover letter; curriculum vitae; statement of teaching philosophy, including philosophy of teaching a diverse student body; video samples of creative work (or links thereto) and samples of scholarly work if applicable, and three confidential letters of recommendation. Review of applications will begin on January 1, 2024, and continue until the position is filled.

Amherst is a private undergraduate liberal arts college, with 1,800 students and more than two hundred faculty members. Located in the Connecticut River Valley of western Massachusetts, Amherst participates with Hampshire, Mount Holyoke, and Smith Colleges and the University of Massachusetts in the Five College Consortium. Amherst College is an equal opportunity employer and encourages persons of all genders, persons of color, and persons with disabilities to apply.