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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, 202-885-3422 or streeks@american.edu 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. For more information about American University, visit www.american.edu.

The Department of Performing Arts at American University is a vibrant multidisciplinary community offering degrees in Music, Popular Music Performance, Arts Management, Dance, Theatre, Musical Theatre, Audio Technology, and Audio Production. 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. Learn more about the College of Arts and Sciences at http://www.american.edu/cas/ and about the Department of Performing Arts at

http://www.american.edu/CAS/performing-arts/

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package. 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.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

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Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.