Assistant Professor of the Practice in Musical Theatre Writing

Description

The Department of Film, Television, and Theatre (FTT) at the University of Notre Dame is seeking a candidate for an appointment as an assistant professor of the practice in musical theatre writing, with a starting date of August 2027.  The Department is especially interested in candidates with primary expertise in songwriting and lyric composition, with knowledge of various musical styles, including pop idioms, and a commitment to engaging with diverse songwriting traditions. Must be proficient in and able to train students in music-writing software such as Sibelius, MuseScore, and/or Logic Pro.

Responsibilities include undergraduate teaching (3 courses per semester) in the department’s Musical Theatre Minor program, including such courses as songwriting, lyric writing, and musical theatre song analysis; and elective courses in orchestration and arranging, music direction, or other areas of specialization.  Successful candidates may also teach in the New Works Lab, a course in which students write a new musical; advise student capstone projects; and/or assist on department Musical Theatre productions (both new and existing musicals). This position also offers opportunities for collaboration with faculty across departments and with university-wide institutes and the Arts Initiative.

Qualifications

• Candidates must have an MFA in Musical Theatre, Musical Theatre Writing, or Music; or a PhD in Music Theory/Composition.

• Candidates must have a demonstrable track record of successful professional musical theatre productions.

• Candidates must have experience in or demonstrable potential for successful college-level teaching in a liberal arts environment.

Application Instructions

Job applicants should submit:

● a curriculum vitae listing three references with contact information
● a cover letter describing the candidate’s:

• Approach to musical theatre writing;

• Representative successful past productions;

• future career trajectory and plans for future projects;

• teaching experience and pedagogic principles; and how their courses and pedagogy will enhance FTT’s curriculum.

The committee will continue to vet applications until the position is filled, but candidates should send materials no later than 1 November, 2026 for fullest consideration.

Questions about the position can be directed to Associate Professor Tarryn Chun, Chair of the Search Committee, email: tchun@nd.edu

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.

Background Check 

This appointment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Applicants will be asked to identify all felony convictions and/or pending felony charges. Felony convictions do not automatically bar an individual from employment. Each case will be examined separately to determine the appropriateness of employment in the particular position. Failure to be forthcoming or dishonesty with respect to felony disclosures can result in the disqualification of a candidate. The full procedure can be viewed at https://facultyhandbook.nd.edu/?id=link-73597.