Assistant Professor - Theatre History and/or Performance Studies (25/26)

THEATRE AND DANCE DEPARTMENT 

The Theatre and Dance Department in the College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California, seeks applicants for a full-time, academic-year, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Theatre History and/or Performance Studies position to begin September 11, 2025. The program specializes in Liberal Arts-based theatre education with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations. Teaching specialization in Latinx/a/o, Indigenous, Black, SWANA (MENA), AAPI, or LGBTQIA+ Identity theatre, as well as demonstrated ability to direct department productions required. A terminal degree (PhD, DFA, MFA) with demonstrable experience in university level teaching and practice; writing ability also required.

Teaching duties will include General Education lecture courses such as Theatre History, Global Theatre and Performance, and Diversity in U.S. Theatre, as well as Directing, directing centered courses (Creative Processes, Creating Drama, or Systems of Rehearsal), and directing one mainstage production per academic year (Rehearsal and Performance).

Other duties will include supervising student projects and advising. In addition, service to the department, college, and university are required. Continued professional development is expected.

Preferred qualifications include: willingness to build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning and working environment, centered on engaged practice, direct mentorship, and collegiality. Willingness to participate in interdisciplinary programs overlapping with Performing Arts and other polytechnic disciplines, including course development and possible program curriculum development. Potential for grant development in areas related to expertise.

SALARY

Salary: Anticipated Hiring Range: $90,276 - $98,244/year, $7,523 - $8,187/month (Note that hiring level will be commensurate with the qualifications and experience of the candidate.)

Although Cal Poly is primarily a teaching university, our faculty are expected to balance teaching with an active program of research/professional development (including publication), student supervision and advising, and participation in service activities at the department and college/university level. The typical teaching load is 12 units (three courses) per quarter, with a reduction in course load in each of the first two years to help new

faculty establish an active program of research and professional development. Cal Poly strongly values diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), especially in the classroom and among its areas of study.

The College of Liberal Arts (CLA) sees diversity as central to its mission and is committed to fostering an equitable and inclusive environment within the college and university. We value our diversity of complex and intersecting identities, while striving to maintain an environment that is socially just, equitable, respectful, and inclusive. The successful applicant should be able to clearly demonstrate how they have infused these values and student learning objectives into their work. They should be prepared to present clear examples of how they would infuse these areas into their work as a faculty member.

At California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, we believe that cultivating an environment that embraces and promotes diversity is fundamental to the success of our students, our employees, and our community. Bringing people together from different backgrounds, experiences, and value systems fosters the innovative and creative thinking that exemplifies Cal Poly's values of free inquiry, cultural and intellectual diversity, mutual respect, civic engagement, and social and environmental responsibility. Cal Poly's commitment to DEI informs our efforts in recruitment, hiring, and retention. California Polytechnic State University is an equal-opportunity employer.

Due to CSU policies, the person hired must reside in the state of California at the time of hire and for the entirety of the appointment.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Terminal Degree (PhD, DFA, MFA), or equivalent record of professional achievement, with Theatre Arts centered scholarship and practice.
• Expertise in one or more of the following fields: Latinx/a/o, Indigenous, Black, SWANA (MENA), AAPI, or LGBTQIA+ Identity theatre, and Systems of Rehearsal.
• Demonstrated experience in directing live theatrical performances.
• Demonstrated college or university-level teaching.
• Evidence of creative and/or scholarly achievement.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Willingness to build a diverse, equitable, and inclusive learning and working environment, centered on engaged practice, direct mentorship, and collegiality.