Instructor, Theatre History

Job Description

The Theatre program in the School of Performing Arts at Virginia Tech, a program emphasizing traditional and emerging literary and technological practices in theatre, seeks a theatre artist and educator for a one-year appointment. Renewal of the appointment may be possible based on performance, departmental need, and available resources. Fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre, our program is committed to collaborative theatre making with a focus on artistic integrity and professionalism.

The successful candidate will be a professional theatre artist/educator with a passion for teaching and the ability to contribute to the education and engagement missions of the Theatre program and School.

Duties and responsibilities will include teaching History of Drama and Theatre in the fall and spring semesters, Introduction to Theatre Online Asynchronous in both semesters, and two sections of Introduction to Acting for Non-Majors in both semesters. This faculty member may also be asked to serve on committees and perform other university service as appropriate. This position is from August 10, 2026, through May 9, 2027.

The School of Performing Arts (SOPA) is one of four schools (along with the Schools of Architecture, Visual Arts, and Design) in the newly formed College of Architecture, Arts, and Design (AAD), which launched in July 2022. SOPA offers programs in music, theatre, and cinema at the graduate and undergraduate level. Programs are delivered in Virginia Tech’s Creativity and Innovation District, which concentrates 11 performance spaces within a three-block area on the Blacksburg campus.

Performance venues range from the 1,300-seat Center for the Arts to a 101-seat experimental theatre.

Terminal degree (such as MFA, PhD, DMA, EdD, or other advanced degree) in theatre or a closely related discipline; or equivalent professional experience and achievement in the field. Record of successful university-level teaching experience in Theatre History, Theatre Studies, or related courses; demonstrated ability to integrate a range of perspectives into curriculum and pedagogy.

Demonstrated interest and experience in mentoring undergraduate students in creative pursuits. Ability to work productively with faculty colleagues in a collaborative arts discipline. Experience working across disciplinary boundaries and fostering learning opportunities for students in Cinema as well as those from other programs within the School of Performing Arts. Knowledge and experience that enable meaningful contributions to Introduction to Acting classes, supporting the development of foundational acting skills for non-majors and students from a variety of academic backgrounds.

• a cover letter detailing their qualifications for the position,
• a CV or professional resume,
• A one-page personal statement of teaching philosophy including the candidate's ideas for supporting an educational environment consistent with the Virginia Tech Principles of Community,
• Names and contact information for three professional references.

Shortlisted candidates may be asked to provide additional materials at a later date.

Exempt:
Not eligible for overtime

Restricted

Salary range is $50,000 - $53,000 per year

40+

February 15, 2026

The successful candidate will be required to have a criminal conviction check.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech pushes the boundaries of knowledge by taking a hands‑on, transdisciplinary approach to preparing scholars to be leaders and problem‑solvers. A comprehensive land‑grant institution that enhances the quality of life in Virginia and throughout the world, Virginia Tech is an inclusive community dedicated to knowledge, discovery, and creativity. The university offers more than 280 majors to a diverse enrollment of more than 36,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students in eight undergraduate colleges, a school of medicine, a veterinary medicine college, Graduate…