Assistant or Associate Professor of Drama History

THEATRE: Assistant/Associate Professor of Drama History

The Department of Arts and Communication at the University of Houston-Downtown seeks a tenure-track person in Theatre History, rank commensurate with experience.  Preference will be given to candidates with experience in theatre management.

RESPONSIBILITIES: Teaching load 3/3 in the first year, 3/4 after that, comprised of lower and upper-level courses each long semester. Areas of specialization may include the following: ancient to modern world theatre; contemporary theatre styles; Latin/x, African American and general American theatre history; musical theatre history; history of dramatic criticism; contemporary theatre criticism; and dramaturgy. Course load includes teaching sections of our general education course, Introduction to Theatre. The successful candidate will not be appointed Director of the Theatre immediately but must demonstrate the appropriate experience and preparation to serve in that role in the near future. The appointment of Director of Theatre is rotated through qualified faculty in three-year intervals. Teaching load is reduced to 2/2 if serving as Theatre Director.  The Theatre Director serves as manager of the department’s small theatre, including producing three plays annually, and supervising performances of course connect one-act plays. The awarding of tenure requires an established record of service to the department, the university, and the profession, as specified in the candidate’s contract and according to the department criteria document guidelines. Continued evidence of significant scholarly/creativity development and achievement is expected. Must demonstrate ability to work with students of varied experiences and who are non-theatre majors. Candidate must also have excellent communication skills.

The Department of Arts and Communication Studies offers the Bachelor of Arts degrees in Fine Arts and Communication Studies. These programs apply both theory and critical thought to the production and analysis of visual design, spoken word, and written text. Both programs have robust internship programs that help prepare students for careers after graduation.  As part of the department, the O'Kane Theatre seeks to introduce students to live theatre and instill in them an understanding of and appreciation for this dramatic art form. It is designed to focus on and emphasize the development and education of the student, both on-stage and off-stage.

The University of Houston-Downtown is a Texas state public university and is a dynamic campus located in downtown Houston, minutes away from a thriving fine arts district. With dedicated faculty, small classes, and innovative course options, UHD offers excellent educational opportunities in a wide variety of degree programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. UHD is proud of its richly diverse faculty and student population.  The faculty has created a collegial community of cooperation and collaboration, pursuing opportunities to work across disciplines as evidenced by the burgeoning BA in Fine Arts and MA in Non-Profit Management.

EEO/AA

REQUIREMENTS: Ph.D. in Theatre History or a related field and theatre management experience. ABD’s will be considered for up to a one-year terminal appointment. A successful ABD candidate must complete the Ph.D. by February 1, 2025, to be placed on the tenure track.

SALARY: Commensurate with experience.  Additional summer teaching may be possible.

Screening to begin December 15, 2023. The search will remain open until a successful candidate has been identified. Position to begin August 2024. Application requires a cover letter, detailed vita, transcripts and contact information of three current references uploaded online at https://www.uhd.edu/hr/careers/. 

For questions, email Dr. Susan J. Baker, [email protected] or Dr. Azar Rejaie, [email protected] .

About University of Houston Downtown

The second-largest university in Houston, the University of Houston-Downtown (UHD) is a comprehensive, four-year, urban university in the heart of downtown. Led by President Loren J. Blanchard, UHD is a community of diverse faculty, staff, students, and regional partners dedicated to nurturing talent, generating knowledge, and driving socioeconomic mobility for a just and sustainable future.  

Since opening its doors in 1974, UHD has grown in size, scope, and service, now offering 46 bachelor’s and 11 master’s degree programs and 17 fully online programs within its four colleges: Marilyn Davies College of Business, College of Humanities & Social Sciences, College of Public Service, and College of Sciences & Technology.

UHD educates approximately 15,000 students annually. With more than 77% of UHD’s students coming directly from Harris County, UHD is not just a university in Houston, but Houston’s University and an Anchor Institution for the region.

UHD is recognized as a Hispanic-Serving Institution, a Minority-Serving Institution, and a Military-Friendly School. While the student population is largely Hispanic at 53% and African-American at 20%, more than 64 countries are represented. Furthermore, UHD has the most affordable tuition among four-year universities in Houston, and its graduates have the lowest student loan debt in the state. Importantly, 70% of UHD freshman students are the first in their families to attend college.

UHD is one of the four distinct and separate components of the University of Houston System, which also includes the University of Houston, University of Houston-Clear Lake, and University of Houston-Victoria.  Instructional Sites operated by UHD are University of Houston-Downtown Northwest, University of Houston-Downtown at Lone Star College-Kingwood, and University of Houston-Downtown at HCC-Coleman College.

The University of Houston is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action institution and recognizes protected classes of race, color, sex (including pregnancy), genetic information, religion, age (40 and above), national origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or status, and gender expression as required by federal law. Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.