What are the responsibilities and job description for the Assistant Professor of Theatre, (Non-Tenure Track) - College of Arts and Sciences position at Ashland University and Careers?
Division
College of Arts & Sciences (CAS)
Department
Theatre
Job Description
Ashland University, a primarily undergraduate institution, seeks applications for an Assistant Professor of Theatre, Non-Tenure Track, position in the Department of Music and Theatre to begin August 2026. A terminal degree in Theatre (MFA in Acting or Directing or PhD in Theatre) is required by the start date. The successful candidate will have teaching and directing experience.
Primary responsibilities are directing one show each semester, teaching courses in the theatre minor and academic core, and serving as Artistic Director/Assistant Department Chair. Specific courses could include: Theatre Aesthetics, Script Analysis, American Musical Theatre, Acting for Non-Majors. Production responsibilities include: selecting season, hiring guest designers and directors as needed (especially lights, sound, set, costumes, technical director), managing production budget, interfacing with the ticketing system, securing rights, scripts, etc.
Teaching-Related Responsibilities:
Teaching-Related Responsibilities:
- Teach core classes required for Theatre minor (TH 203 Theatre Aesthetics, TH 204 Script Analysis, TH 214 Acting for Non-Majors, TH 303 American Musical Theatre).
- Assist/advise chair with hiring of adjunct faculty.
- Assist/advise chair with scheduling of theatre classes.
- Curriculum maintenance & development –revise current minor and core classes, propose new courses as needed.
- Advise Theatre minors as needed.
Production Responsibilities:
- Serve as Artistic Director for theatre program (select season, hire guest designers and directors as needed, especially lights, sound, set, costumes, technical director).
- Manage production budget.
- Secure rights, scripts, etc.
- Direct one theatre production each semester (each equals a three-credit load reduction).
- Instructor of record for TH 150 (Theatre Performance Laboratory), 1 credit course for working on a show – performers, crew, etc.
Additional Responsibilities:
- May serve as advisor for student groups: Drop of a Hat, Alpha Psi Omega.
- Set up ticketing for theatre and music events in Hometown ticketing.
- Post job descriptions, hire, schedule, and supervise student employees (Music/Theatre Event Staff, Costume Shop Assistants, Scene Shop Assistants, and House Manager).
- Work with department chair to schedule the theatre spaces; maintain calendar.
- Observe Theatre adjuncts.
- Responsible for maintaining and overseeing the following spaces:
- Hugo Young Theatre – 720 seat proscenium space w/booth and sound board station
- Studio Theater – 75 seat Black Box space w/booth
- Costume Shop
- Scene Shop – on site
- 2 costume storage spaces – on site
- Properties storage space – on site
- Lighting storage space – on site
- Furniture storage space – off site
Required Qualifications
- Terminal degree in Theatre (MFA in Acting or Directing or PhD in Theatre).
Preferred Qualifications
- Capacity to teach/collaborate across disciplines that may include:
- Classics
- Literature/literary analysis
- Music
- Communication Studies
Physical Demands
Anticipated Start Date of New Hire
08/24/2026
Proposed Rank
Assistant
Tenure-Track
No
Service Basis
9 month
Fixed Term
No
Term Start Date
08/24/2026
Term End Date
05/14/2027
Benefits
Yes
Job Duties
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
F119P
Number of Vacancies
1
Desired Start Date
08/24/2026
Job Open Date
11/24/2025
Job Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Applicants should submit a letter of application, curriculum vitae, unofficial transcripts (undergraduate and graduate), and contact information for three references.
Questions can be directed to Dr. Rowland Blackley, Chair, Department of Music and Theatre by email (rblackle@ashland.edu). Completed applications will be reviewed as they are received.
Questions can be directed to Dr. Rowland Blackley, Chair, Department of Music and Theatre by email (rblackle@ashland.edu). Completed applications will be reviewed as they are received.