Assistant or Associate of Acting

The School of Theatre at Oklahoma City University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of Acting. We seek a dynamic artist-educator with substantial professional experience in theatre and/or related performance industries, including film, television, voiceover, commercial, digital, and emerging media. The successful candidate will join a nationally recognized BFA program and play a central role in preparing students for professional careers in performance.

Teaching, Scholarship, and Service Requirements

The School of Theatre at Oklahoma City University invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor of Acting. We seek a dynamic artist-educator with substantial professional experience in theatre and/or related performance industries, including film, television, voiceover, commercial, digital, and emerging media. The successful candidate will join a nationally recognized BFA program and play a central role in preparing students for professional careers in performance.

Primary teaching responsibilities include Audition Techniques, Professional Preparation (the senior capstone course), Acting Company I and II, with additional teaching assignments in the acting curriculum as needed. The successful candidate will be expected to mentor students as they transition from training to professional practice by cultivating audition skills, professional standards, career readiness, and industry awareness. This is a nine-month appointment.

The School of Theatre seeks a highly collaborative artist-scholar and educator who maintains an active professional practice. Candidates are expected to demonstrate the ability to train students in the basics of the Stanislavski system, and/or other proven foundational acting techniques and methodologies. The successful candidate will be student-centered, guide them to develop strong artistic, professional, and entrepreneurial skills for today's entertainment landscape.

Based on departmental needs and candidate expertise, opportunities may exist to direct productions and contribute artistically to TheatreOCU, the school’s production arm.

The successful candidate is expected to participate fully in the life of the school and university, including assessment activities, student advising, recruitment and retention initiatives, committee service, and ongoing professional engagement.

Additional information about the School of Theatre can be found at www.okcu.edu/theatre.

Required Qualifications

• MFA in Acting, Directing, Theatre, or a closely related field; or equivalent distinguished professional experience.
• Significant professional experience as an actor, director, or theatre artist.
• Demonstrated record of professional accomplishment in theatre and/or related performance industries, including film, television, voiceover, commercial, digital, or emerging media.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in teaching, mentoring, coaching, or training actors at the collegiate, conservatory, professional, or pre-professional level.
• Ability to teach introductory acting, audition techniques, and professional preparation/career development for performers.
• Commitment to student-centered teaching and mentorship.
• Demonstrated potential for successful participation in a tenure-track faculty environment through teaching, scholarship/creative activity, and service.
• Three or more years of university-level teaching experience.
• Current or recent professional activity in theatre, film, television, or related performance industries.
• Membership in professional organizations or unions such as Actors' Equity Association (AEA), SAG-AFTRA, Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC), or equivalent professional affiliations.
• Experience directing theatrical productions.
• Established professional networks and industry connections that enhance student career development and professional opportunities.
• Experience with student recruitment, advising, and retention initiatives.

Appointment at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Promotion and Tenure

Effective teaching, scholarly and/or creative activity, and service are required for promotion and tenure. Additional requirements are established by each school and college and are defined in the School of Theatre's Procedures for Renewal, Promotion, and Tenure Appendix to the OCU Faculty Handbook.

School of Theatre

The School of Theatre offers an active production-based BFA program and is part of the Margaret E. Petree College of Performing Arts, which includes the Ann Lacy School of American Dance and Entertainment and the Wanda L. Bass School of Music.

The School of Theatre offers a BFA in Acting (with tracks emphasizing Stage and Screen Acting, and On-Camera Acting), BFA in Design and Production, and BA in Theatre Innovation and Entrepreneurship. With over two hundred majors, the program has earned a national reputation for intensive conservatory-style training within a comprehensive university environment.

Faculty members work closely with highly motivated students in a production-rich setting that emphasizes artistic excellence, collaboration, professional practice, and career readiness. Students benefit from frequent performance opportunities and interdisciplinary collaboration across theatre, music, dance, and entertainment disciplines.

About Oklahoma City University

Founded in 1904, Oklahoma City University is a private, coeducational university located in the historic Uptown district of Oklahoma City. Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, the University offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate degrees in the liberal arts, sciences, and professional disciplines.

Oklahoma City University is recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, student success, and professional preparation, and is consistently recognized among the leading regional universities in the country.

Employee Benefits

The position includes a comprehensive benefits package offering:

• Tuition remission for faculty, spouses, and dependent children at Oklahoma City University and participating institutions through tuition exchange programs.
• Health insurance.
• Long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Family membership to the university fitness center.
• TIAA retirement plan.
• Additional employee benefits as provided by the University.

Required Application Materials

Applicants must submit:

1. Cover letter addressing qualifications and interest in the position.
2. Current curriculum vitae.
3. Statement of teaching philosophy.
4. List of three to five professional references.

Contact for Additional Questions

Search Chair, Professor D. Lance Marsh at dmarsh@okcu.edu.

Oklahoma City University is an equal opportunity employer and affirms the values and goals of diversity.