Professor of Musical Theatre

Job Title: Professor of Musical Theatre

Reporting Relationship: Chair, Division of Music & Theatre

Unit: IWU-Marion Campus

Department: Theatre-College of Arts & Sciences-IWU Marion

Campus Location: Phillippe Performing Arts Center, Marion, IN

Summary of Position: The Professor of Musical Theatre provides academic and artistic leadership for the Bachelor of Arts in Musical Theatre (proposed) and the Theatre minor at Indiana Wesleyan University. This full-time faculty member oversees curriculum development, student advising, and program growth while serving as Artistic Director of the Division's theatrical programming, including the annual fall play and spring musical productions. In collaboration with faculty, staff, and guest artists, the Professor of Musical Theatre cultivates a rigorous, collaborative, and Christ-centered learning environment that prepares students for excellence in theatrical performance and meaningful service through the arts. The ideal candidate will articulate and advance a compelling vision for the continued development of musical theatre and theatre at IWU. Applicants should show evidence of personal faith in Jesus Christ, full agreement with the Wesleyan-Arminian theology, and commitment to liberal arts learning and the integration of Christian faith and learning.

Beginning Fall 2027.

Supervisory Responsibility: The Professor of Musical Theatre will serve as the supervisor to the full-time technical director of theatre, theatre student workers, and any guest artists.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Artistic Leadership
• Serve as Artistic Director of the Division's theatrical programming, overseeing the artistic vision and quality of all theatrical productions
• Direct theatrical productions and collaborate with faculty directors, music directors, choreographers, designers, and guest artists
• Collaborate with the Division Chair and faculty in season selection, balancing artistic quality, educational value, production feasibility, and institutional mission
• Work closely with the Technical Director to coordinate production design, planning, execution, and safety
• Foster a collaborative, Christ-centered artistic environment that promotes professional standards, student mentorship, and artistic excellence
• Academic Leadership and Teaching
• Lead curriculum development, assessment, and ongoing improvement for the BA in Musical Theatre (proposed) and Theatre minor in collaboration with divisional faculty
• Teach undergraduate courses in musical theatre, theatre, and music according to divisional needs, areas of expertise, and assigned workload
• Serve as academic advisor for students enrolled in the BA in Musical Theatre and Theatre minor
• Maintain professional engagement through scholarship, creative activity, and continued artistic development
• Integrate Christian faith and artistic practice through teaching and mentorship
• Organization and Administration
• Oversee auditions, callbacks, casting, and production scheduling
• Develop and manage production budgets in collaboration with the Division Chair and Technical Director
• Coordinate production logistics, including licensing, personnel, and resource allocation
• Oversee the hiring and coordination of contracted artistic personnel in accordance with university policies (as needed)
• Collaborate with university personnel to promote theatrical productions and related events
• Assess theatrical facility, equipment, and staffing needs in collaboration with the Division Chair
• Program Development and Recruitment
• Develop and advance a strategic vision for the growth and long-term sustainability of musical theatre and theatre at IWU
• Collaborate with the Division Chair and faculty to support student recruitment, retention, and program development
• Represent the program through recruitment events, auditions, outreach, and relationships with schools, theatres, alumni, and community partners
• Develop opportunities for student artistic engagement beyond mainstage productions
• Other
• Participate fully in the academic life of the Division of Music and Theatre, including faculty meetings, committee assignments, assessment activities, and institutional initiatives
• Fulfill university expectations for faculty teaching, professional development, scholarship or creative activity, and institutional service
• Perform other duties reasonably related to the position as assigned

Qualifications: According to Indiana Wesleyan University employment policy all employees must possess a strong Christian commitment and adhere to the standards outlined in the IWU Community Lifestyle Statement.

Education

• Master’s degree in musical theatre, theatre, or a closely related field required
• Terminal degree preferred in musical theatre, theatre, directing, or a closely related field

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in directing musical theatre productions at the collegiate, semi-professional, or professional level
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with Music Director(s), Choreographer(s), Designer(s), and other technical personnel
• Demonstrated effectiveness as a teacher; collegiate teaching experience preferred
• Demonstrated organizational and administrative experience in theatrical production, including production planning, scheduling, budgeting, and coordination of artistic personnel

Required Skills

• Leadership and administrative capacity
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures
• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Strong interpersonal skills for relating effectively to faculty, staff, and students within a multidisciplinary academic environment
• Commitment to mentoring undergraduate students in an academic setting
• Attention to detail
• Familiarity with collegiate musical theatre production processes

IWU Kingdom Diversity Statement

IWU, in covenant with God's reconciling work and in accordance with the Biblical principles of our historic Wesleyan tradition, commits to build a community that reflects Kingdom diversity. We will foster an intentional environment for living, teaching and learning, which exhibits honor, respect, and dignity. Acknowledging visible or invisible differences, our community authentically values each member's earthly and eternal worth. We refute ignorance and isolation and embrace deliberate and courageous engagement that exhibits Christ's commandment to love all humankind.

LIMITATIONS AND DISCLAIMER

As a religious educational institution operating under the auspices of The Wesleyan Church, Indiana Wesleyan University is permitted and reserves the right to prefer employees on the basis of religion (42 U.S.C., Sections 2000e-1 and 2000e-2).

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. Employees will be required to follow other job-related instructions and to perform other job-related duties requested by their supervisor in compliance with Federal and State Laws.