Assistant Professor, Theater History and Dramatic Literature Job at University o

The Opportunity

The College of Arts and Humanities at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for a full‑time, 9‑month, tenure‑earning assistant professor of Theater History and Dramatic Literature to teach in the Department of Theater at the School of Performing Arts (SPA). This position will be located on the UCF main campus with an anticipated start date in August 2026.

The successful candidate will teach the two‑course Theater History/Dramatic Literature sequence in the undergraduate curriculum. Both courses are offered each semester. Additional courses will include related undergraduate and graduate courses. Additional duties will include but are not limited to mentoring student dramaturgs, overseeing departmental exit critiques, serving on thesis committees, and collaborating with faculty, staff, students, and UCF partners on assigned projects. The successful candidate will be expected to sustain a strong research/creative profile, which may include presentations at national and international conferences, refereed publications, and high‑level creative practice.

UCF is a public research university that promotes a diverse and inclusive environment and is home to a growing student population of nearly 70,000 students. In alignment with our strategic plan, UCF has expanded access and learning pathways, grown our student population, and extended our physical and digital footprints to support business migration and population growth in Florida. Our student body reflects the future of Florida and America, composed of diverse, entrepreneurial, creative, and community‑minded innovators. Located in Orlando, it is the center of a growing, diverse community of nearly two million people. The Department of Theater, within the School of Performing Arts, offers BFA degrees in Acting, Musical Theater, Stage Management, and Design and Technology, as well as a B.A. in Theater Studies. Graduate programs include MFA in Acting, M.A. in Musical Theater, M.A. in Theater Studies, MFA in Themed Experience, and MFA in Theater for Young Audiences. For more information about the Department of Theater, please visit our website at https://performingarts.cah.ucf.edu/.

Minimum Qualifications

• Ph.D. in theater or performance studies, or a DFA in dramaturgy, or an MFA in dramaturgy from an accredited institution by the time of application.
• At least one year of college‑level teaching experience as the instructor of record.
• Evidence of scholarly activity.

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional teaching experience and/or evidence of teaching excellence.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in dramaturgy.
• Background in the advising and supervision of undergraduate and graduate scholarly work including thesis, capstone, and terminal projects.
• Evidence of scholarship in an area of specialization.
• Demonstrated ability in teaching graduates and undergraduate students.
• Demonstrated commitment to interdisciplinarity.
• Experience teaching or creating online courses.
• Evidence of commitment to collaboration.

Additional Application Materials Required

• Cover letter
• Current curriculum vitae
• Teaching philosophy statement that may address collaboration, teaching with technology, and integration of scholarship and practice.

The selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts (and, as applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations) documenting the conferral of their qualifying academic credentials.

Questions regarding this search should be directed to John Gardiner, search chair, at John.Gardiner@ucf.edu.

Special Instructions to the Applicants: The selected candidate must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for sponsorship, now or in the future.

Department: College of Arts and Humanities (CAH) - Performing Arts

UCF is proud to be a smoke‑free campus and an E‑Verify employer.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407‑823‑1336 or email onac@ucf.edu.

For general application or posting questions, please email talent@ucf.edu.