Assistant Professor of Acting

Description

The Conservatory for the Performing Arts at Stephens College seeks a dynamic, student-centered artist-educator for a full-time Assistant Professor of Acting position beginning August 2026.

Stephens College, a private women’s college in Columbia, Missouri, with co-educational graduate and performing arts programs, offers BFA degrees in Acting, Musical Theatre, Interdisciplinary Theatre Arts, Film, Costume Design, and Design/Tech/Stg. Mgmt. through its nationally recognized Conservatory. Our rigorous training model is deeply rooted in professional practice and collaboration, preparing graduates for sustained careers in theatre, television, and film.

Primary Responsibilities

The Successful Candidate Will:

• Teach undergraduate acting courses which may include:
• Direct one mainstage production per academic year.
• Serve as an academic advisor and mentor to BFA students.
• Participate in faculty governance and service to the college through committee work.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff in recruitment, curriculum development, and performance projects.
• Assist in the planning or execution of a digital and/or live Senior Showcase. 
• Introduction to the Profession & Audition Technique
• Acting I: Foundations
• Acting II: American Realism
• Acting IV: Contemporary Scene Study
• On-Camera Acting Fundamentals
• Theater History I and II

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• MFA in Acting or closely related field.
• OR significant professional experience in acting and/or directing in the theatre, television, or film industries that is commensurate with terminal degree expectations.
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching and directing at the college or conservatory level, specifically acting on camera.
• Knowledge of both classical and contemporary acting techniques.
• Strong collaborative, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in camera-based performance (TV/film).
• Understanding of industry trends in professional auditions, self-tapes, and digital showcases.
• Experience in training actors in Voice and Movement. 
• Demonstrated commitment to inclusive and equitable pedagogical practices.
• Familiarity with professional BFA programs and conservatory-style training.

Founded in 1833, Stephens College is the second-oldest women's college in the United States, dedicated to providing innovative, experiential, and career-focused education across various disciplines. The gender-inclusive Conservatory for the Performing Arts operates on a pre-professional model, providing intensive, performance-driven training within a liberal arts context. Each season includes a diverse mix of plays, musicals, devised work, and camera-based content.

Ranked (over and over again) as one of the best college towns in America, Columbia, Missouri, is home to 36,000+ college students and 118,000 residents. Columbia — conveniently located approximately 100 miles from both Kansas City and St. Louis — has it all: big-time college sports, film, music and arts festivals, a high-energy arts community, amazing recreation, and a great downtown with lots of places to eat, shop, snack and check out the latest bands. The Columbia community offers outstanding health care options, as well as excellent educational opportunities for every level of student (including our own Children’s School).

Stephens offers an attractive benefits package that includes health insurance, an Employee Assistance Program, Supplemental Retirement Annuity, Faculty/Staff Grants, tuition waivers and tuition paid undergraduate classes for dependents.

Be a part of this amazing community of innovative thinkers, doers and dreamers.

Stephens is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will recruit and employ qualified personnel without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, or status as a veteran.