SMU #51679 Lecturer in Theatre (Stage Management)

Description

The Division of Theatre in the Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University invitesapplications for a Lecturer in Stage Management, beginning August 1, 2026. This is a full-time, non-tenure-track teaching appointment, renewable based on performance and institutional need.

We seek an experienced stage manager and educator who is passionate about mentoring emerging artists and supporting rigorous undergraduate theatre training. The successful candidate will teach foundational and advanced stage management courses and supervise all stage management students on productions. Thisposition plays a vital role in bridging classroom learning with production experience, preparing students for professional work across theatre, musical theatre, and other areas of live performance.

This is a Professional and Teaching faculty position. While it is not eligible for tenure, it has a three-tier promotion path. Professional and Teaching faculty’s primary responsibility is teaching, though courses may be substituted by significant service roles. Additional service may include academic advising, recruiting, studentmentoring, and other departmental service as needed, and will be negotiated based on teaching load and departmental needs. Creative work and research are not expected, though they may be rewarded. Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience.

Responsibilities

• Teach a 3-credit Introduction to Stage Management course, and additional advanced Stage Management courses as enrollment and curriculum dictate.
• Mentor and advise all BFA stage management students throughout the academic year.
• Attend production meetings and all technical and dress rehearsals for all productions involving student stage managers.
• If needed, serve as stage manager for one mainstage production per academic year (by mutual agreement with the Divisional Chair).
• Participate in Division service such as audition coordination, curriculum development, and stage management events/workshops as needed.
• Assist the Director of Production with the development of the seasonal and individual show calendars, and other needs as necessary.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

• Significant professional stage management experience (AEA experience preferred).
• Experience teaching stage management at the college or university level.
• Minimum of 18 graduate credit hours in theatre-related study OR equivalent professional experience.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• A collaborative and student-centered teaching philosophy.

•       Professional theatrical connections within a regional or national market.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience not only in theatre/musical theatre, but also dance, opera, music, and/or special or corporate events.
• Familiarity with digital prompt book systems and current stage management technologies.

•       Experience working with box office staff, front of house staff, and building management staff.

Application Instructions

Submit materials electronically via Interfolio at:

Materials Include:

1. 1.    Cover letter outlining interest and qualifications
2. 3.    Statement of teaching philosophy, including reflections on diversity and inclusion
3. 4.    Sample syllabus or course outline (if available)
4. 5.    Names and contact information of 3 references

2.    Curriculum Vitae

Application Deadline

For full consideration, materials must be received by December 15, 2025. Position open until filled. Hiring contingent on satisfactory background check.

The Division of Theatre is a longstanding leader in actor training with a faculty of working professionals and a partnership with the Dallas Theater Center.

Founded in 1969, the Meadows School of the Arts is one of the foremost arts education institutions in the United States. The Meadows School offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in Advertising, Art, Art History, Arts Management and Arts Entrepreneurship, Corporate Communication and Public Affairs, Creative Computation, Dance, Film and Media Arts, Journalism and Fashion Media, Music, and Theatre. The MeadowsSchool prepares students to meet the demands of professional careers in the arts and communications and challenges its students to make a difference locally and globally. The Meadows School is also a convenor forthe arts in North Texas, serving as a catalyst for collaborations across communities.

SMU, a private nonsectarian university of roughly 12,000 students, is an inclusive and intellectually diverse community of teachers and scholars that values outstanding research and creative work and is dedicated to academic excellence. SMU is located in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, a culturally rich arts and global business center and home to over eight million people, offering exceptional museums, diverse cultural attractions and a vibrant economy.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

SMU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression.