Description

Employment Status:

Temporary (1 Year Assignment)

Type of Employment:

Faculty

# of openings:

1

Location:

ASU-Jonesboro

Proposed Salary Range:

Commensurate with Experience

Closing:

12/8/25

Please note: All postings close at 12 A.M. CST on the closing date. A-State participates in E-Verify.

Position Summary:

The Department of Theatre at Arkansas State University invites applications for a Full-Time Temporary Instructor of Theatre in Dance and Choreography. This is a 9-month teaching appointment for the 2026-2027 academic year.

Duties & Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

• Teaching a 5/5 load, which typically includes three academic courses and one production course (directing/choreographing). Possible courses include, but are not limited to, Jazz Dance, Musical Theatre Dance, Tap Dance, Ballet Dance, and Folk Dance.
• Overseeing the Stage Manager for shows when directing.
• Attending evening/weekend rehearsals as appropriate.
• Mentoring and supervising student choreographers and dance captains.
• Being available for student supervision during evening and weekend rehearsals and performances.
• Working collegially and collaboratively with students and faculty.

Department Overview:

The Arkansas State University Department of Theatre offers rigorous theatre training in a liberal arts environment. Students receive a comprehensive education, whether choosing a general approach or the more select experiences within the three emphases: Acting, Design and Technology, or Musical Theatre. The curriculum is designed to combine classroom instruction with practical production experience, as both are integral to the student's development. Classroom experiences provide theoretical, historical, and critical examinations of the theatre as art, craft, and discipline, while production experiences offer practical opportunities for exploring and applying these concepts. This liberal arts-based education provides opportunities to master critical thinking, communication, and creative problem-solving skills, preparing graduates to become engaged, thoughtful, and compassionate citizens of a global world.

Facilities:

The Department of Theatre is housed within Fowler Center, Arkansas State University's premier performing arts complex. The 344-seat Drama Theatre serves as the primary venue for plays and musicals, featuring stepped seating to maximize sight lines and acoustics designed for spoken drama productions. The proscenium features a 40' x 20' opening, and a complete catwalk system provides access for lighting and rigging areas. The stage house features a suspended floor and full fly-loft, rigged so that scenic properties may be "flown" out of view.

Adjacent to the Drama Theatre is the Simpson Theatre, a flexible black box space that allows for various configurations, providing students opportunities to develop skills required to work in many different kinds of venues.

Additional facilities include a Light Lab equipped with intelligent LED theatrical lighting and a small theatrical sound system, a Design Lab featuring Apple iMacs with CAD, lighting and sound design software, and access to Adobe's Creative Cloud, as well as drafting tables and a wide-format printer. The Costume Shop is equipped with 14 Bernina sewing machines, industrial irons, sergers, a dye vat, cutting tables, and an embroidery machine. The Scene Shop is among the finest in the region, equipped with a variety of professional-grade stationary and portable power tools, as well as a 3D printer.

About Arkansas State University:
Arkansas State University (A-State), founded in 1909, is the second largest university in Arkansas and serves over 15,000 students. As a Carnegie Research 2 institution and the premier university of the mid-South, A-State is committed to teaching, research, and service. Located in Jonesboro, A-State offers a vibrant campus life with a diverse student body and a strong tradition of student-focused instruction. With more than 150 degree programs, including robust online offerings, A-State combines world-class research with academic excellence and is a catalyst for progress in the Delta and Mid-South region.

A-State is an equal employment opportunity employer committed to excellence. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information.

About Jonesboro:
Jonesboro is the regional hub of Northeast Arkansas for healthcare, entertainment, business and industry. It is the 5th largest city in Arkansas with a population of over 76,000. The Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) encompasses over 130,000 people. The A-State campus is centrally located in Jonesboro with the thriving downtown entertainment sector to the west and the growing Hilltop area to the east. Jonesboro provides convenient access to major markets via interstate and four-lane highways. Memphis, TN (1 hour), Little Rock, AR (2 hours), St. Louis, MO (4 hours), and Nashville, TN (4 hours).

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

Applicant should present evidence of excellence in teaching, active scholarly and creative work, knowledge of current trends in the field, and artistic leadership in the areas of theatrical dance and choreography.

General Days/Hours:

Monday through Friday
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM plus additional hours for productions on weekends and weekday evenings.

Other:

Application deadline: 12/8/2026. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. Applications for position F00266 must be received online. This position is housed on the Jonesboro campus. Visit https://jobs.astate.edu for detailed information and to apply for the position.

Please upload the following:
 Cover letter addressing qualifications
 Curriculum vitae
 Indication of professional designs such as portfolio
 Contact information for five professional references

Transcripts will be requested by the search committee after initial screening of applicants.

For additional information, please contact: Dallas Martinez, Assistant Professor of Theatre and Chair of Search Committee: Temporary Instructor of Theatre. Email: dalmartinez@astate.edu

Minimum Qualifications:

Expectations for minimum qualifications are as follows:
 M.F.A. in Theatre, Dance, or closely related field, or equivalent professional experience
 Demonstrated proficiency in both dance and choreography for theatrical productions

Additional Considerations:
 Experience directing theatrical productions
 Membership in professional organizations such as SETC, ACDA, or MTEA
 Experience teaching Theatre for non-majors
 Commitment to diversity and inclusion in educational settings

E-Verify Participation Notice:

https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf

E-Verify Right to Work:

https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RightToWorkPoster%20Eng_Es.pdf