Assistant Professor, Theater History and Dramatic Literature

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/.

• 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 interdisciplinariy.

• Experience teaching or creating online courses.

• Evidence of commitment to collaboration.

Additional Application Materials Required:

UCF requires all applications and supporting documents be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/.  In addition to the online application, candidates should upload the following:

• 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.

NOTE: Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be simultaneously uploaded. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.

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.

Job Close Date: 

Open until filled.

Note to applicants: Please keep in mind that a job posted as ‘Open until filled’ may close at any time without notice. As such, we encourage you to submit your application and all required documentation as quickly as possible to ensure consideration for the posted position. 

Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?

As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you’ll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You’ll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you’ll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.

Working at UCF has its perks! UCF offers:

• Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program. 

• Paid time off, including annual (12-month faculty) and sick time off and paid holidays.

• Retirement savings options. 

• Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions. 

• Education assistance.

• Flexible work environment. 

• And more…For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide click here.

Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF’s expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.

Additional Requirements related to Research Positions:

Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.

The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, postdoctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.

Department

Work Schedule

Type of Appointment

Expected Salary

As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.  

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.