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Theater Professor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Tyler Junior College

Adjunct Professor, Theatre

TX · On-site

ABOUT The Adjunct Professor, Theatre is a part-time, 4.5-month faculty position responsible to the Department Chair, Theatre and Dean, School of Humanities, Communication & Fine Arts. Professors ...

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Theater Professor information

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$42.5K

$80.1K

$135K

How much do theater professor jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for theater professor in the United States is $80,057.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $60,000.00 and $91,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What other jobs can a professor do?

A theater professor can transition into roles such as theater director, drama coach, arts administrator, or curriculum developer, leveraging skills in performance, teaching, and project management. They may also work in arts organizations, production companies, or pursue roles in arts education policy or consulting. Additional certifications or experience in related fields can expand career options.

What degree do you need to teach drama?

To teach drama as a theater professor, a master's degree in theater, drama, or a related field is typically required, with many institutions preferring a Ph.D. for university-level teaching. Relevant experience, strong communication skills, and knowledge of theatrical production are also important. Certification or credentials may be necessary for teaching at certain educational levels.

How do you become a theatre professor?

To become a theatre professor, individuals typically need a master's degree or doctorate in theatre, drama, or a related field. Experience in acting, directing, or production, along with a strong record of research or creative work, is also important for academic positions at colleges or universities.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Theater Professor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Theater Professor, you need advanced knowledge of theater history, acting techniques, and directing, typically supported by a master's or doctoral degree in theater or a related field. Familiarity with stage production software, lighting and sound systems, and learning management systems (LMS) is often required. Strong communication, creativity, mentorship, and organizational skills help engage students and foster their artistic growth. These competencies are crucial for delivering effective instruction, guiding practical productions, and preparing students for diverse careers in the performing arts.

How do Theater Professors typically collaborate with students and other faculty members in a university setting?

Theater Professors often work closely with students through classroom instruction, directing stage productions, and providing individualized mentorship on acting or technical theater projects. They also collaborate with other faculty members to design curricula, organize workshops, and coordinate departmental events or performances. This teamwork fosters a creative environment where both students and faculty contribute ideas, which is essential for successful productions and academic growth. Additionally, professors may partner with guest artists or professionals to give students broader exposure to the theater industry.

What does a Theater Professor do?

A Theater Professor teaches courses related to theater arts, such as acting, directing, stage design, and theater history at a college or university. They develop lesson plans, lead classroom and practical instruction, mentor students, and often participate in or direct campus theater productions. In addition to teaching, Theater Professors may conduct research, publish scholarly articles, and contribute to their field through creative works and professional organizations. Their role combines academic responsibilities with artistic guidance to help students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in theater.

What is the difference between Theater Professor vs Theater Director?

AspectTheater ProfessorTheater Director
CredentialsMaster's or Doctorate in Theater or Performing ArtsExperience in theater production, often with a background in directing or acting
Work EnvironmentUniversities, colleges, academic settingsTheater productions, rehearsal spaces, performance venues
Employer & Industry UsageEducational institutions, academiaTheater companies, production houses, arts organizations
Primary FocusTeaching, research, academic mentorshipCreative direction, staging, and production management

While both roles are involved in theater, a Theater Professor primarily focuses on teaching and academic research within educational settings, whereas a Theater Director is responsible for leading and managing theater productions. The two roles often collaborate but differ in their core responsibilities and work environments.

What is a professor of theatre?

A professor of theatre is an academic professional who teaches theatre arts, including acting, directing, and production, at colleges or universities. They often conduct research, develop curricula, and may direct student productions, requiring expertise in theatre techniques and often a terminal degree such as a Ph.D. or MFA.
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Theater Professor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Theater Professor job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 25% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $80,057 per year, or $38.5 per hour.
Assistant Professor of Theatre

Assistant Professor of Theatre

Sul Ross State University

Alpine, TX

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Instructions to applicants
Candidates are required to submit a cover letter, CV, and three references, two of which must be academic.
PLEASE NOTE: All applications should contain complete job history entries, which includes job title, dates of employment, name of employer, supervisor's name and phone number and a description of duties performed. If this information is not submitted, your application may be rejected because it is incomplete. Resumes  and curriculum vitae do not take the place of this required information.
Job Title Assistant Professor of Theatre Location Alpine Department Visual and Performing Arts Job No. 999175 Posting Date 04/29/2025 End Date Until Filled Yes Appointment Date 02/01/2026 Salary Commensurate with experience and education Required
MFA in Acting or Directing is required by the time of initial appointment.
Preferred
Two (2) Years of teaching experience.
Producing or arts management experience.
Availability to teach and/or direct productions during our summer outdoor season (Theatre of the Big Bend).
Primary Responsibilities
This is a 9-month tenure track position with a targeted start date of August 2024.
The Department of Fine Arts at Sul Ross State University seeks candidates for the position of Assistant Professor of Theatre. MFA in Acting or Directing is required by the time of initial appointment. Candidates with a minimum of 2 years teaching experience preferred. The position serves the Theatre program's majors in Acting/Directing, Design/Tech, and Film Production. Producing or arts management experience a huge plus.
The teaching load is 4 courses per semester, one of which will often be a course release to direct a main stage production. Courses may include Intro to Theatre, Acting I, Acting II, Directing I, Voice, Stage Movement, Styles, Performing Shakespeare, and Audition Techniques. Candidates with availability to teach and/or direct productions during our summer outdoor season (Theatre of the Big Bend) preferred.
The Department is looking for a dynamic teacher who will stay abreast of the latest developments in the theatre world and inspire non-majors to pursue a major or minor in Theatre. The ideal candidate is collaborative and has a strong interest in developing active partnerships with local and regional artists and performing arts organizations. In addition to teaching, responsibilities include contributing to shared administrative and recruitment tasks, and active participation in departmental and/or college-wide committees. The ability to create an engaging learning environment for all students will be an important characteristic of the successful candidate. Experience working with first-generation students is highly desirable.
The candidate hired for this position will be joining a program and department embarking upon a multi-million-dollar expansion and renovation of current fine arts facilities. Alpine and Marfa are arts-friendly communities, and the candidate will find supportive colleagues and appreciative peers throughout the region. The Sul Ross Theatre Program is actively involved in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF).

Responsible for the safety of others. This position is security sensitive.
Other Information
An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer

It is the policy of Sul Ross State University to provide equal employment opportunity for all persons in accordance with their individual, job related qualifications and without consideration of race, creed, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status and ancestry. Equal employment opportunities shall be afforded in all personnel actions or decisions including, but not necessarily limited to, recruitment, hiring, training, upgrading, promotion, demotion, termination and salary. Retaliation is prohibited against a person who opposes a discriminatory practice, files a charge, testifies, assists or participates in an investigative proceeding or hearing.
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security & Fire Safety Report

The Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is available online at https://srinfo.sulross.edu/udps/
The report contains information regarding campus safety and security including topics such as: campus law enforcement authority; crime reporting policies; campus alerts (Timely Warnings and Emergency Notifications); fire safety policies and procedures; programs to prevent dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking; the procedures the University will follow when one of these crimes is reported; and other matters of importance related to security on campus. The report also contains information about crime statistics for the three most recent calendar years concerning reported crimes that occurred on campus; in On-Campus Student Housing Facilities; in Non-campus buildings or property owned or controlled by the University or a recognized student organization; and on public property within, or immediately adjacent to and accessible from, the campus. The report also contains fire statistics for any fires occurring in an On-Campus Student Housing Facility during the three most recent calendar years.
A paper copy of the report will be provided upon request. If you would like to receive a paper copy, you can contact the Office of Student Life, located on the Alpine Campus in the Morgan University Center, Room 211 or you can request that a copy be mailed to you by calling 432-837-8424 or emailing stulife@sulross.edu
About SRSU
Our campuses span a fascinating part of Texas-Alpine, in the heart of the beautiful Big Bend area, and Del Rio, Eagle Pass and Uvalde along the vibrant, bicultural Texas/Mexico border.
What you've heard is true - there is something very special about the areas we serve in our great State, and Sul Ross State University is vital to the continued growth and progress of our students and the communities we serve.
Sul Ross State provides students with the education they need to translate their passions into a fulfilling career. This life-changing experience has a multi-generational impact, transforming the lives of our students, their families and positively impacting the communities in which they reside. We value learning and strive to provide high quality education in a welcoming, supportive environment. We take pride in the fact that we serve a diverse population including many first-generation college students as well as non-traditional students, international students, student-athletes and graduate students.
From teaching, coaching and law enforcement, to science, ranch management and the Fine Arts, SRSU offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Known as the Frontier University of Texas, Sul Ross encourages each student to explore their own frontiers and to exceed their educational, personal and professional goals.
For more information about how we're strategizing for the future, I invite you to visit www.sulross.edu.

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