Instructor - Communication Studies​/Performing Arts

Description

Job

Performing Arts

The Department of Performing Arts and Department of Communication Studies at the University of Detroit Mercy invite applications for a faculty position at the rank of Instructor in Communication Studies/Theatre to begin August 16, 2026.

This position is an exciting opportunity to engage across both disciplines as a theatre and communication studies generalist, with an ability to teach courses in speech, introduction to theatre, acting, directing, theatre history, arts management, and/or other performance-based and academic courses, as needed. This candidate would also direct theatrical production(s) for the Detroit Mercy Theatre Company, including musicians. Our brand-new, state-of-the-art Detroit Mercy Black Box Theatre offers a cutting-edge space for teaching and learning.

The Departments of Performing Arts and Communication Studies are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for undergraduate students through engaged teaching, advising, and mentorship. We seek a dynamic instructor with demonstrated excellence in the classroom. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate through their teaching a commitment to an excellent student-centered education grounded in experiential learning for a diverse student body.

We are particularly interested in candidates who would contribute to our efforts to provide support and opportunities for historically marginalized students across a range of academic disciplines.

We offer small classes and close collegial relationships. The Departments of Performing Arts and Communication Studies are housed in the College of Humanities, Arts & Social Sciences whose faculty form a vibrant community of teaching scholars focused on student-centered teaching and academic mentorship of students. Reflecting these commitments, the University of Detroit Mercy is ranked #2 Best College in Michigan and #36 Best College in the United States by The Wall Street Journal/College Pulse.

• Teach four courses each Fall and Winter semester for a total of eight, equally distributed between the two departments.
• Restructure recruitment initiatives.
• Direct one production in the  season for the Department of Performing Arts.

• An MFA degree in Theatre. Alternatively, an MA in Communication Studies or Communications-adjacent fields (Arts administration, Strategic Communications, etc.).
• Demonstrated excellence in teaching theatre and/or communication studies courses at the undergraduate level.
• Knowledge of and commitment to effective strategies for teaching and mentoring a diverse student body, including first-generation college students.
• Demonstrated experience mentoring students with a particular emphasis on nurturing their development as oral speakers, performers, and technical/creative artists.

• Prior experience directing theatrical productions the collegiate and/or professional levels.
• Experience with curriculum development.
• Record of additional forms of public dissemination of creative work (e.g., readings, presentations, performances, etc.).

Job may require lifting light weight objects (1 to 10 pounds) with no repetitive bending or stooping. Occasionally lift average weight objects (1 to 10 pounds).

Regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.

Commensurate with experience

TBD

Applicants apply by completing an application and uploading materials that must include:

• Letter of application that states the applicant’s interest in the position and shares their experience with and approach to teaching in comparable programs at other institutions of higher learning. The candidate should also reflect on how their teaching resonates with one or more aspects of Detroit Mercy’s mission and core values, and our diverse student population.
• Curriculum vitae.
• Teaching portfolio that includes:
• A statement of teaching philosophy and practice that includes reflection on past…