Instructor - Communication Studies​/Performing Arts

Instructor in Communication Studies/Theatre

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 musicals. 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.

Essential duties and responsibilities include:

• 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.

Minimum qualifications include:

• 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.

Preferred qualifications include:

• 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.).

Physical requirements include the ability to lift light weight objects (1 to 10 pounds) with no repetitive bending or stooping. Occasionally lift average weight objects (1 to 10 pounds).

Work environment includes regular exposure to favorable conditions such as those found in a normal office.

Salary is commensurate with experience. The anticipated schedule is TBD.

Special instructions to applicants 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 experiences and potential future contributions to teaching and mentoring students with a wide range of academic and social backgrounds, including first-generation college students.
  • Selected course materials such as syllabi, assignments, and/or lesson plans.
  • Student evaluations of teaching and/or observations of teaching by peers or mentors.
  • The candidate may choose to include any other materials that speak to their teaching experience.

Questions regarding this position should be directed to Prof. Andrew Papa, Chair, Search Committee, at papaam.

Applications will be considered through March 6, 2026. Start date is August 16, 2026.

Employee benefits include:

• Medical:
  Three health plans to choose from with a large national provider network.
• Dental:
  Option to purchase additional dental plan through Sun Life. Dental Care is available at the School of Dentistry to the employee, the employee's spouse or legally domiciled…