Length Lecturer, Department of Theater

The Department of Theatre at the University of Southern Maine seeks a Fixed-Length Lecturer specializing in Performance and Directing to begin in September 2026 through May 2027.

The ideal candidate would have a background in theatrical Acting and Directing. Primary responsibilities will include directing the Spring Musical and teaching courses in Acting, Voice, and other areas of expertise. They would also contribute to curricular development in the areas of Performance and the Business of Performing Arts. The candidate would serve as Faculty Advisor to a roster of Theatre Majors, take part in season planning and recruitment efforts, and help build partnerships with Professional Theatres throughout the state.

The Department of Theatre is housed within the College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at the University of Southern Maine, a public, four‑year comprehensive institution that serves a diverse learning community, including veterans, non‑traditional, and first‑generation college students. It offers a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre, a Theatre Minor, and a minor in Dance. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong, multifaceted core that introduces theatre as a collaborative art form, an academic discipline, and a professional industry.

A wide range of electives offers a bespoke, exploratory experience alongside in‑depth specialization in the areas of performance, design, dramaturgy, scenic and prop construction, stage management, theatre education, and administration. The typical production season includes two straight plays, a musical, a dance concert, and a radio play. Facilities include a 150‑seat mainstage theatre, a newly refurbished 40‑seat black box laboratory, the Bill Dufries sound studio, scenic and costume shops, and newly acquired dance, rehearsal, and performance spaces in Corthell Hall.

This growth reflects the academic unit’s current momentum. The departmental culture is highly cooperative.

The ideal candidate would add to a culture of collective problem‑solving, ingenuity, and ethical inquiry. They would invest in the overarching goal of establishing USM Theatre as a destination for the Performing Arts and Southern Maine as an industry hub for theatre, musical theatre, and dance.

• Teach a 4/4 undergraduate course load in the curriculum, including courses in acting, musical theatre performance, and other areas of expertise.
• Develop curricula in the realm of Musical Theatre, Dance, and self‑marketing in the entertainment industry.
• Engage in season planning.
• Engage in recruitment and community outreach efforts.
• Produce and facilitate the yearly digital senior showcase, and distribute the showcase to industry stakeholders.
• Build partnerships with professional theaters in the Greater Portland and New England area.
• Advise undergraduate theatre majors and dance minors.
• Mentor and assist students in securing summer and post‑graduate employment opportunities.
• Direct at least one mainstage production annually.
• Attend studio and technical/dress rehearsals as necessary.

The University of Southern Maine is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands‑on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student‑centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond.

USM is committed to providing expanded access to high‑quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University.

The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement. We welcome applications from candidates of…