Drama​/Theatre Tenure Track Instructor

Position: Drama/Theatre Full-Time Tenure Track Instructor
Job Description Summary

The Theatre Department at Cuesta College is seeking a full-time, tenure-track Theatre Instructor to begin in Fall 2026.

This position is responsible for teaching theatre courses, directing a minimum of two productions per academic year, and providing artistic leadership for the department. The successful candidate will help guide the vision of the program while honoring the work, history, and reputation that have shaped it over many years.

Cuesta Drama has earned consistent regional and national recognition through the Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival and is known for producing ambitious, collaborative, and immersive work. We are seeking a candidate who respects that legacy and is excited to contribute their own perspective as the program moves into its next chapter.

About the Program

The Theatre Department values collaboration across all areas of production, including performance, design, and technical theatre. Our work is built on trust, communication, and shared responsibility between students, faculty, and staff.

We believe theatre education should be hands-on and experiential. Students are encouraged to explore multiple areas of the discipline so they graduate with a broad understanding of the collaborative process and a strong foundation of transferable skills. Our goal is to help students discover their strengths, challenge themselves creatively, and feel a meaningful connection to their work.

The department places a strong emphasis on creating rehearsal and classroom environments that are respectful, inclusive, and supportive while still maintaining high artistic standards.

ABOUT THE COLLEGE

Where You Will Work

Serving all of San Luis Obispo County, Cuesta College has provided comprehensive associate degree offerings, certificates, and community programs to the region since 1964. The main campus is located along scenic Highway 1, west of San Luis Obispo and east of the beaches of the Pacific Ocean. Cuesta College has a North County Campus in Paso Robles, and South County Center, in Arroyo Grande.

Who We Are

Equity, diversity, and inclusion are essential to our culture and the work we do. Cuesta College is proud to be a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) committed to racial and socio-economic diversity as it reflects our communities and student populations. We actively seek to attract candidates who share this commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. As part of the Cuesta College team, you can expect to be part of a collaborative community of faculty, classified professionals, administrators, students, and community partners advancing educational excellence with intentional support services leading to student success and completion.

* Additional information about the college can be found at https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..html

* The college planning documents can be found at https://.html

* Our Student Equity Action Plan can be found at https://.html

* We offer comprehensive benefit options. Information about benefits can be found at https://.html

Essential Functions & Qualifications

Responsibilities

The Theatre Instructor will:

* Teach Theatre Arts courses in accordance with approved course outlines

* Direct a minimum of two departmental productions each academic year

* Provide artistic leadership and long-term vision for the theatre program

* Work effectively with faculty, staff, designers, technicians, and students

* Support safe practices in rehearsal and performance spaces

* Mentor students with a wide range of goals, including transfer, professional interest, and personal enrichment

* Collaborate with Cuesta College Cultural and Performing Arts Center staff on annual scheduling and facility use

* Manage productions within budgets and demonstrate strong written communication skills

* Participate in curriculum development, program review, and student learning outcome assessment

* Serve on department, division, and college committees as part of shared governance

* Maintain regular office hours and support student success outside the classroom

* Due to the nature of theatre production, evening and weekend hours are expected during rehearsal and performance periods.

Community and Collaboration

We value candidates who see theatre as both an educational and community-centered practice. The successful applicant will recognize the importance of collaboration not only within the college but also with regional arts partners and organizations to expand opportunities for students and strengthen community connections.

We are particularly interested in candidates who enjoy engaging with all areas of theatre and who value technical and production work as an essential part of the student learning experience.

Desired Qualifications

* Experience directing or producing theatre in an educational or professional setting

* Experience…