Assistant Professor of Dance, Shenandoah Conservatory; Entertainment Industry Styles & Modern F

Assistant Professor – Dance, Entertainment Industry Styles and Modern Dance

Shenandoah Conservatory of Shenandoah University seeks an exceptional teacher, with a focus on Entertainment Industry Styles and Modern Dance, to join its dynamic performing arts faculty. This full time and career‑contract track Assistant Professor position will begin in August of 2026. This position is located on our main campus in Winchester, VA.

Responsibilities:
The successful candidate will be a member of the Dance Division faculty, and will work collaboratively with both Dance and Musical Theatre programs and faculty in fulfilling the following responsibilities: teach classical and contemporary jazz and industry style techniques & musical theatre dance styles for dance, music theatre majors, and non‑majors; teach modern/contemporary styles as needed; contribute to mainstage productions of the Dance Division as choreographer;

and participate in Division, Conservatory and University activities, including advising, recruitment, and committee service. Additional teaching assignments for the position will be based on areas of expertise/interest.

• Teach a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester of undergraduate and/or specialized courses in Dance.
• Develop and update course curricula, including syllabi, lectures, and assignments.
• Advise and mentor students on academic and career paths.
• Engage in scholarly or creative activities, which may include research, publications, presentations, or artistic productions.
• Participate in departmental, college, and university service, such as committee work, program development, and student recruitment.

The Dance Division engages close to 80 dance majors and 100 musical theatre students in rigorous professional training that is equally grounded in ballet, modern dance and jazz training. Core training is complemented by an extensive composition sequence, three mainstage concerts per year in the 600‑seat Ohrstrom‑Bryant Theatre, and numerous opportunities for creative & performance work. Extensive outreach opportunities include international performance‑and‑study tours.

The Dance Ensemble has been featured in concerts at the Kennedy Center, Strathmore Hall, and other professional venues in New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington, DC.

Shenandoah Conservatory's BFA Musical Theatre degree is among the longest‑established such programs in the country. With a continuing reputation for excellence in pre‑professional training and a constant eye on the industry, the program provides highly individualized education in a rigorous, yet supportive environment. The school's geography allows for easy access to and regular interaction with theatre professionals from New York City as well as Washington D.C. Grounded in the foundations of musical theatre, the program places primary emphasis on contemporary trends and current musical styles, including pop/rock musicals and vocal technique, entrepreneurship, and digital media.

Shenandoah Conservatory was founded in 1875 and is located at the head of the historic Shenandoah Valley in Winchester, VA, 70 miles west of Washington DC.

Over 650 students are enrolled in baccalaureate, masters and doctoral curricula in the areas of music, theater and dance, and are taught by a dynamic and diverse faculty of over 125, half of whom are full‑time.

www.su.edu/conservatory Shenandoah University is a diverse institution of approximately 4,000 students enrolled in baccalaureate, masters and doctoral curricula in business, arts and sciences, health professions and performing arts. Shenandoah University is an independent, co‑educational institution affiliated with the United Methodist Church and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

Shenandoah University is committed to enriching its educational experience and culture through the diversity of its faculty, administration, and staff. All candidates are strongly encouraged to include a statement in their cover letters addressing ways in which they may be able to contribute to that commitment.