Tenure-Track ASSISTANT PROFESSOR of Physical Theatre / UMKC CONSERVATORY / Theatre Division

UNIVERSITY of MISSOURI-KANSAS CITY

CONSERVATORY

Division of Theatre

At the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory, we take pride in collaboration across the divisions of music, dance, and theatre, and in advancing the integration of art forms through performance, teaching, and creative work. Our integrated arts approach intentionally brings together multiple disciplines to deepen learning, expand artistic practice, and enrich audience experiences. About Us - Conservatory | UMKC

Building on the Conservatory's strengths in actor training, emerging media, opera, and dance, this position strengthens a distinct need in the Theatre Division: an artist-teacher whose work is grounded in rigorous physical and movement training for the actor and extends that foundation into devised, ensemble-created, and cross-disciplinary performance. The position anchors movement training in the BA in Theatre and graduate students in the MFA Acting program, and leverages that expertise within the wider Conservatory, including the divisions of Dance and Music Divisions. Theatre - Areas of Study - Conservatory | UMKC

The goal is to prepare performers as versatile, physically expressive artists who can create original work, collaborate across disciplines, and build careers on stage, on screen, and in forms still taking shape. Performances and News - Conservatory | UMKC

The UMKC Conservatory invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant Professor of Physical Theatre, beginning fall semester 2027.

We seek a versatile teacher and creative theatre artist whose command of physical theatre and movement technique anchors the training of theatre students at every level and whose professional performing experience informs daily work in the studio. The successful candidate will contribute to the performance, academic, and service life of a Conservatory within a public research university.

Areas of practice may include movement for the actor, devised and ensemble-based work, somatic practices, and related physical performance work grounded in rigorous training.

Primary Responsibilities

• Maintain a teaching load of three courses per semester, with a course release in any semester in which the faculty member directs a mainstage production.
• Teach Movement courses in the MFA Acting curriculum, including emphases in techniques that might include, but is not limited to: devising, clown, commedia dell'Arte, stage combat, epic storytelling.
• Teach multiple courses in the Theatre BA curriculum, which may include Movement for the Actor, various levels and styles of acting, Alexander Technique, and other special topics courses within the faculty member's research area.
• Direct up to one Theatre production annually, based on the needs of the season.
• Oversee the Intimacy Coordination for all Conservatory productions.
• Collaborate with faculty in Music and Dance to provide integrated training in movement, acting, and singing.
• Maintain an active agenda of creative research at the regional and national levels.
• Recruit and mentor undergraduate and graduate students.
• Engage in service through faculty committees, community partnerships, and professional organizations.
• Other duties as assigned, based on the candidate's strengths and the needs of the institution.

The successful candidate must provide evidence of:

• Terminal degree (MFA, PhD, or equivalent) in Theatre, Acting, Physical Theatre, or a closely related field, or equivalent professional experience (ABD considered if the degree is completed by the time of appointment).
• Excellence as a teacher of movement and physical theatre.
• The ability to teach all levels of theatre students.
• Documented expertise in at least one specialty area of performance training with a research and development agenda that incorporates a second (e.g. Alexandar Technique, Commedia, Lecoq, Feldenkrais, Suzuki, Body-Mind Centering, Action Theatre, Meyerhold Biomechanics, stage combat, etc.)
• Significant professional performing experience and reputation at the regional or national level, and clear promise of a sustained creative research agenda.
• A strong commitment to teaching and mentorship, and the interpersonal skills necessary for success in higher education.

This is a 9-month, tenure-track, benefit-eligible ranked faculty position to begin with the Fall 2027 semester. Salary is commensurate with experience and credentials. Our academic workloads and schedules provide for a positive work/life balance.

Your total compensation goes beyond the number on your paycheck. The University of Missouri provides generous leave, health plans, discounted tuition at all four UM System campuses for employees and qualifying dependents, and retirement contributions that add to your bottom line.

For consideration, you must apply online at Careers - Human Resources | University of Missouri-Kansas City / Academic Positions / Prospective employees: Job Opening ID 61477.

Please complete the online application form with questions, and submit the following materials:

• A one-page cover letter that explains how this position aligns with your professional goals and values, including:
  • Your vision for physical training of 'the performer'.
  • The role of your previous teaching experience or aptitude for teaching Theatre students.
  • Your approach to engaging individuals through work that is artistically meaningful, educationally impactful, and socially relevant.
• Curriculum Vitae.
• Links to representative work samples: videos of your teaching or rehearsal process and scholarly work as a performer, director or deviser.
• Current contact information for at least three professional references.

Please combine all application materials into one PDF or Microsoft Word document and upload as your resume attachment. Additionally, please limit the document name to 50 characters and do not include any special characters (e.g., /, &, %, etc.). Maximum size limit is 11MB.

• If you are experiencing technical problems during application, please email umpshrsupport@umsystem.edu.
• For questions about the position, please contact umkcfacultysearch@umkc.edu including the Job Identification number 61477 and name of the position.
• Reasonable accommodation may be requested during the application and recruitment process. If you need an accommodation, please contact the Office of Equity and Title IX at (816) 235-1323.

We will request higher education transcripts and initiate reference checks for applicants who progress to the finalist stage. A Criminal Background Check is required for hire.

Review of applications will begin November 21, 2026 and continue until a qualified candidate is hired.

Employment visa sponsorship may be available for candidates currently in the United States in H-1B status or other work-authorized status.

The UMKC Conservatory is a vibrant community of artists, educators, and scholars located in the heart of Kansas City's thriving arts corridor. Committed to excellence, innovation, and equity, the Conservatory prepares students to become leading performers, educators, conductors, and scholar-artists. As part of a Carnegie R-1 public research university, the Conservatory offers exceptional opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, and global impact. For more than a century, UMKC Conservatory has been a leader in creating Kansas City's cultural riches and in extending UMKC's reach nationally and internationally. Focused upon creativity, performance, scholarship, and learning in the arts, UMKC Conservatory is, at heart, a community of warm and fiercely dedicated people. Vision, Mission and Principles - About Us - Conservatory | UMKC

A City on the Rise: Big City Life and Midwest Charm, Kansas City offers the best of both worlds - a vibrant, urban community with midwestern appeal and an affordable cost of living. Our UMKC campuses are centered in the hubs of cultural arts, business activity, (some great barbeque and ethnic cuisine!), trendy neighborhoods, and health science research engagement for both campuses. As one of the largest cities in Missouri, we are home to the internationally acclaimed Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, a rich history of cultural arts and music, a new international airport, national championship sports teams, NASCAR racing, and a community that is very engaged with and supportive of our university initiatives. Our beautiful state has rolling hills, rivers, lakes, and long bike/hiking trails all within a short drive for those that enjoy time in the great outdoors. Kansas City offers something for everyone! https://www.visitkc.com/

UMKC is proud to be "Kansas City's university," and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. UMKC Breaks Ground on $41 Million Conservatory Expansion | University of Missouri - Kansas City

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.