Company Description:
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is a Carnegie R1, opportunity, and community engaged university at the heart of the U.S.-Mexico border region that is increasing access to excellent higher education. We advance discovery of public value and positively impact the health, culture, education and economy of the community we serve. UTEP enrolls more than 25,000 students, 85% of whom are Hispanic and half of whom are the first in their families to attend college. UTEP offers 171 bachelor's, master's and doctoral degree programs at the only open-access, top-tier research university in America.
Located at the westernmost tip of Texas, El Paso is set against the backdrop of the Franklin Mountains and the Chihuahuan Desert in one of the largest binational communities in the world. A family-oriented community that is one of the safest large cities in the U.S., the cost of living in El Paso is very reasonable with an average home value of $224,000 in 2025, and Texas has no income tax. The region's rich culture includes a vibrant street art and mural scene, art galleries, a new children's museum and science center, the state's longest-running symphony orchestra and a full schedule of seasonal events and festivals. Sports fans will enjoy Division I college athletics, Triple-A baseball affiliate the El Paso Chihuahuas and professional soccer team El Paso Locomotive FC, and outdoor enthusiasts will be drawn to year-round hiking, mountain biking and rock climbing in nearby state and national parks.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT OF THEATRE AND DANCE
The Department of Theatre and Dance at UTEP is a vibrant community of over 160 students and 25 faculty and staff, committed to artistic and academic excellence, access, and impact. Our mission is to be recognized as an exemplary department within an R1 and HSI context. We value scholarly and creative research that aligns with the standards of a top-tier university, actively involving students in the process of discovery and knowledge creation. We provide open-access education through BA and BFA degrees across various concentrations in theatre and dance, while fostering interdisciplinarity and community engagement.
The Department's motto "What is Your Story?" mirrors our investment in the values of access, belonging, and care. Through research, creative endeavors, teaching, and mentorship, we guide and support students from all backgrounds in their journey towards success and social mobility. By utilizing theatre and dance as platforms for advocacy, we strive to promote social justice in the Paso del Norte region and beyond.
As a hallmark of our Department, we engage students, faculty, and staff in artistic practice through an annual season featuring about 12 theater, dance, and musical theater productions in the Wise Family Theatre, the June Sadowski Kruszewski Studio Theatre, and the Dinner Theatre, along with traveling, site-specific, and student-led performances.
Job Description:
The Department of Theatre and Dance at The University of Texas at El Paso invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Musical Theatre with an emphasis on Voice. We seek a qualified educator with experience at the college level who is committed to cultivating the next generation of theatre professionals, teachers, and leaders while serving UTEP's dynamic student population and contributing to a framework of access and excellence. The successful candidate will contribute to UTEP's status as an R1 institution by having a robust agenda for research, grant writing, and/or ongoing relevant creative and professional work in the industry. The candidate will direct/serve as Music Director for season musicals, provide vocal and musical support, teach relevant classes, and enhance the vocal skills of undergraduate students. The successful candidate will exhibit a significant understanding of vocal repertoire, pedagogy, and performance. Other duties include professional, university, college and departmental service and fostering collegial, professional, and community collaborations. Professional training in musical theater performance and/or musical direction is highly desirable.
Requirements:
Required:
- An MFA or other terminal degree in Theatre or Music, with a clear emphasis in Musical Theatre and/or Voice
- Professional and/or academic experience in Musical Theatre as Music Director and/or performer at the regional, and/or national and/or international level
- Ability to provide applied instruction and repertoire coaching to university-level students
- Clear and demonstrated potential for research at UTEP, creative scholarship, and/or ongoing professional work
- A demonstrated commitment to serving and mentoring a diverse population in a student-centered educational environment
- Experience in musical theatre pedagogy with a focus in voice
- Piano accompaniment skills
Preferred:
- Experience as Music Director
- Documented track record of interdisciplinary research
Additional Information:
SALARY
The initial salary is competitive, based on qualifications and experience, and comes with excellent fringe benefits.
Hiring decisions are based on budget approval.
In keeping with its access, excellence, and impact mission, The University of Texas at El Paso is committed to an open, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment that honors the talents, respects the differences, and nurtures the growth and development of all. We seek to attract faculty and staff who share our commitment.
The University of Texas at El Paso is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or sexual orientation and gender in employment or the provision of services in accordance with state and federal law. Discrimination on the basis of sex includes an employee's or prospective employee's right to be free from sexual harassment under Title IX of the Higher Education Amendments of 1972. Inquiries-including the filing of a Formal Complaint or reporting an incident-about the application of Title IX may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, who can be reached by phone at (915) 747-8358, by email at titleix@utep.edu, or by mail at 500 W. University Ave., El Paso, TX, Kelly Hall, Room 312.
For accommodation information for employees and applicants with disabilities, please contact UTEP's Equal Opportunity Office at eoaa@utep.edu.
To the extent that this position involves research, work, or access to critical infrastructure as referenced in Executive Order GA-48, being hired for and continuing to be employed in this position requires the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure.
Application Instructions:
Review of applications will begin October 26, 2025. Full consideration will be given to applications received by this date. The search will remain open until filled. All applicants must submit:
- Letter of interest detailing qualifications
- Curriculum vitae
- A three-year plan of creative scholarship/research
- Statement of teaching and mentorship
- Contact information of three references (names, email addresses, and phone numbers)
- Sample syllabus
- Digital Portfolio (include footage)
Applicants who advance to the campus visit stage must successfully complete a teaching demonstration to be considered as a finalist.
Questions about the position should be sent to Dr. Adriana Dominguez, Chair of Search Committee adrianad@utep.edu.
