Assistant Professor of Practice – Musical Theatre
Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film
University of Nebraska–Lincoln
The Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln invites applications for an Assistant Professor of Practice in Musical Theatre. Working in close collaboration with the Glenn Korff School of Music, the successful candidate will play a central role in developing the curriculum and preparing versatile performers through integrated training in acting, singing, movement, and storytelling.
The School seeks an accomplished artist-educator who brings significant professional musical theatre experience, a commitment to teaching and mentorship, and an interest in the continued growth and national visibility of the program. The position supports collaborative creative and production opportunities with the Glenn Korff School of Music, Nebraska Repertory Theatre, the Johnny Carson Center for Emerging Media Arts, and other College partners.
Position Overview
The successful candidate will teach undergraduate courses in musical theatre performance and related areas, mentor students through applied performance experiences. The position connects contemporary professional practice with rigorous performance training and encourages collaboration across theatre, music, dance, entertainment design and production, and emerging media.
Key Responsibilities
Musical Theatre Performance and Production
- Teach musical theatre performance, acting through song, audition preparation, repertoire interpretation, scene study, performance coaching, and related areas consistent with expertise and curricular needs.
- Integrate current professional methods to develop students’ artistry, technical proficiency, interpretive skills, versatility, and professional readiness.
- Coach and mentor students through laboratories, workshops, auditions, rehearsals, productions, and other experiential learning opportunities.
- Contribute to production-based learning and, as appropriate to expertise and assigned responsibilities, direct, choreograph, or music direct mainstage productions with the Johnny Carson School of Theatre and Film, Glenn Korff School of Music, and Nebraska Repertory Theatre.
Teaching, Mentorship, and Curriculum
- Teach courses that may include Musical Theatre Performance, Acting Through Song, Musical Theatre Techniques, Audition Techniques, and Musical Theatre Scene Study.
- Participate in development, assessment, and delivery of Musical Theatre curriculum in collaboration with the Glenn Korff School of Music.
- Mentor students in connecting acting, singing, movement, and storytelling and in preparing for professional auditions and careers.
Interdisciplinary Collaboration
- Develop collaborative teaching, performance, and creative opportunities across Musical Theatre, Acting, Music, Dance, Emerging Media Arts, and Entertainment Design and Production.
- Support realized productions and creative projects connecting students with designers, directors, choreographers, musicians, technicians, and emerging media artists.
- Contribute to interdisciplinary curricular and production experiences linking performance, design, technology, and storytelling.
Professional and School Engagement
- Maintain an active professional and creative practice in musical theatre performance, directing, choreography, music direction, or related areas.
- Participate in student recruitment and auditions, advising, program development and assessment, faculty governance, and service to the School, College, and University.
- Support the continued growth and national visibility of the School and help students build connections to the professional theatre industry.
Appointment
This Assistant Professor of Practice appointment carries a workload distribution of 80% teaching, 10% service, and 10% research/creative activity. Assigned directing, choreography, or music direction may be included in the teaching assignment as appropriate.
Minimum Qualifications
- A BFA in Musical Theatre or an adjacent degree in theatre performance, acting, directing, dance, music, or a closely related discipline.
- Five years of professional experience in musical theatre as a performer, director, choreographer, music director, or creative collaborator.
- Demonstrated experience teaching, coaching, directing, or mentoring emerging theatre artists.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with artists and educators across multiple disciplines.
- Strong communication and organizational skills and a commitment to fostering a supportive, rigorous, and inclusive learning environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- An MFA, MM, or other advanced degree in Musical Theatre, Theatre, Directing, Music, or a related field.
- Five years of professional experience in regional theatre, national tours, Broadway, Off-Broadway, or other professional performance settings.
- Experience teaching musical theatre performance, acting through song, audition techniques, scene study, or musical theatre repertoire at the university or professional level.
- Experience directing, choreographing, or music directing musical theatre productions.
- Piano proficiency supporting musical theatre instruction, vocal coaching, rehearsal, or music direction.
- Experience developing curricula or contributing to the growth of a musical theatre training program.
- Established professional theatre industry relationships and experience supporting students’ transitions into professional careers.
- Experience collaborating across theatre, music, emerging media, and related academic or creative programs.
Lincoln, Nebraska
Lincoln is a vibrant university community and state capital with a growing technology sector and a strong arts and cultural ecosystem. The University is located adjacent to a dynamic downtown with restaurants, coffee houses, movie theatres, music venues, bike trails, and residential neighborhoods.
Lincoln is home to the Lied Center for Performing Arts, Sheldon Museum of Art, International Quilt Museum, Nebraska State Museum, and the Mary Riepma Ross Media Arts Center, an art-house cinema within the Hixson-Lied College of Fine and Performing Arts, along with numerous independent arts and performance organizations.
Application Information
- Review of applications will begin January 4, 2027, and continue until an appointment is made. Interested applicants must first go to http://employment.unl.edu/postings/103025 click on “Apply for this job”, complete the form and submit the following:
- Letter of interest (maximum two pages) describing professional experience, teaching background, and interest in Musical Theatre.
- Curriculum vitae detailing academic appointments, professional experience, creative activity, and teaching accomplishments.
- Teaching philosophy (maximum two pages) addressing musical theatre training, mentorship, and integration of acting, singing, and movement.
- Digital creative activity portfolio with links to selected performance or choreography reels, directing or music directing samples, production documentation, recordings, or other relevant creative work.
- Names and contact information for three professional references; letters may be requested from finalists.
