Assistant Professor of Playwriting

Ball State University’s Department of Theatre and Dance welcomes applicants for Assistant Professor of Playwriting.

The Ball State Department of Theatre and Dance offers eight diverse curricular options that develop and nurture each student’s creativity, curiosity, and collaborative skills. We are always growing and changing, seeking new ways to inspire our students to be thinkers, responsible citizens, and motivated artists who will make a difference in creating the next generation’s voice. We are seeking collegial, collaborative faculty with excellent communication and organizational skills to join us.

The department is a BFA/BA/BS undergraduate-only program with over 400 theatre majors, 65 dance majors and 45 full-time faculty/staff. This also includes 60 minors in our New Works for the Stage minor. The playwriting area features several faculty and student led initiatives including our semi-annual Playwriting Week and a New Works Festival, and regular production opportunities for student playwrights with our student directed space. The Department also regularly produces new works on our mainstage spaces each season. The Department plays an active role in the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival (KCACTF) and with the American College Dance Association (ACDA). Ball State is accredited by both the National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) and the National Association of Schools of Dance (NASD). Our undergraduate only program, low student-to-faculty ratio, hands-on advising and mentoring from a faculty of working professionals, and distinguished guest artists allow for the personal development of each student as both an individual and an artist.

As a faculty member at Ball State University, you will have access to robust programming and institutional resources that help faculty develop as teachers, creative artists, and scholars, including new faculty academies and communities of practice, development opportunities through the Division of Online and Strategic Learning, and the University’s Aspire internal granting program.

At Ball State University, Inclusiveness and freedom of expression are a part of our enduring values and inform all of our efforts. We encourage applicants to familiarize themselves with our Inclusive Excellence Plan to learn more about our commitment and to identify how you might contribute to these efforts.

Minimum Qualifications: Master’s degree in theatre or related discipline completed by date of employment or equivalent professional experience. Experience in new works development, dramaturgy, and/or literary management. Credentials and expertise as a produced playwright in Regional and National venues. The ability to teach all levels of playwriting and branding and marketing for the theatre and dance artist. One year of teaching experience at the university/college level.

Preferred Qualifications: M.F.A. or Ph. D. in Playwriting completed by date of employment. Three years of teaching experience at the university/college level. Experience mentoring and advising undergraduate writers. Significant connections and recognitions within the professional theatre industry. Experience in recruiting students for a highly competitive undergraduate playwriting program.

Apply online at: https://bsu.peopleadmin.com/postings/28171. Include the following documents with your application: cover letter, vitae, writing sample, and an inclusive excellence statement. The option to upload transcripts is available. Original, official transcripts showing the highest related degree earner is required at the time of hire (even if obtained at BSU). Degree verification will be conducted.

Employer will consider sponsorship.

Review of applications will begin immediately and will be accepted through December 30, 2021.

Ball State University is located in Muncie, Indiana, on an attractive campus 45 miles northeast of Indianapolis. Approximately 22,000 graduate and undergraduate students enroll in one of eight academic colleges that offer 120 undergraduate programs. We offer more than 140 master’s, doctoral, certificate, and specialist degrees, with many of them ranking among the best in the nation. We engage students in educational, research, and creative endeavors that empower our graduates to have fulfilling careers and meaningful lives enriched by lifelong learning and service, while we enhance the economic, environmental, and social vitality of our community, our state, and our world.

The Ball State way is rooted in the Beneficence Pledge – a commitment to excellence in teaching and scholarship, honesty and integrity, social responsibility, gratitude and valuing the intrinsic worth of each member of our community. Ball State students, faculty and staff are empowered in a culture that believes in them and demands they believe in themselves. They are partners in an innovative, immersive approach to education. They are supported by living and learning facilities that enable intellectual curiosity. We graduate scholars who are changing the world, and we’ve dedicated our University to do the same.

The university offers an excellent wellness program and extensive benefits offerings to include a generous paid time off package and paid parental leave. For further information regarding benefits please visit:

Benefits and Community Information for Prospective Faculty Members | Ball State University (bsu.edu)

Ball State University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer that is strongly and actively committed to diversity within its community. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities and protected veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status or any other legally protected status.