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

Hiring Department

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

Job Description

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 .

Qualifications

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.

Anticipated Hiring Range

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.

Application Materials

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.

Application Deadline

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

Sponsorship Information

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

Other Information

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

Community Information

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

Benefit Eligibility

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.