Assistant Professor – Voice and Speech

Department of Theatre

This full-time, 9-month position is at the rank of Assistant Professor, is non-tenure eligible (term), and begins August 16, 2023.

Application Deadline: Review of applications begins January 15, 2023 and continues until the position is filled. For best consideration, applications are due by January 15, 2023.

The Opportunity:

The VCUarts Department of Theatre (https://arts.vcu.edu/theatre/) is seeking dynamic, skilled, engaged, and collaboration-minded candidates for the position of Assistant Professor of Voice and Speech.

This is a non-tenure eligible (term) faculty position. Term faculty are eligible for promotion in academic rank, and are valued for their academic, professional, and creative practice/scholarly contributions in their specific area of expertise. The primary responsibilities of this opportunity are teaching so we seek to hire faculty who stand out with respect to effectiveness in teaching and engagement with students.

The mission of the Department of Theatre is to foster and sustain an environment where theatre as art and craft can flourish and can be studied and learned at the undergraduate and graduate levels under the guidance of, and through the professional example of, its faculty. This mission is accomplished through the essential and inseparable connecting of instruction, research, studio experience, professional theatre relationships, and the public work of the department as a producing theatre organization.

The VCUarts Department of Theatre offers a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Theatre and a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Performance; Musical Theatre; Design/Technology; and Stage Management, and a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Theatre.

Responsibilities :

This position is a 9-month non-tenure eligible (term) faculty position in the area of Voice and Speech with an academic rank of Assistant Professor. Instructional responsibilities comprise development and teaching voice and speech courses in the BA/BFA and/or MFA curriculum. Course assignments could change based on student needs and will be determined in consultation with the Chair.

The faculty member is expected to be a passionate and creative leader for an enthusiastic and diverse community of students; integrate innovative pedagogical and technological approaches, and multicultural perspectives into instructional methods; bring experience in developing initiatives that contribute to a meaningful arts education accessible to underrepresented or disadvantaged groups; foster collaborative teaching and educational opportunities through diverse and innovative projects and experiences; promote the efforts of the department across the university and throughout the community. In support of the department’s strong commitment to diversity, the faculty member is expected to foster a welcoming, equitable, and inclusive learning environment for all students.

As a member of a community-oriented, tight-knit department and School, the faculty member will provide service such as assisting with student, department, and school-wide initiatives including audition days, open houses, events, performances and productions; contribute to discussions that support the student community and the administration at each level; support recruitment initiatives for undergraduate programs; foster community engagement opportunities; and serve on department/School/University committees. In addition, the faculty member is expected to provide service to the profession. Other responsibilities may be assigned by the Chair or university administration.

Creative research is not a primary expectation for this non-tenure eligible position. It is expected that the faculty member will demonstrate excellence through teaching and will maintain a scholarly body of knowledge within the discipline. The department will support the faculty member’s professional development, as appropriate and within available resources, to ensure ongoing mastery of the discipline as it relates to performing arts and the program’s curriculum. Professional development activities will be consistent with and support the mission and initiatives of the department, school and university. The department will also support creative research at an appropriate annual level, though teaching will constitute the majority of the faculty member’s responsibilities.

Qualifications:

  • MFA or equivalent professional experience and training that equates to an MFA
  • Certification, recognition, or equivalent experience with voice and speech methodologies
  • Experience coaching voice, text, and dialects in professional theatre settings and/or academic institutions
  • University-level teaching experience and demonstrated effectiveness beyond graduate school
  • Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff, and student environment and committed to do so as a VCU faculty member
  • Active professional practice and reputation in the field
  • Willingness to mentor graduate and undergraduate students in professional and academic settings
  • Excellent oral, verbal, and written communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability and willingness to collaborate. The successful candidate will work closely with VCU’s Head of Voice and Speech to evolve the voice and speech curriculum.


  • Active membership in VASTA
  • Certification (completed or in progress), and/or experience teaching Knight Thompson Speechwork
  • Membership in professional creative union (SDC, AEA or SAG)
  • Fluency in interdisciplinary and experimental approaches to contemporary art
  • Commitment to collaborative research and curriculum development in the arts
  • Record of community-engaged teaching or extra-curricular activities


Application Instructions:

Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to organizational diversity, equity and inclusion – an environment where all can thrive in their pursuit of excellence. VCUarts strongly encourages applications from all racial, ethnic, gender, and social identities.

Applicants are requested to submit a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (typically between 150-300 words) providing your career aspirations and contributions toward promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through this statement, you can share how your lived experiences, and academic and professional activities will impact your contribution to VCU’s mission of promoting equity and inclusion.

Note: Examples include working with others to further the goals of equity and inclusion; leading in any capacity that tangibly promotes an environment where diversity is welcomed, fostered, and celebrated; creative activity, research and scholarship that promotes equity and parity; teaching and mentoring students, and/or engaging with faculty and/or staff from traditionally underrepresented groups to create a positive and successful organizational experience. For additional guidance on writing a Statement of Contributions to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: https://provost.vcu.edu/faculty/prospective/.

Questions about the VCU Jobs Website can directed to Tasia Robinson, HR Administrator, at thompsontl5@vcu.edu .

The following documents should submitted online via the VCU Jobs Website :
  • Cover Letter that includes an overview of professional experience and creative research interests
  • Curriculum Vitae or resume
  • Teaching statement that addresses philosophy of teaching and approach to student mentorship; if applicable, please discuss experience teaching first-generation and underrepresented minority students
  • List of three professional references including names with titles and contact information (references will not be contacted prior to a candidate’s approval)


Only electronic applications submitted via the VCU Jobs Website will be accepted. Review of applications begins January 15, 2023 and continues until the position is filled. For best consideration, applications are due by January 15, 2023.

VCUarts :

Ranked by US News & World Report as a top-five arts and design school, VCUarts ( arts.vcu.edu ) includes over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students with nationally recognized programs in design, visual and performing arts, and has an annual budget of $38 million and an endowment of more than $13.5 million. Students are taught by over 175 full-time teaching and research faculty members and the school is supported by over 60 staff members that assist in daily processes. The School includes two campuses; one in Richmond and one in Doha, Qatar. The Richmond campus is located on the university’s 75-acre Monroe Park campus situated in the city’s historic Fan District. Ultimately, the work of the School of the Arts extends globally with partnerships throughout the world and across fields as diverse as the humanities, health care and business.

Virginia Commonwealth University is committed to providing accessible and equitable living, learning and working environments free from discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, national or ethnic origin, age, sex (including pregnancy), political affiliation, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or disability.