Job Description
Position Title:
Assistant Teaching Professor of Acting and Acting for the Camera Compensation:
$52,000 - $56,000 Department:
Theatre & Dance Start Date:
08/17/2026 About this opportunity: The Ball State University Department of Theatre and Dance invites applications for a non-tenure-line Acting position beginning August of 2026. Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the United States without employer sponsorship. What you'll do and what you will bring: Ball State University seeks an individual with a commitment to collaborative discourse, interdisciplinary inquiry, and entrepreneurial learning practices as a teacher of acting, acting for the camera, and industry centered courses within the BFA acting and musical theatre areas. The successful candidate will be an accomplished pedagogue and educator who will play an active role in the crafting of curriculum, recruitment of students, and building connections within the discipline that will further enhance the opportunities presented to our students during and after their matriculation. Ball State's BFA performance options offer an innovative and demanding training curriculum consisting of rigorous and varied coursework, utilizing our production program as a true "laboratory" space, a strong foundation in an "actor first" mentality within all realms of storytelling, and an emphasis on synthesizing the body, voice, and mind. Applicants should be committed to inclusive pedagogies in their teaching, scholarship, and artistry. Additional consideration will be given to applicants possessing the ability to teach all levels of movement, experience with teaching acting for the camera, and those with experience in the synthesis of singing and acting. Duties and Responsibilities:
A teaching load that will include all levels of course work in acting, acting for the camera, industry centered courses (such as audition), and introduction to theatre; Mentorship and coaching of upper-level students in conjunction with showcases and professional auditions; Work as a director, coach, or actor in assigned departmental productions; A dedication and commitment to helping foster and cultivate overall student success; Facilitating the Department's ongoing relationships with the Department of Media including Radiance Cinema and our innovative collaboration with the Heartland Film Festival; Fulfilling service obligations, including assigned committee work at the Department, College, and University level, on a national, regional, and local level. Working in collaboration with theatre and dance faculty, staff, and students in facilitating the theatre and dance production program at Ball State University. Minimum Qualifications:
Master's degree in performance or equivalent professional experience completed by date of employment. The ability to teach all levels of acting, acting for the camera, and industry-centered courses for acting and musical theatre students. Teaching experience at the university/college level, gained concurrently or at any time. Ability to serve as an artist for production work when needed. Tested Experience Qualifications:
Five years consistent professional performance, directing, accompanying, or coaching experience in established regional or national theatre performance venues including Broadway, Off-Broadway, National Tours, or Major Regional Theatre venues OR Three years consistent professional performance experience in mainstream television and film OR Recognition/award by a regional or national awards organization (Tony, Joseph Jefferson Awards, Helen Hayes Awards, etc.) Preferred Qualifications:
M.F.A. in Acting completed by date of employment. Three years of teaching experience at the university/college level. Connections and recognitions within the professional acting and/or musical theatre industries. Experience in the synthesis of singing and acting. How to apply:
Inquiries regarding this opportunity may be directed to Bill Jenkins, Department Chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at: wjenkins@bsu.edu. Required application materials include:
Cover letter Curriculum vitae along with a professional resume (Do not use the autofill resume feature.) A one-page teaching philosophy The names, e-mail address, and telephone numbers for three professional references will be requested in the application. Applications must be received by 12:01 AM June 25, 2026. What we offer:
At Ball State University, we understand the importance of balancing professional responsibilities with personal well-being. That's why we offer 12 paid sick days and 10 holidays a year. Plus, our paid parental leave (6 weeks) is there for life's most significant moments. We offer affordable health and dental insurance, robust long-term disability and life insurance plans, as well a range of retirement benefits to provide financial security to you and your family. These benefits ensure that you can focus on your work and personal growth without worrying about the unexpected. When you work for us, you are family. And to show our support of your family, we will cover 90 percent of your child's (or children's) undergraduate college tuition at Ball State. This offer is good from the very first day you start. It's just one way we do our part to uplift you. Let's fly together toward a secure and prosperous tomorrow. Curious about our excellent benefits package? We have developed a calculator that shows you the value of our core benefits. Select the Total Compensation Calculator - Faculty and download our calculator spreadsheet. Goodness requires action to grow. We're dedicated to doing our part to keep goodness growing in Muncie, at our university, and as far beyond as possible. That's where you come in. When you join our team, you become part of goodness in action. Our main priority:
uplifting students so they can discover their full potential. This is how we fly. There are about 3,000 full-time faculty and staff in the Ball State University work family. Each brings unique gifts to help us be the kind of institution we want to be. In return, we do our best to take care of them through comprehensive medical and dental plans, a Health Savings Account (which we contribute to), and a whole range of wellness, retirement, and other benefits like covering the cost of tuition at Ball State for you and your family. We can offer you more. Where you live matters just as much as where you work. We get it. That's why we've invested since the very beginning in making our hometown work. On campus, find state-of-the-art facilities and one-of-a-kind arts and cultural events. In Muncie, you'll find a warm and welcoming community with affordable housing and a vibrant downtown arts, food, and music scene. What could be better? You here - for starters. Ball State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression, disability, genetic information, ethnicity, national origin or ancestry, age, protected veteran status, or any legally protected status. Ball State provides accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities who can perform the essential functions of the position. Contact the Assistant Director of Equal Opportunity and ADA Coordinator, John Bowers, at 765-285-5163 for assistance. People and Culture Services Administration Building (AD), Room G008 2000
University Avenue Muncie, IN 47306 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday Phone:
765-285-1834 Fax:
765-285-8663
