Assistant Professor in Theatre Directing and Acting in University of Victoria – Canada

Summary

The University of Victoria's Department of Theatre invites applications for a Tenure Track Assistant Professor in Theatre Directing and Acting, starting July 1, 2027. The position requires a terminal degree (MFA or equivalent professional experience) and a strong background in teaching and professional directing. The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and graduate programs, maintaining an active creative research program. The salary ranges from $107,000 to $132,500, with a comprehensive benefits package. The department emphasizes experiential learning and integration of studio training with academic study. Preference will be given to Indigenous peoples, Black people, and racialized people or people of colour who self-identify. The application deadline is December 1, 2026.

Key Facts

Department	Department of Theatre
Position Type	Assistant Professor
Discipline	Theatre
Research Area	Theatre Directing and Acting
Degree Required	Terminal degree in acting or directing (e.g., MFA) or equivalent professional experience and recognition
Experience	Experience teaching directing and acting at both introductory and advanced levels; successful record of professional directing practice; strong history of respectful collaboration and collegiality; record of successful adjudicated research/creative-activity funding applications; record of documenting, sharing, and/or critically reflecting on creative practice; demonstrated experience incorporating EDIA values in theatre training; demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in an academic unit.
Salary	$107,000 to $132,500
Funding	Competitive salary inclusive of a generous benefits package, eligible leaves, and pension plan
Contract Duration	Tenure Track
Deadline	2026-12-01
Required Documents	Cover letter (2-pages maximum), Resume or Curriculum vitae, Evidence of Creative Practice Summary of the last 5 creative projects (2 pages max), Images or links to brief video recordings of 5 past/present productions (2 pages max of images), Evidence of Teaching Statement of Teaching Philosophy (one page), Listing and description of previous courses taught (2-pages maximum), Sample course syllabi (2 maximum, if available), Evidence of Service Summary (one page maximum)
Employer Address	Dr. Yasmine Kandil, Chair, Department of Theatre, University of Victoria, PO Box 1700 STN CSC, Victoria, BC V8W 2Y2, Canada
Employer Contact	[email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

About the Project

The successful candidate is expected to maintain an active program of creative research through professionally situated production work. This role functions as a curricular and creative anchor within the Department, supporting collaboration across acting, design, and production, and strengthening the integration of research creation with teaching. The position aims to provide students with increased opportunities to engage directly in theatrical creation processes under the mentorship of an active director-scholar working within contemporary professional contexts.

Key Responsibilities

• Teach directing and acting at both introductory and advanced levels
• Contribute to the Department’s efforts to diversify mainstage programming
• Supervise graduate students and offer close mentorship
• Model collaborative engagement with design and production faculty and staff
• Contribute across undergraduate and graduate teaching in directing, production management, and performance-related courses
• Maintain an active program of creative research through professionally situated production work
• Support collaboration across acting, design, and production
• Strengthen the integration of research creation with teaching
• Provide students with increased opportunities to engage directly in theatrical creation processes
• Engage in university governance, including service on university, faculty, and departmental committees

Required Skills

• Terminal degree in acting or directing (e.g., MFA) or equivalent professional experience and recognition as a director
• Experience teaching directing and acting at introductory and advanced levels
• Successful record of professional directing practice
• Strong history of respectful collaboration and collegiality within creative production activity
• Record of successful adjudicated research/creative-activity funding applications
• Record of documenting, sharing, and/or critically reflecting on creative practice
• Ability to model and foster inclusive and respectful rehearsal environments
• Ability to contribute to diversifying mainstage programming in alignment with university plans
• Track record addressing equity, diversity, and inclusion in the classroom or curriculum
• Documented success in teaching and mentoring at a postsecondary level in directing for the stage
• Ability to teach a range of directorial approaches and genres for the theatre
• Ability to teach acting for the stage at the undergraduate level
• Demonstrated experience incorporating EDIA values in theatre training, including decolonial, accessible, and anti-racist approaches
• Track record of respectful and effective engagement, teaching, and mentoring of students from diverse genders, cultures, and backgrounds
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in an academic unit or professional setting
• Interest and ability to engage in university governance

Who Should Apply

This position is suitable for practitioners and/or scholars with a terminal degree in acting or directing (MFA or equivalent professional experience) and a recognized professional directing practice. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience teaching directing and acting at both introductory and advanced levels, a strong record of collaborative work, successful funding applications for creative activities, and a commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility in theatre training. Individuals from Indigenous, Black, and racialized communities are particularly encouraged to apply and self-identify for preferential consideration.

Benefits

• Competitive salary range of $107,000 to $132,500
• Generous benefits package
• Eligible leaves
• Pension plan

About the Employer

The Department of Theatre at the University of Victoria is nationally recognized for its Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program and the success of its graduates in the performing arts sector. Alumni hold professional positions as directors, performers, stage managers, designers, technicians, and production specialists in Canada and internationally. The department offers flourishing graduate programs, including MFA degrees in Directing, Design and Production, and MA and PhD degrees in Applied Theatre and Theatre Studies. Its reputation is built on a rigorous integration of studio-based training, production experience, and academic study, valuing both artistic excellence and scholarly inquiry. A key strength is its emphasis on experiential learning through fully realized productions in professional-calibre theatre spaces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the start date for this position?

The position is scheduled to commence on July 1, 2027.

What is the salary range for this Assistant Professor position?

The salary for this position ranges from $107,000 to $132,500.

What degree is required for this position?

Candidates should have a terminal degree in acting or directing, such as an MFA, or equivalent professional experience and recognition as a director in a theatrical setting.

Are there any preferential hiring considerations?

Yes, in accordance with the University’s Equity Plan, preference will be given to Indigenous peoples, Black people, and racialized people or people of colour who self-identify in their cover letter.

What documents are required for the application package?

The application package requires a cover letter, resume or CV, evidence of creative practice (summary and images/videos), evidence of teaching (statement of philosophy, course list, sample syllabi), and evidence of service summary.

What is the deadline for applications?

The application deadline is December 1, 2026.