Professor of Theatre

Blackburn College, a unique four-year liberal arts college with a student-managed work program located in Carlinville, IL, seeks applications for a creative and collaborative teaching artist for the tenure-track position of Professor of Theatre in the department of Music and Theatre. Expected start date is August 15, 2025.                  

The Professor of Theatre is responsible for all academic and creative functions within the Theatre program, including teaching General Education introductory theatre and acting classes as well as upper level courses such as Theatre History, Dramatic Literature, and senior capstone productions. The Theatre Professor will also be expected to direct the fall play and spring musical as well as supervise the annual student-directed short play festival. Supervision and mentorship of student workers in areas of Costumes and Props, Set Design, Lights and Sound, and Stage Management, as well as academic advising of all Theatre Majors, will also be required. This position will collaborate with the Professor of Music on the department’s season; it will also work with Physical Plant and Auxiliary Services to oversee and maintain the performance facility as well as coordinate staffing for both internal and external events. 

Qualified candidates must have experience teaching at the college level as well as professional creative work in either Acting or Directing. MFA required.

Blackburn’s department of Music & Theatre offers small class-sizes and many opportunities to mentor, advise, and otherwise work closely with students. The department has excellent, recently remodeled facilities with state-of-the-art lighting and sound. Blackburn does not have faculty rank, and appointment to continuous tenure at the college requires excellence in teaching, evidence of continued personal academic growth, and college service. 

Blackburn is one of nine work colleges in the U.S. and the only one with a student-managed work program. For over 100 years, students have earned a tuition discount by participating in all aspects of college operations. The work requirement for all students provides an affordable education, meaningful work experience, and leadership opportunities. The stimulating teaching and learning environment, coupled with the experience and leadership gained through the Work Program, results in an average of 98% of graduates in full-time employment or graduate school within six months of graduation.

 Students are mostly drawn from rural Illinois, metro Chicago, and metro St. Louis; many are first generation and/or low income, and approximately 21% are students of color. Blackburn is seeking faculty interested in joining a campus community that promotes diversity, respect, and inclusion, and who can support and inclusively engage a diverse student population. Candidates from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.

Blackburn College is located in Carlinville, Illinois, a small rural community between Springfield, IL and St. Louis, MO. Daily Amtrak service to those cities and beyond is available at the small but pleasant station in town. The college enjoys a very positive relationship with the community. Carlinville has been called one of the “Best Small Towns in America” and is also the seat of Macoupin County. Carlinville offers small-town America, with brick streets around the town square, many parks, and historical homes and buildings, while being within an easy drive of the urban center of St. Louis, Missouri. 

Blackburn College is an Equal Opportunity Employer and seeks to build an inclusive community that can engage the interests of a diverse population.  We are committed to fostering, cultivating, and sustaining a culture that reflects the diversity of our country, and as such we particularly encourage applications from members of underrepresented groups such as women, people of color, LGBTQ+, veterans, and those with disabilities. Applicants should be legally permitted to work in the United States; Blackburn is not able to sponsor faculty visas.

The salary range for this position will be $54,000-$60,000.  The final salary offered will depend on the individual’s years of related work experience and whether the education qualifications are met.

Blackburn College features a robust benefits package that includes:

• Health Insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• Short Term and Long-Term Disability
• 403B Retirement Account
• EAP
• PTO
• FSA and HSA Options
• Tuition Remission/Tuition Exchange
• Life Insurance

Your application materials should include a CV, a cover letter, a statement of teaching philosophy, a diversity statement describing what diversity means to you and why it is important, and three letters of recommendation.  Please include the names/addresses/phone numbers of the three current and professional references you are requesting letters from as part of your application materials. Send application materials to:  Human Resources, Blackburn College, 700 College Ave., Ludlum 110, Carlinville, IL  62626 or email hr@blackburn.edu. Employment-based immigration sponsorship is not offered for this position.  Phone calls or walk-ins not accepted.  Review of applications will begin November 18, 2024.