The Department of Performing Arts in the School of Visual and Performing Arts at Morningside University is seeking applications for a three year Visiting Assistant Professor and Interim Artistic Director of Theatre beginning August 10, 2026. We seek an enthusiastic teacher and artist that has a strong multi-faceted background in theatre.  Duties and responsibilities include:

1. Teach courses in Acting (introduction & advanced), Voice and Movement, Design (Lighting & Sound, Scenic, Costume & Props, and Makeup), Theatre History and Script Analysis, Directing, and other possible teaching assignments in support of the needs of the Performing Arts area, or undergraduate courses supporting the general education curriculum. The teaching load is six 4-credit courses per academic year to fulfill a 24-hour load. This position will receive one 4-credit hour course release for work related to theatrical productions.
2. Serve as the Interim Artistic Director for the three mainstage theatre productions produced by the School of Visual and Performing Arts each academic year. This includes annual budget oversight & management, season planning & selection, production management, and serving as the building & equipment manager for Morningside University’s Klinger Neal Theatre.
3. Take an active Production Team role(s) in each of the three mainstage theatre productions produced by the School of Visual and Performing Arts.
4. Advise and oversee students experiential learning experiences through collaborative hands-on work in theatrical productions or work-study positions.
5. Serve as the liaison & representative for the School of Visual and Performing Arts in Morningside University’s partnership with professional not-for-profit theatre company, LAMB Theatre, which is in residency on Morningside’s campus. This roll will collaborate closely with LAMB Theatre’s Managing Artistic Director and their Manager of Theatre Operations to coordinate season scheduling, building scheduling, production needs, etc.
6. Assist the School of Visual and Performing Arts in the recruitment of new undergraduate students.
7. Actively contribute to program assessment, serve on committees, advise students, and participate in professional development and service to the University.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• An MFA in any area of Theatre (Directing or Technical Direction preferred)
• Record of excellence in creative and scholarly works.
• Excellent collaborative, time management, organizational, and communication skills
• Desire to work in a university setting emphasizing professionalism, experiential learning, and the student experience.
• Preference will be given to candidates that have strong experience in varied areas of theatre (ex: directing & scenic design, acting & technical direction, etc.)
• Previous college teaching experience preferred.
• Previous experience in production management and budget management preferred.

Morningside is a private university located in Sioux City, Iowa, that serves over 2,000 students from almost all 50 states and more than 30 countries. It was established in 1894 by The United Methodist Church, an affiliation it continues to maintain, and Chad Benson serves as its President. The main campus comprises 69 acres nestled in a serene, park-like setting in the heart of Iowa’s fourth largest city. Lags Farm and Sioux Gateway Airport are both nearby extensions of the campus that serve the School of Agriculture and Aviation.

Morningside’s largest undergraduate programs are education, nursing, and business, and the Sharon Walker School of Education, Nylen School of Nursing and School of Business all offer well-established online post-baccalaureate and graduate program options for nontraditional and graduate students. A strong commitment to experiential learning has enabled Morningside University to maintain a remarkable 99% job and graduate school placement rate for its undergraduate graduates over the past decade.

Morningside University is home to the Mustangs Athletic Department, which fields 28 varsity sports and is a proud member of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) and the Great Plains Athletic Conference (GPAC). Residential undergraduate students may also enjoy more than 50 student-led clubs and organizations or choose to get involved with the School of Visual and Performing Arts regardless of their major.

Learn more about Morningside University at morningside.edu

Application process:

Review of applications for the position will begin immediately and will continue until filled. For fullest consideration, applicant materials should be received on or before April 6, 2026.  Candidates for searches must have current authorization to be employed in the U.S. without employer sponsorship.  Successful completion of a background check and education verification are required.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, sex, religion, creed, race, color, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, genetic information, national origin, or other characteristics protected by state and federal law. Persons needing accommodations or assistance with the accessibility of materials related to this search are encouraged to contact the Director of Human Resources at welp@morningside.edu.

Apply on-line only by submitting an email to facultysearch@morningside.edu and entering “Theatre Search” in the subject line and attaching PDF or Microsoft Word files for the following documents: cover letter, current curriculum vitae, 1-page statement of teaching philosophy, and names and contact information for three persons to provide professional recommendations. Questions about the position may be addressed to Heath Weber, Dean (712-274-5514 or weberh@morningside.edu).