Assistant Professor - Performance Studies

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Job Posting Title:

Assistant Professor - Performance Studies

Position Type:

Faculty

Department:

LSUAM HSS - Communication Studies (Bryan McCann (00007537))

Work Location:

0151C Charles E. Coates Hall

Pay Grade:

Academic

Job Description:

The Department of Communication Studies seeks a scholar-artist for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position, beginning August 2027. We are looking for an innovative maker and theorist to conduct high-quality research—both written and staged—teach undergraduate and graduate courses, and actively mentor students in original arts-based scholarship.

As our department is dedicated to the ongoing evolution and methodological growth of the field of performance studies, we seek candidates actively engaged in arts-based research who will make substantive use of our experimental performance laboratory, the HopKins Black Box theatre. The successful candidate will view performance not merely as an object of study, but as a primary methodology and way of knowing. We welcome interpretations of "performance studies" and strongly encourage applications from scholars whose backgrounds may bridge Communication Studies, Theatre, and Interdisciplinary Arts, provided they are committed to experimental, research-driven performance, and to utilizing their hands-on performance experience to drive rigorous academic publication and create original performances in the HopKins Black Box theatre.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Ph.D. in Performance Studies, Communication, Theatre, or a closely related discipline (by the time of appointment).
• A demonstrated, active agenda of arts-based research and creative practice.
• Research credentials commensurate with a Comprehensive Doctoral University.
• Evidence of excellence in teaching.

Preferred Qualifications We seek a performance scholar-practitioner with a strong publication and production record (or clear potential) whose work complements existing faculty strengths. The ideal candidate will have experience and a deep commitment to working within a performance laboratory setting and mentoring students in original, devised, or experimental performance making.

We are particularly interested in applicants utilizing practice-as-research and arts-based methodologies. Areas of topical interest are open, but we especially welcome candidates whose work bridges critical performance studies with theatrical practice, which may include:

• Devised, experimental, and ensemble-based theatre
• Applied theatre, community engagement, and social practice
• Experimental directing and dramaturgy
• Live art, intermediality, and multimedia performance
• Site-specific performance, spatial practices, and public memory
• Digital, algorithmic, and virtual performance spaces
• The performance of identity, embodiment, and power (including intersectional, queer, or decolonial frameworks)

Salary Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application Timeline Application review will begin November 12, 2026. The position will remain open until filled.

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:

Before uploading, applicants should assemble all documents into one PDF file in the following order:

1. Cover Letter: Addressing your experience and dedication to both written research and arts-based creative practice, teaching, and service.
2. Curriculum Vitae.
3. Description of Research Program: (Limit to 2 pages). Please explicitly address how you envision utilizing the HopKins Black Box theatre for your original performance works.
4. Sample of Scholarly Writing.
5. Portfolio of Creative Scholarship: Evidence of arts-based research, performance practice, or theatrical creation (e.g., links to video samples, prompt books, production photos, or critical reviews).
6. Evidence of Teaching Excellence: (Limit to 2 pages).
7. References: A list of the names, titles, addresses, and contact information for three references who may be asked to provide letters of recommendation after the initial review.
8. Job Specification: The Department of Communication Studies is hiring for two assistant professors of performance studies this year; this position is 100% housed in Communication Studies. Any candidates wishing to be considered for both positions must apply to each position independently and should indicate in writing that they are willing to be considered for both positions.

Applicants may also attach copies of transcripts to their applications; original transcripts are required prior to hire.

Please contact the chair of the search committee, Dr. Travis Brisini ([email protected]) with questions regarding the status of your application or salary ranges.

Skills Needed:

Preferred Skills:

Posting Date:

October 9, 2026

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

April 7, 2027

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information:

For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email [email protected]. For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.