Instructor - Dance

The Austin Peay State University Department of Theatre and Dance is seeking a three-year full-time instructor for the position of Dance to begin August 1st, 2027. This position is specifically seeking a candidate with a strong foundation in Commercial and Musical Theatre dance forms, including but not limited to jazz, hip-hop, tap, contemporary, and diasporic dance traditions. The ideal candidate will be passionate about training versatile, industry-ready performers who are proficient across all aspects of the performance field. Additionally, the ideal candidate will also contribute to the Acting students, teaching performance-based coursework as needed, reflecting the department's commitment to developing well-rounded performers ready for the demands of the modern industry.

The Theatre and Dance program at Austin Peay State University offers a BFA with concentrations in Acting, Design, Musical Theatre, and Stage Management, and a BA with concentrations in Theatre and Dance. Minors in Theatre and Dance are popular choices for many students. An intimate proscenium theatre seating just under 200 currently houses 4-5 productions each academic year, with a Laboratory Theatre space available for additional productions, student performances, and events. Theatre and Dance are integral parts of the Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts (www.apsu.edu/creativearts). A long established, state-funded initiative, APSU’s Center of Excellence for the Creative Arts, is designed to enhance the cultural environment of the university, community, and region through a diverse range of imaginative arts experiences. 

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

- Teach Dance technique in modern, jazz, tap or diasporic movement, commercial dance forms, musical theatre and related areas such as Introduction to Dance, Dance History, Dance Fundamentals and choreograph for main stage productions where needed;

- Support MT and Acting BFA programs by teaching acting and/or performance courses as needed and qualified 

- Demonstrate a willingness and an ability to work effectively with colleagues to support

the mission of the institution and the department;

- Advise and mentor students effectively and efficiently throughout their time in the

program and help majors persist toward graduation;

- Serve effectively on departmental and University committees and other appropriate

functions that assist in University governance;

- Show a commitment to continued recruiting efforts as the program continues to grow.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities 

- Demonstrate a willingness and an ability to work effectively with colleagues to support

the mission of the institution and the department;

- Advise and mentor students effectively and efficiently throughout their time in the

program and help majors persist toward graduation;

- Serve effectively on departmental and University committees and other appropriate

functions that assist in University governance;

- Show a commitment to continued recruiting efforts as the program continues to grow.

Physical Requirements 

Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force

frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects.

Required Minimum Qualifications

- A terminal degree (MFA or PhD) in Dance, Musical Theatre, or a related discipline; or a master's degree in a related field combined with significant professional experience in Dance and performance at a level commensurate with terminal degree expectations.

- Evidence of potential ability in academic assignment and/or scholarly and creative

achievement, and/or professional contributions and activities;

- Evidence of good character, mature attitude, and professional integrity;

- Evidence of a respect for and an ability to work with a diverse student body;

- A background search will be required of the successful applicant.

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

- At least two years teaching experience in higher education preferred;

- Candidates who can contribute to our curriculum in one or more of the following

specialty areas: Choreography and Dance for Musical Theatre, Commercial dance, Hip-hop, diasporic dance 

Special Instructions to Applicants:

- Each applicant must include the names and contact information for three references,

one of which must be from your most recent or current employer, with your application

materials. Many people add this to the end of the CV.

- Two letters of recommendation must be included;

- A Teaching Philosophy must be included;

- If you would like to additionally attach Letters of Recommendation to your online

application, letters must be dated one year or less from the date of your application.

Letters of recommendation may be sent by email to

“facultyapplications@apsu.edu” or hard copy to “Austin Peay State University, Human

Resources Dept., PO Box 4507, Clarksville, TN 37044” with your name and desired

position clearly indicated after your online application is completed.

- If granted an interview, unofficial transcripts will be required of applicants and official

transcripts will be required of the selected candidate before the candidate will be offered

a position. It is highly recommended that you attach unofficial transcripts in PDF format

to your online application.

- You will not be able to attach your letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts or

any other supplemental document(s) nor modify your application after it has been

submitted.

Applicant review will continue until the position is filled.

Required Documents

1. Cover Letter

2. Curriculum Vitae

3. Teaching Philosophy

4. Letter of Recommendation 1

5. Letter of Recommendation 2

Optional Documents

1. Unofficial Transcript

2. Letter of Recommendation 3

Austin Peay State University is a four-year public, doctoral-level university, with six colleges and four Chairs of Excellence. The University has an enrollment of over 11,000 students and is located in Clarksville, Tennessee, a community of an estimated 150,287 people located approximately 40 miles northwest of Nashville, TN.

Austin Peay State University is a proud supporter of hiring veterans. We hire veterans with equivalent experiences and pay grades from their military service, rather than requiring or preferring only college degrees. Please visit our website for more information on how veterans can qualify for additional employment opportunities at APSU: https://www.apsu.edu/human-resources/hiring-veterans/.

Austin Peay State University (APSU) prohibits discrimination in all employment, programs, and activities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), disability, age, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. For Title IX inquiries or complaints, contact: Chief of Institutional Culture & Title IX Coordinator, LaNeeça R. Williams at williamslr@apsu.edu | 931-221-7690, Browning Building, Room 140, Clarksville, TN 37044. For other non-discrimination concerns, contact: Director of Institutional Culture & Title VI & Title VII Coordinator, Dr. Jo Baldwin at baldwinjapsu.edu | 931-221-7178 or Associate Director of Accessibility Compliance & ADA/504 Coordinator, Jayme Glover at gloverj@apsu.edu | 931-221-7160. View APSU’s full nondiscrimination policy at Policy 6:001.