Department: School of Theatre & Dance

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Description:

The School of Theatre & Dance in the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts at the University of Houston invites applications for a non-tenure track Professor of Practice in Playwriting, with a start date of September 2026. This appointment is intended for a playwright of national or international stature whose work has shaped the contemporary theatre landscape.

We seek an artist whose achievements may include honors such as the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Tony Awards, major Off-Broadway or Broadway productions, sustained production at leading regional theatres, and/or equivalent recognition at the highest levels of the profession. The ideal candidate will bring a visible and ongoing presence in the field and a demonstrated commitment to mentoring the next generation of dramatic writers.

Responsibilities:

The Professor of Practice in Playwriting will teach one course in the fall semester in support of the BFA Playwriting & Dramaturgy program. Instruction will be delivered through a hybrid model, combining brief in-person residencies in Houston with online engagement throughout the academic year.

In addition to teaching, the successful candidate will:

• Mentor undergraduate playwriting and dramaturgy students, with an emphasis on cultivating distinctive artistic voices and professional pathways

• Offer occasional guest lectures, masterclasses, or public conversations that draw on their professional practice

• Engage selectively with student work connected to the UH theatre season, as appropriate

• Serve as a visible advocate for the School and University through their professional network, public presence, and artistic activity.

Assignment is for the Fall 2026 semester only (9/1/2026 to 1/15/2027).

Application Materials:

Applicants must submit the following electronically:

1. Cover letter

2. Curriculum vitae

3. List of at least three professional references who will be contacted as needed by the search committee.

Review of applications will begin immediately. The deadline to submit materials is April 20, 2026.

About the Theatre Program at UH

The Theatre Program at the University of Houston emphasizes theatre artistry in direct partnership with both practical and innovative applications for the twenty-first century. We prepare students through a disciplined practice of theatre, while guiding them to be critical thinkers and problem solvers. Our theatre faculty and guest artists provide direct connections to the professional.

Community in Houston and Beyond

We provide a nurturing environment where students develop sustainable workforce skills and curious minds, while defining their individuality through the art of theatre.

The McGovern College of the Arts is the culturally rich and innovative home of the visual and performing arts at the University of Houston. The University of Houston is one of the R1 institutions in the nation, situated in the thriving, dynamic arts metropolis of Houston.

The successful candidate for this position will excel at teaching and mentoring students with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences. We welcome candidates whose artistry has prepared them to contribute to our rich community of excellence.

Additional Qualifications

Candidates should have a MFA in Playwriting and/or other forms of relevant expertise as well as three years of teaching experience at the university level.

Official transcripts are required for a faculty appointment and will be requested upon selection of the final candidates.

All positions at the University of Houston-System are security sensitive and will require a criminal history check. Individuals conducting research in critical infrastructure areas (i.e., communication infrastructure systems, cybersecurity systems, electric grid, hazardous waste treatment systems, and/or water treatment facilities) are subject to regular review to ensure the security and integrity of the research is maintained.

The University of Houston System and its universities are Equal Opportunity Institutions. Everyone is encouraged to apply.

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