Assistant Professor - Performance Studies and Screen Arts

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Job Posting Title:

Assistant Professor - Performance Studies and Screen Arts

   

Position Type:

Faculty

   

Department:

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

   

Work Location:

0229 Charles E. Coates Hall

   

Pay Grade:

Academic

   

Job Description:

The Department of Communication Studies, in a joint appointment with the Screen Arts (SCRN) program, seeks a scholar-practitioner for a tenure-track Assistant Professor position (75% Communication Studies, 25% Screen Arts) beginning August 2027. We are looking for an innovative theorist and maker to conduct high-quality research—both written and produced—teach undergraduate and graduate courses, and actively mentor students in hands-on creative production.

As our programs are dedicated to the ongoing evolution of intermedial practice, we seek candidates who will serve as a creative bridge between our experimental live performance laboratory, the HopKins Black Box theatre, and SCRN’s production environments (which encompass practical filmmaking, immersive media, and virtual production). The successful candidate will view practical production—in live stage performance, as well as film and television, live scenography, production design, or indie media—as a primary methodology and way of knowing. We strongly encourage applications from scholars whose backgrounds bridge Theatre, Film/Media Production, and Interdisciplinary Arts, provided they are committed to utilizing their hands-on production experience to drive rigorous academic publication and create original performances in the HopKins Black Box theatre and SCRN spaces.

Required Qualifications

·         A Ph.D. or MFA in Performance Studies, Screen Arts, Media Production, Film, Theatre, or a closely related discipline (by the time of appointment).

·         A demonstrated, active agenda of "practice-as-research" or "research-creation" that balances hands-on media or theatrical production with academic publishing.

·         Research and creative credentials commensurate with a Comprehensive Doctoral University.

·         Evidence of excellence in teaching.

Preferred Qualifications We seek a scholar-practitioner with a strong publication and practical production record (or clear potential) whose work complements existing faculty strengths. The ideal candidate will have practical experience in combining media creation with live performance or physical environments with a deep commitment to translating those skills into a laboratory setting. The candidate should have a strong interest in emerging and immersive media, while also being able to teach traditional performance studies and media production courses.  We are looking for a candidate who will actively involve and mentor students in original, devised, or experimental production making across both stage and screen.

Areas of topical interest are open, but we especially welcome candidates whose work bridges physical stagecraft and scripting with digital/cinematic media, which may include:

·         Intermedial, multimedia, and devised performance

·         Translation of performance and directing techniques between live/staged and camera/media environments

·         Indie media creation, applied production, and public-facing storytelling

·         Scenography, production design, and physical world-building for stage and screen

·         Practical integration of live bodies with extended reality or virtual production spaces

Salary Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

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

Application Timeline Application review will begin November 12, 2026.

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.

THE LSU SYSTEM IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

   

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 written research, hands-on creative practice, teaching, and service.
2. Curriculum Vitae.
3. Description of Research Program: (Limit to 2 pages). Please explicitly address how you envision bridging and utilizing the HopKins Black Box theatre and SCRN’s production facilities for your research and creative works.
4. Sample of Scholarly Writing.
5. Portfolio of Creative Scholarship: Evidence of hands-on arts-based research, production design, media creation, or theatrical practice (e.g., links to video samples, prompt books, production photos, or portfolios).
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 75% housed in Communication Studies, 25% housed in Screen Arts. 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 (tbrisini@lsu.edu) with questions regarding the status of your application or salary ranges.

   

Skills Needed:

   

Preferred Skills:

   

Posting Date:

October 8, 2026

   

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

April 6, 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: