How to Apply
Combine into one document a letter of application, curriculum vitae, statement of teaching philosophy and contact information for two references. All applicants must upload the document to UM career website.
Job Summary
The Residential College Drama Program https://lsa.umich.edu/rc is seeking to hire an Intermittent Lecturer to teach two courses for the Fall 2026 semester, RCDRAMA 282: Drama Interpretations 1: Fundamental of Acting, and RCDRAMA 390: Chekhov and His Afterlives: Realism from Russia to the 21st Century. This position will equate to a 66.67% position for Fall 2026.
Mission Statement
The mission of the University of Michigan is to serve the people of Michigan and the world through preeminence in creating, communicating, preserving and applying knowledge, art, and academic values, and in developing leaders and citizens who will challenge the present and enrich the future.
Course Description
For RCDRAMA 282, this course introduces the essential acting skills actors need to bring dramatic texts to life. Students will strengthen vocal technique, physicality, and expressive range while cultivating focus and a strong sense of ensemble. Through warm-ups, structured exercises, monologue preparation, and/or scene study, participants will learn to analyze scripts, make clear and purposeful acting choices, and create fully realized characters grounded in textual evidence and dramatic circumstance. Particular attention is given to how actors work with language shaping rhythm, tone, imagery, and phrasing to illuminate character, intention, and stakes embedded in the text. Students will also engage with spatial and ensemble methods, exploring how movement, tempo, and environment shape storytelling.
For RCDRAMA 390, this is an upper-level course that explores drama through a focused lens, whether that lens is a historical period, a specific geographic or cultural context, or a thematic or conceptual idea. This course explores the legacy of modern drama through the work of Anton Chekhov and his influence on contemporary theatre artists, with particular attention to acting, ensemble process, and the poetics of everyday life. Beginning with Uncle Vanya, students will examine how themes of longing, stagnation, humor, and human connection continue to resonate in modern plays. We will then trace Chekhovs impact in works by contemporary playwrights including Annie Baker, Simon Stephens, and Christopher Durang.
Responsibilities*
The candidate will provide instruction for two classes of approximately ten to twenty undergraduates each in an interdisciplinary liberal arts program. Additional duties include participation in college- and program-wide activities, including attending student performances and program meetings.
The successful candidate will demonstrate expertise and background in theater performance, specifically acting and directing. First-hand knowledge of various performance mediums, such as theater and acting, is essential. Establishing a practice of expertise in various academic disciplines and performance appropriate to the years in the field of the candidate is expected, as well as expertise and background in teaching undergraduates over a wide range of dramatic literature.
Required Qualifications*
Minimum: Masters degree in Fine Arts in Theater, Masters degree in Arts in Drama or Theater Studies, or equivalent in professional theater experience. Must have experience in theater performance.
Desired Qualifications*
Additional experience in directing, playwriting, design, and dramaturgy is a preferred.
Modes of Work
Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.
Additional Information
Lecturer Compensation
66.67% appointment for two courses in Fall 2026.
Union Affiliation
This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.
Background Screening
The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks will be performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.
Contact Information
Questions about applying for this position can be emailed to: [email protected]
Application Deadline
Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. The deadline for applications is March 28, 2026.
U-M EEO Statement
The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.