Assistant or Associate Professor of Playwriting and Dramatic Literature

Department of Theatre Arts

The University of Iowa seeks an emerging or established playwright whose work for the stage (or stage and screen or new media) will make major contributions to the profession and will enhance the mission of the Iowa Playwrights Workshop and the Department of Theatre Arts.

Responsibilities: The new faculty member will continue a strong program of professional artistic work. Primary teaching responsibilities include co-teaching the graduate Playwrights Workshop and assisting in production of the annual Iowa New Play Festival; teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in playwriting, dramatic literature, or related fields, and advising and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. In addition, the individual will engage in recruiting graduate playwrights, mentoring graduating students as they enter the profession, and building bridges to other writing programs at and outside The University of Iowa. We seek someone who, in future years, will be prepared to serve as Head of the Playwrights Workshop.

Appointment: begins August, 2025.

Salary: commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Applications should include:

• A complete vita


• A letter discussing artistic philosophy, interests, and methods


• A statement of teaching philosophy


• Three letters of recommendation

Deadline: Screening will begin December 1, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled.

General: For over 100 years, the University of Iowa Department of Theatre Arts has been an innovator in all aspects of theatrical production. Degree programs are BA and MFA, with specializations in acting, design, directing, dramaturgy, playwriting, and stage management. The department has a special interest in the development of new plays, and each year produces over 20 new works in its season. Students are trained to respond to the needs of new plays and performance while grounding themselves actively and creatively in theatrical principles. We have a newly formed Certificate in Performing Arts and Social Justice. The certificate is offered in collaboration with Dance, Music, and Gender and Women's Sexuality Studies.

The Department has a particularly strong tradition in Playwriting at the undergraduate and graduate levels. The Iowa Playwrights Workshop is one of the oldest and most accomplished MFA Programs in Playwriting in the country. Playwriting alumni include David Adjmi, Samuel D. Hunter, Kirsten Greenidge, Basil Kreimendahl, Marisela Orta, Jen Silverman, Charles Smith, Naomi Wallace, Rebecca Gilman, Lisa Schlesinger, Lee Blessing, Sherry Kramer, and Tennessee Williams, among many others. Naomi Wallace and Samuel D. Hunter are recipients of the MacArthur "Genius" Grant. David Adjmi's play, Stereophonic, was nominated for thirteen Tony Awards and won the Tony Award for Best Play in 2024. Jen Silverman's play, The Roommate, is being produced on Broadway with Mia Farrow and Patti Lupone this fall.

Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any misconduct history or pending research misconduct investigation including but not limited to sexual misconduct in prior employment and provide a related release and will be subject to a criminal background and credential check.

The University of Iowa is strongly committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion; the strategic plans of the University and College reflect this commitment. The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, gender identity, or associational preferences.