Lecturer in Musical Theatre and Music Director

Department

Theatre

About the University

Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado’s extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today’s college students.

 

Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.

At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff. 

About the Department of Theatre and Dance

The Theatre Program in the Department of Theatre and Dance prioritizes values that reflect those of the university at large including a shared commitment to community, accessibility, diversity, respect and excellence.  We are a collaborative team that includes six full-time faculty, six full-time staff, and a talented group of part-time affiliates and guest artists.  Our department offers both a Bachelor or Arts degree in Theatre and two Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Music Theatre and in Applied Theatre Technology and Design.  The Theatre Program is Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre. Our Program champions the belief that Theatre is Equipment for Living.   

Position Summary

The Department of Theatre and Dance and the Department of Music at MSU Denver invite applications for a shared Lecturer in Music Theatre to begin in Fall 2026. The Theatre and Dance program offers a BA in Theatre and a BFA with concentrations in Music Theatre and Applied Theatre Technology and Design. The Music Department offers a BA in Music, a BM in Music, and a BME in Music Education.  The Lecturer position is a full-time 9-month faculty contract with the potential to be renewed on a year-to-year basis. The position reports to the Chair of the Theatre and Dance Department, as well as the Chair of the Music Department.

The shared Lecturer in Music Theatre will be an appointment split 65%-35% between the Theatre Program (9 credits) and the Music Program (6 credits).  For Theatre, this position will Music Direct 1 musical each semester (3 credits), serve as Music Director/Music Instructor for the Music Theatre BFA class (3 credits), and teach additional course/courses (3 credits.) For Music, this position would serve as the accompanist for the Opera Program (3 credits) and teach additional course/courses (3 credits.)

In Theatre, the position will teach a variety of theatre courses in rotation with other faculty, including Broadway History, Music Theory for Musical Theatre, and Music Theatre Voice Lessons.  In Music, the position would teach a variety of music courses in line with experience/qualifications.
 

Responsibilities

The successful candidate must have the ability to perform the following:

• Teach six credits of classes and associated labs (6 credit hours), serve as the Theatre Music Director (3 credit hours), serve as the accompanist for the Opera Program (3 credit hours) and serve as the Music Director/Instructor for the BFA Music Theatre program (3 credit hours) each semester.
• Teach and coach Music, Theatre, and Opera students as well as other students seeking outside coaching in coordination with Theatre Production Directors and Opera Production Directors.  
• Help recruit musicians to play in the pit for Music Theatre Productions and Opera Productions.  
• Work with Theatre and Music faculty and staff to develop and maintain curriculum, lab spaces, and technology.
• Work collaboratively with other faculty, students, staff, guest artists and diverse communities.

Required Qualifications

• A BA or BFA level degree or higher in Theatre or Music or related fields plus 8 years of related experience
• Training, and demonstrated experience in Theatre Music Direction and Opera Music Direction
• Documented experience working with students as a Music Director
• Strong proficiency in playing the piano and sight-reading abilities

Preferred Qualifications

• A MA or MFA level degree or higher in Theatre or Music or related fields
• Experience teaching and working with students with diverse abilities, identities, and backgrounds
• Experience teaching music theory or other courses in the field of music
• 2+ years of teaching experience at the higher education level
   

We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification. We are most interested in finding the candidate who will best contribute to our Departments and the University.

Salary for Announcement

The salary range for this position is $50,000 - $60,000 at the Lecturer level. The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, education, experience, specialty and training.

MSU Denver offers excellent benefits that include medical, dental, retirement, tuition benefit, free RTD pass, and more. For a brief overview of these options, visit our Benefits section below.

Instructions to Apply

Interested candidates must apply through our career site, https://msudenver.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/MSUDenver and search for JR105087. Please complete an application and submit all application materials listed below.

To support a thorough evaluation of your qualifications and potential contributions as a faculty member, please upload the following required materials:

• Resume or curriculum vitae
• Letter of application/cover letter
• Teaching philosophy (2 pages max). Please detail your interest and prior experience with teaching diverse adult learners. Describe three values that guide your teaching practices, focusing on engagement with diverse students and how you will foster an inclusive classroom environment that removes barriers and promotes equitable access and advancement. Include examples from past experiences teaching and/or mentoring students 
• Unofficial copies of graduate transcripts
• A list of three professional references and their contact information
• Links to 2 representative audio and/or video recordings.  Digital media, such as streaming video, is preferred

Important Note: Please ensure you have uploaded all required documents into the "Resume/Cover letter" section of the application. A maximum of 5 files can be uploaded, so you will need to combine some documents or combine them all into one pdf file. Due to volume of applications received, only applications that include all required materials outlined above will be considered.

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Deadline

Priority will be given to applications received through March 29, 2026 at 11:59 PM MST; applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Posting Representative

Tanya Rogowsky

Posting Representative Email

trogowsk@msudenver.edu

Benefits

The University’s benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver’s benefits website to learn more.   

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf. 

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at totalrewards@msudenver.edu.

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors.  To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.