Job
Overview
Overview
About Us
The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts (LIPA) is internationally recognised as a world-leading centre of excellence for creative learning and vocational training across the performing arts and wider creative economies. We have built an outstanding national and global reputation for the quality of our teaching, our professional-standard facilities, and the sustained success of our graduates and alumni.
Founded in 1996, and based in Liverpool’s historic city centre, LIPA is an independent higher education institution with a distinctive heritage and global outlook.
Placing students at the heart of everything we do, we inspire, train and equip performers, practitioners, technicians, managers and creative entrepreneurs to shape the future of the creative industries. Our pioneering model combines project-based learning, industry engagement and collaborative practice, ensuring our graduates are fully prepared for professional careers.
This is a transformative moment for us. We have recently been granted probationary Degree Awarding Powers, are expanding both our programme portfolio and campus, and are celebrating our 30th anniversary.
The Role
We are seeking to appoint an exceptional and visionary leader as Head of Musical Theatre within the School of Performance.
This is a significant leadership role, responsible for shaping the direction, quality and industry relevance of our musical theatre provision. The successful candidate will lead the continued development of a distinctive, future-focused curriculum that reflects the evolving demands of the profession while maintaining the highest standards of conservatoire training.
Working collaboratively across the institution and with industry partners, the postholder will:
Drive pedagogic innovation and curriculum development
Enhance the student experience and graduate outcomes
Strengthen industry engagement and professional partnerships
Champion excellence, inclusion and creative collaboration
Through this leadership, the Head of Musical Theatre will play a key role in positioning us at the forefront of contemporary musical theatre training.
The Person
We are looking for a dynamic, inspiring and well-connected practitioner with substantial professional experience in the musical theatre industry and a strong track record within conservatoire training.
You will bring:
A compelling vision for the future of professional musical theatre training
The ability to lead, inspire and develop creative teams
A deep commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and belonging
A collaborative and student-centred approach to learning and teaching
You will recognise the unique opportunity this role presents to shape an ambitious and internationally relevant programme within a thriving creative community.
Experience and Expertise
The successful candidate will demonstrate significant expertise across a number of the following areas:
Professional musical theatre performance (acting, singing and/or dance)
Direction and/or choreography
Musical direction, composition or vocal coaching
Curriculum design and delivery within higher education
Academic leadership, programme management and quality assurance
Industry engagement, partnerships and employability development
Practice-based research and scholarly activity
You will also demonstrate:
Current or recent professional industry practice
Experience of teaching and assessment within higher education
The ability to engage and inspire a diverse student body
Excellent communication, leadership and interpersonal skills
A relevant degree is essential and a recognised higher education teaching qualification or HEA Fellowship is desirable.
Why Join Us
· Creative community: Work within a vibrant, collaborative and supportive environment
· Impact: Shape the next generation of performers and creative professionals
· Opportunity: Contribute to a globally recognised and forward-looking institution
· Benefits: Competitive salary and access to the Teachers’ Pension Scheme
Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
LIPA is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equitable opportunities for all. We actively encourage applications from under-represented groups and are dedicated to building a diverse community that reflects the industries we serve.
How to Apply
Please submit a CV and covering letter outlining your experience and the contribution you would bring to the role to recruit@lipa.ac.uk by
Monday 18 May 2026 at 2pm.
Interviews will take place on Tuesday 2 June 2026.
We anticipate a high level of interest and may close applications early. Early application is therefore encouraged.