Theatre Design Instructors - OPEN POOL

Colorado State University

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Fort Collins, CO Until 9/8/2026 3+ years exp First posted July 10, 2026 Last posted July 10, 2026
Job description

Job Description

Position Summary:

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance may seek full time or part time, temporary Theatre Design Instructors to teach a variety of courses including introductory and advanced costume design, advanced hair and makeup design, set/scenic design, lighting design, computer-assisted design/drawing, and design special topics classes. Mentoring of design practicum students expected.

Applicants are added to the pool list throughout the calendar year. Hiring decisions are made during the late spring and early summer for fall semester, during the early fall semester for spring and during the spring semester for the summer term.

Brief Work Unit Description:

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance (SMTD) at Colorado State University empowers students to create, collaborate, innovate, and inspire. Through teaching, creative artistry, research, advocacy, and service, we elevate arts education. SMTD has 46 tenured and tenure-track faculty as well as 55 contract, continuing and adjunct faculty. There are currently over 550 students in SMTD, with 375 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in residential and online music degree programs. SMTD is housed in the University Center for the Arts, a nationally recognized state of the art 350,000 square foot facility, that includes a 550-seat concert hall, a 275-seat organ and chamber music recital hall, a 320-seat thrust theatre, a 100-seat black box theatre, a 200-seat dance theatre, dedicated rehearsal, production and research spaces, along with classrooms, labs and practice rooms.

Salary Range:

$46,000 - $48,000, 9-month base salary (prorated for part-time work).

Essential Job Duties:

  • Teaching assignment in Theatre Design and/or related topics, based on department needs.

  • Service to the Theatre program.

  • Office Hours are required.

Conditions of Employment:

Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires).

Supervision:

Does not have any direct reports.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Requirements for this position are a Bachelor's degree in Theatre or an Arts adjacent degree, OR a minimum of three years of professional experience, depending on the course being taught at CSU.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Documented teaching experience at the college or university level.

  • A Graduate degree in Theatre.

Application Instructions:

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and link to website or digital portfolio.

This pool expires December 31, 2026. Individuals wishing to be considered beyond this date must reapply.

Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.

Employee Benefits

Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

Background Check Policy Statement

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.

EEO

Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

About this role

Summary

Teach theatre design courses, mentor students, and contribute to theatre program at CSU.

Job title

Theatre Design Instructor

Experience level

depends on course being taught, at least 3 years of professional experience or a bachelor's degree in theatre or arts-adjacent field

Minimum experience

3+ years exp

Industry

education

Location requirements

Fort Collins, CO, remote not specified

Salary

$46k–$48k

Management role

No

Skills & keywords

Required skills

bachelor's degree in theatre or arts-adjacentprofessional experienceteaching experience (preferred)theatre skills

Preferred skills

graduate degree in theatre

Specializations

costume designhair and makeupset designlighting designcomputer-assisted design
Locations

Structured locations inferred from the posting.

Fort Collins, CO, USA

Work arrangement unknown City