... Professor rank, depending on qualifications and experience, beginning in the 2026-2027 academic ... the following areas: costume design, lighting design, and/or sound design. We also welcome ...
... Professor rank, depending on qualifications and experience, beginning in the 2026-2027 academic ... the following areas: costume design, lighting design, and/or sound design. We also welcome ...
Professor Costume Design information
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Professor of Costume Design, and why are they important?
To thrive as a Professor of Costume Design, you need advanced knowledge in costume history, design, and construction, usually supported by an MFA or equivalent professional experience. Familiarity with design software (such as Adobe Creative Suite), sewing equipment, and stage production systems is typically required. Strong communication, mentorship abilities, and collaboration skills help foster student growth and contribute to interdisciplinary projects. These competencies ensure effective teaching, innovation in costume design, and the preparation of students for successful careers in the performing arts.
How does a Professor of Costume Design typically collaborate with other departments within a theatre or performing arts program?
A Professor of Costume Design often works closely with faculty and students from other disciplines such as set design, lighting, and directing to ensure cohesive visual storytelling in productions. Collaboration often involves participating in production meetings, aligning costume concepts with overall artistic vision, and coordinating with technical teams for fittings and alterations. This interdisciplinary approach not only enriches the educational experience for students but also mirrors the collaborative nature of professional theatre environments.
What does a Professor of Costume Design do?
A Professor of Costume Design teaches students about the art and technical skills involved in designing costumes for theater, film, television, and other performance arts. They develop course materials, lead practical workshops, mentor students on design projects, and often collaborate with other departments on stage productions. Professors may also conduct research, publish scholarly work, and participate in professional costume design for productions outside the university. Their role is to prepare students for successful careers in costume design by imparting both creative and practical knowledge.
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Full-time
Posted 25 days ago
Job description
Description
The Department of Theater at Swarthmore College invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position in Design at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank, depending on qualifications and experience, beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year. We seek candidates who are practicing artists with experience teaching in one of the following areas: costume design, lighting design, and/or sound design. We also welcome candidates who can contribute to and enhance the department's liberal arts-centered curriculum. Responsibilities include advising theater majors within and outside of the candidate's areas of expertise and designing in the department's production season. The typical teaching load is 2 courses per semester.
Inside and outside the classroom, our department prioritizes collaboration and flexibility. As this position will rotate into department leadership, the successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to extend those values into shared governance. The successful candidate will also demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusive pedagogy and to inspiring and mentoring students from diverse backgrounds and identities.
The Department of Theater is close-knit, collaborative, and student-centered. The curriculum is built around a rigorous liberal arts education in combination with a practical exploration of performance that emphasizes experimentation and collaboration. The Department values engagement with both scripted and devised work and seeks to involve students in all aspects of production. We produce 3-5 full-scale productions a year, in addition to student-directed "Nights of Scenes" and assorted workshops, play readings, and other events. Theater faculty are active artists and scholars in their fields, and participate in Philadelphia's thriving theater and performance community. More information about the department can be found at: https://www.swarthmore.edu/department-theater.
Located in the suburbs of Philadelphia and near Wilmington DE, Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity. We welcome applications from all candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable experience effectively supporting, teaching, and engaging a highly diverse student body. For more information available to all faculty at Swarthmore, see https://www.swarthmore.edu/provosts-office/welcome-to-provosts-office
Qualifications
The successful candidate will have:
Application Instructions
Applicants for the position should submit the following materials via Interfolio at: apply.interfolio.com/177022:
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity. We welcome applications from all candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to working effectively supporting, teaching, and engaging a highly diverse student body.
The Department of Theater at Swarthmore College invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position in Design at the Assistant or Associate Professor rank, depending on qualifications and experience, beginning in the 2026-2027 academic year. We seek candidates who are practicing artists with experience teaching in one of the following areas: costume design, lighting design, and/or sound design. We also welcome candidates who can contribute to and enhance the department's liberal arts-centered curriculum. Responsibilities include advising theater majors within and outside of the candidate's areas of expertise and designing in the department's production season. The typical teaching load is 2 courses per semester.
Inside and outside the classroom, our department prioritizes collaboration and flexibility. As this position will rotate into department leadership, the successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to extend those values into shared governance. The successful candidate will also demonstrate a strong commitment to inclusive pedagogy and to inspiring and mentoring students from diverse backgrounds and identities.
The Department of Theater is close-knit, collaborative, and student-centered. The curriculum is built around a rigorous liberal arts education in combination with a practical exploration of performance that emphasizes experimentation and collaboration. The Department values engagement with both scripted and devised work and seeks to involve students in all aspects of production. We produce 3-5 full-scale productions a year, in addition to student-directed "Nights of Scenes" and assorted workshops, play readings, and other events. Theater faculty are active artists and scholars in their fields, and participate in Philadelphia's thriving theater and performance community. More information about the department can be found at: https://www.swarthmore.edu/department-theater.
Located in the suburbs of Philadelphia and near Wilmington DE, Swarthmore College is a highly selective liberal arts college whose mission combines academic rigor with social responsibility. Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity. We welcome applications from all candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable experience effectively supporting, teaching, and engaging a highly diverse student body. For more information available to all faculty at Swarthmore, see https://www.swarthmore.edu/provosts-office/welcome-to-provosts-office
Qualifications
The successful candidate will have:
- MFA and/or Ph.D. in Theater in hand by August 1, 2026
- College-level teaching experience
- Demonstrated level of professional achievement in Theater
Application Instructions
Applicants for the position should submit the following materials via Interfolio at: apply.interfolio.com/177022:
- Cover letter that addresses design and teaching experience, interest in teaching at a liberal arts college, and preparation to teach undergraduates of diverse backgrounds
- Curriculum Vitae
- Two letters of recommendation
- A brief teaching statement that describes your philosophy, policies, and practices which support student success and encourage inclusivity
- Representative portfolio of design work
Review of applications will begin January 26, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Please contact Isaiah M. Wooden (iwooden1@swarthmore.edu), with any questions about the search.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Swarthmore has a strong institutional commitment to non-discrimination and equal opportunity. We welcome applications from all candidates with exceptional qualifications, particularly those with demonstrable commitments to working effectively supporting, teaching, and engaging a highly diverse student body.
About Swarthmore College
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Colleges, universities, and professional schools
Company size
501 - 1,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Swarthmore, PA, US
Year founded
1864