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Theater Design Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

Best Buy

Retail Sales Specialist - Home Theater

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$32K - $38K/yr

As a Retail Sales Specialist in our home theater department, you'll engage with customers to learn ... design environments * 1 year of experience in customer relationship management (CRM) What's in it ...

Best Buy

Retail Sales Specialist - Home Theater

Knoxville, TN · On-site

$32K - $38K/yr

As a Retail Sales Specialist in our home theater department, you'll engage with customers to learn ... design environments * 1 year of experience in customer relationship management (CRM) What's in it ...

Thirty Rocks Franchisee

... in theatre studies, creative arts, performing arts, drama, fine arts, visual arts, graphic design, 3D design, illustration, architecture or landscape architecture. The ability to demonstrate a ...

Production Resource Group Llc

Must have valid Driver's License Required education and experience * 5 years designing solutions within discipline * BS Technical Theatre or Engineering, or equivalent experience * CAD fluent PRG is ...

Production Resource Group Llc

$17.75 - $19.75/hr

Must have valid Driver's License Required education and experience * 5 years designing solutions within discipline * BS Technical Theatre or Engineering, or equivalent experience * CAD fluent EEO and ...

Production Resource Group Llc

Team Leader, Rigging

TN · On-site

Must have valid Driver's License Required education and experience * 5 years designing solutions within discipline * BS Technical Theatre or Engineering, or equivalent experience * CAD fluent EEO and ...

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Theater Design information

See Tennessee salary details

$38.1K

$103.9K

$182.9K

How much do theater design jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for theater design in Tennessee is $103,914.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,800.00 and $130,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is theater design?

Theater design is the art and practice of creating the visual and physical environment for a stage production. This includes designing sets, lighting, costumes, props, and sometimes sound, to help tell the story and create the mood of the performance. Theater designers collaborate closely with directors, actors, and other production staff to ensure that the visual elements support the narrative and themes of the play. Their work is essential in immersing the audience in the world of the production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a theater designer?

To thrive as a Theater Designer, you need a solid background in set, lighting, or costume design, typically supported by a degree in theater design or a related field. Proficiency with design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as familiarity with stagecraft and technical theater systems, is highly valued. Creativity, collaboration, and strong communication skills help you translate scripts into engaging visual environments and work effectively with directors and production teams. These skills are essential for crafting immersive theatrical experiences that support storytelling and meet production requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in theater design, and how can they be addressed?

One common challenge in theater design is balancing creative vision with practical constraints such as budget, time, and the technical limitations of a venue. Designers often need to collaborate closely with directors, lighting technicians, and set builders to ensure their concepts are feasible and safe for performers. Effective communication, flexibility, and problem-solving skills are essential to adapt and deliver impactful designs under tight production schedules. Networking and seeking mentorship within the industry can also provide valuable support and guidance for overcoming these challenges.

What is the difference between Theater Design vs Scenic Design?

AspectTheater DesignScenic Design
CredentialsDegree in Theater, Design, or related fieldDegree in Theater, Fine Arts, or Design
Work EnvironmentTheater productions, performance venuesTheater, film, television, live events
Industry UsageUsed broadly in theater productionFocuses on visual scenery for performances
Common Search/ComparisonOften compared with Scenic DesignRelated but more specialized in scenery creation

While Theater Design encompasses the overall conceptualization of a production's visual and spatial elements, Scenic Design specifically focuses on creating the physical scenery and backdrops. Both roles require similar credentials and often collaborate closely, but Scenic Design is more specialized in visual scenery creation for various performance types.

What can you do with a theater design degree?

A theater design degree prepares individuals for careers in designing sets, costumes, lighting, and sound for theatrical productions, concerts, and events. Graduates often work as scenic designers, costume designers, lighting designers, or technical directors, utilizing skills in CAD software and understanding of stagecraft. The role involves collaboration with directors and production teams to create visually compelling performances.

What does a theater design do?

A theater designer creates the visual and functional aspects of a theater space, including stage layouts, seating arrangements, lighting, and acoustics. They collaborate with directors and technical teams to ensure the design supports the production's artistic vision and technical requirements, often using design software like CAD. Strong knowledge of architecture, acoustics, and stage mechanics is essential for this role.

What are the most commonly searched types of Theater Design jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Theater Design jobs in Tennessee are:

What are popular job titles related to Theater Design jobs in Tennessee?

For Theater Design jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Theater Design jobs in Tennessee look for?

The top searched job categories for Theater Design jobs in Tennessee are:

Theater Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Theater Design job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $103,914 per year, or $50 per hour.

Part-time Instructor (Pool) - Theater & Dance

APSU, Inc.

Clarksville, TN

Part-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

Austin Peay State University, Department of Theatre and Dance is seeking temporary,
part-time adjunct faculty in the areas of Theatre, Musical Theatre, Design, and Dance.

The department of Theatre and Dance is housed in the Trahern Building and the
Memorial Health Building. We produce six shows per season, two plays, two musicals,
and two dance concerts. The Trahern building houses the Margaret Fort Trahern
Laboratory Theatre and the Trahern Theatre (Proscenium) as well as a large acting
studio and dance studio. The Memorial Health building houses two large dance studios.

The Department of Theatre and Dance is an integral member of the Center of Excellence
for the Creative Arts (CECA - see www.apsu.edu/creativearts). A long-established statefunded initiative, CECA is designed to enhance the cultural environment of the university,
community and region through a diverse range of imaginative arts experiences.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities 

Teach courses pending department need including but not limited to: 

- Practical Theory 1 and 2 (Music) - Private Voice Instruction (1/2hour and 1 hour) - Introduction to Dance (Lecture Course) 

- Fundamentals of Dance (studio course) 

- All levels of Modern, Ballet/pointe, Jazz and Tap Dance technique 

- African, West African, Afro-Caribbean, World Dance 

- Hip-Hop Dance - Fitness for Dancers (Pilates, Yoga) 

- Dance for Musical Theatre 

- Introduction to Theatre - Acting I - Makeup (as in makeup application and design) 

- Others as needed (Courses may include Fundamentals of Sewing, Script Analysis, Somatics, or other similar needs of the department). 

Physical Requirements 

Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. 

Required Minimum Qualifications 

- Master's degree or documented extensive, professional career or professional certification. 

- Demonstrated success as a teacher preferred. 

- A background search will be required of the successful applicant.

Required Documents 

1. Cover Letter 

2. Curriculum Vitae 

Optional Documents 

1. Unofficial Transcript 

2. Letter of Recommendation 1 

3. Letter of Recommendation 2 

4. Letter of Recommendation 3

The number of adjunct instructors hired varies from semester to semester, depending upon the needs of the department.
 
 Each applicant must include the names and contact information for three references,
one of which must be from your most recent or current employer, with your application
materials. Many people add this to the end of the CV/Resume.
 
If you would like to additionally attach Letters of Recommendation to your online
application, letters must be dated one year or less from the date of your application.
 
Letters of recommendation may be sent by email to
"facultyapplications@apsu.edu" or hard copy to "Austin Peay State University, Human
Resources Dept., PO Box 4507, Clarksville, TN 37044" with your name and desired
position clearly indicated after your online application is completed.
 
If granted an interview, unofficial transcripts will be required of applicants and official
transcripts will be required of the selected candidate before the candidate will be offered
a position. It is highly recommended that you attach unofficial transcripts in PDF format
to your online application.
 
You will not be able to attach your letters of recommendation, unofficial transcripts or
any other supplemental document(s) nor modify your application after it has been
submitted.
 
Please refer all questions to facultyapplications@apsu.edu

Austin Peay State University is a four-year public, doctoral-level university, with six colleges and four Chairs of Excellence. The University has an enrollment of over 11,000 students and is located in Clarksville, Tennessee, a community of an estimated 150,287 people located approximately 40 miles northwest of Nashville, TN.

Austin Peay State University is a proud supporter of hiring veterans. We hire veterans with equivalent experiences and pay grades from their military service, rather than requiring or preferring only college degrees. Please visit our website for more information on how veterans can qualify for additional employment opportunities at APSU: https://www.apsu.edu/human-resources/hiring-veterans/.

Austin Peay State University (APSU) prohibits discrimination in all employment, programs, and activities based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), disability, age, veteran status, genetic information, or any other legally protected status. For Title IX inquiries or complaints, contact: Chief of Institutional Culture & Title IX Coordinator, LaNeeca R. Williams at williamslr@apsu.edu | 931-221-7690, Browning Building, Room 140, Clarksville, TN 37044. For other non-discrimination concerns, contact: Director of Institutional Culture & Title VI & Title VII Coordinator, Dr. Jo Baldwin at baldwinjapsu.edu | 931-221-7178 or Associate Director of Accessibility Compliance & ADA/504 Coordinator, Jayme Glover at gloverj@apsu.edu | 931-221-7160. View APSU's full nondiscrimination policy at Policy 6:001.

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