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Theater Design Jobs in Texas (NOW HIRING)

Zach Theater

Assistant Technical Director (Theater)

Austin, TX · On-site

$37K - $43K/yr

The Assistant Technical Director is a vital member of the technical design team, serving as the ... Bachelor's degree in Technical Theater, Technical Direction, or a related field preferred, 2 years ...

Zach Theater

Technical Director (Theater)

Austin, TX · On-site

Orchestrates Load-In and attends Technical and Dress Rehearsals, and Design Meetings at the ... In depth demonstrated knowledge of theatrical rigging systems and stage automation * Ability in ...

Zach Theater

Technical Director (Theater)

Austin, TX · On-site

$67K - $80K/yr

Orchestrates Load-In and attends Technical and Dress Rehearsals, and Design Meetings at the ... In depth demonstrated knowledge of theatrical rigging systems and stage automation * Ability in ...

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Theater Design information

See Texas salary details

$39.1K

$106.7K

$187.7K

How much do theater design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for theater design in Texas is $106,666.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $77,800.00 and $134,200.00 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 Texas?

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

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

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

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

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

What cities in Texas are hiring for Theater Design jobs?

Cities in Texas with the most Theater Design job openings:

Theater Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Theater Design job openings in Texas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,666 per year, or $51.3 per hour.

Assistant Professor of Theatre Design and Technology

Texas City, TX • On-site

College of the Mainland
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about College of the Mainlandexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

Position Details
Position Information
Position Title
Assistant Professor of Theatre Design and Technology
FLSA
Exempt
Contract Length
12 months
Class Summary
Responsible for providing instruction within the appropriate department/program. Develop and revise curriculum and coursework. Provide scheduled office hours for student consultation. Serve on College committees as needed and assigned. Participate in student-oriented instructional and advisement activities as needed and assigned.
Position Type
Faculty
Employment Status
Full Time
Position Funding
Regular
Minimum Education/Training/Experience
Master's Degree in Theatre or Master's with 18 hours of graduate level coursework in Dramatic Arts and/or Theatre. Two (2) years of recent experience with principles and practices of teaching.
Demonstrated substantial professional experience in scenic design and technical direction beyond the secondary or postsecondary educational setting.
Preferred Education/Training/Experience
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Scenic Design, Technical Direction, or a closely related theatre discipline. Demonstrated record of scenic design and technical direction for nationally or internationally recognized professional theatre organizations; experience teaching theatre courses at the college or university level; experience supervising scene shop operations and technical staff; designing scenery and properties for a wide variety of theatrical productions; managing production budgets, purchasing, production schedules, and shop operations. Membership in United Scenic Artists, Local USA 829 (IATSE), or the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) is preferred.Three (3) years of recent experience and knowledge of technical direction for live theatrical productions
Minimum Knowledge & Skills
  • Principles and practices of teaching.
  • Detailed knowledge of the material taught in the specific course and program area.
  • Student engagement techniques.
  • Record-keeping procedures.
  • Communication and interpersonal skills sufficient to exchange or convey information and to receive work directions as applied to interactions with students, coworkers, supervisors, and the public.
  • Ability to prepare students for employment in the theatre profession.
  • Knowledge of current scenic construction methods, materials, and scene shop practices.
  • Knowledge of technical direction for live theatrical productions.
  • Knowledge of scenic design principles and drafting techniques.
  • Knowledge of stage lighting, sound, theatrical rigging, and other technical production systems.
  • Knowledge of current theatre safety standards and safe scene shop practices.
  • Knowledge of theatre production planning and management, including scheduling, budgeting, purchasing, personnel supervision, and student-worker training.
  • Ability to manage multiple productions and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to troubleshoot and solve technical and production problems.
  • Proficiency with theatre-related technology and computer applications.
  • Knowledge of current professional theatre industry practices and standards.
  • Ability to supervise and train student workers and production crews.
  • Ability to teach Stagecraft I and II, Theatre Design, Theatre Appreciation, and other assigned theatre courses as qualified.

Preferred Knowledge & Skills
  • Familiarity with hybrid and/or online course delivery.
  • Comfort with groups containing mixed ages and abilities.
  • Advanced proficiency with CAD, digital rendering, and current theatre design technologies.
  • Knowledge of transfer pathways and professional development opportunities for theatre students.
  • Familiarity with professional and educational theatre organizations, unions, conferences, and festivals such as KCACTF, SETC, USITT, United Scenic Artists, IATSE, or similar organizations.

Job Duties
  • Comply with all College policies and procedures and applicable safety standards to maintain a positive learning environment, support College activities, and attend required meetings and training.
  • Ensure high-quality programming that supports the College's mission, vision, and values.
  • Teach assigned theatre courses and maintain instructional records in accordance with College policies and procedures.
  • Maintain a minimum of 7.5 scheduled office hours per week.
  • Serve as technical director for five COM Theatre Mainstage productions each year, with seven course releases provided during each academic year.
  • Design scenery and properties for each production for the annual theatre season.
  • Coordinate the technical production process for each production in collaboration with directors, designers, guest artists, and other production personnel.
  • Direct all scenic construction, painting, installation, and strike activities for theatre productions.
  • Mentor student productions in the Theatre Studio and support other Studio Theatre productions as needed.
  • Manage all scene shop operations, including planning, scheduling, safety, inventory, purchasing, and student supervision.
  • Supervise student workers and production crews, including responsibilities related to hiring, discipline, and termination.
  • Manage the hiring, contracting, scheduling, and payment coordination of guest artists and student workers.
  • Supervise students participating in theatre-related events, travel, productions, and other activities.
  • Manage theatre facilities and production equipment within the scope of the position.
  • Supervise the maintenance, repair, inventory, and purchasing of theatre equipment, tools, supplies, and materials.
  • Coordinate production photography and archival video arrangements.
  • Participate in student recruitment and retention initiatives.
  • Coordinate and implement student recruitment performances and educational outreach activities.
  • Serve on College committees and participate in shared governance activities as assigned.
  • Maintain professional credentials and participate in ongoing professional development.
  • Perform other duties of a similar nature or level as assigned, including lighting and sound design when qualified and as needed.

Licensing/Certification Requirements
none
Physical Requirements
  • Positions in this class typically require: climbing, reaching, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing, and seeing.
  • Medium Work: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently, and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
  • Incumbents may be subjected to moving mechanical parts, electrical currents, inadequate lighting, workspace restrictions, and travel.

Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
F312P
Candidates that are eligible apply
Internal/External
Special Instructions to Applicant
Please NOTE: All applications must contain complete job histories, which include job title, dates of employment (month/year), name of employer, supervisor's name and phone numbers and a description of duties performed. If this information is not submitted, your application may be considered incomplete. Applications with "See attached" or "See resume" will not be accepted in lieu of a complete application. Omission of data can be the basis for disqualification; you may state "unknown" for any incomplete fields. A scanned copy of unofficial transcript(s) must be attached to the online application.
Minimum Salary Range
Masters: $62,234 - Doctorate: $74,789
Mid Point Salary Range
Maximum Salary Range
Masters: $81,430 - Doctorate: $97,089
Posting Open Date
07/29/2026
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled
Yes
Quick Link for Direct Access to Posting
https://jobs.com.edu/postings/4680
EEO Statement
College of the Mainland is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, disability or veteran status.
College of the Mainland does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the recruitment and admission of students, the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff, and the operation of its programs and activities, as specified by federal laws and regulations within Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and 1992.

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