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Theater Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Teach introductory theatre courses as well as introductory and specialized courses in one or more fields of design, including Costume Design, Set Design, Lighting Design and Sound Design. (as per ...

The Gardner-Webb University Department of Theatre Arts seeks a qualified adjunct instructor to teach Lighting Design in Spring 2024. Responsibilities include instruction (at least 50% of which must ...

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Theater Design information

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$42K

$114.5K

$201.5K

How much do theater design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for theater design in the United States is $114,491.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $144,000.00 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 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 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 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. The role requires knowledge of architecture, theater production, and safety standards.

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. Opportunities exist in theater companies, production studios, and entertainment industries, often requiring collaboration and knowledge of safety standards and production schedules.

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.
More about Theater Design jobs
What cities are hiring for Theater Design jobs? Cities with the most Theater Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Theater Design jobs? The most popular types of Theater Design jobs are:
What states have the most Theater Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Theater Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Theater Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Theater Design jobs are:
Infographic showing various Theater Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 88% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 84% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,491 per year, or $55 per hour.

Theatre Adjunct Faculty Pool

Howard Community College

Columbia, MD โ€ข On-site

Part-time

Re-posted 15 hours ago


Job description

Position Details
Position Information
About Us
Howard Community College (HCC) is an exciting place to work, learn, and grow! We are proud to have received the Great Colleges to Work For honor for 12 consecutive years, 2009-2020.
Howard Community College values diversity among its faculty, staff and student population. We are an innovative institution that is committed to responding to the ever-changing needs and interests of a diverse and dynamic community. No matter where you want to go in your career, you can get there from here!
Position Title
Theatre Adjunct Faculty Pool
FLSA
Non-Exempt
FT/PT
Part Time
Hours Per Week
3 hours a week in class (or online) per 3-credit course and additional hours for grading and course prep
Work Schedule
Morning, Afternoon, Evening / Flexible (online)
Position Salary Range
See adjunct salary schedule below
Summary
This posting is a pool for those interested in teaching THET courses offered at HCC. These courses cover a variety of content in theatre disciplines, including acting, intro/history, playwriting, and basic design. The department coordinator will review applicants for these positions when a need arises. The pool will be cleared annually in January, so please reapply if interested.
Theatre (THET) is designed to teach...
  • THET-102, Acting for Non-Majors
  • THET-241, Acting for the Camera
  • THET-110, Introduction to Theatre
  • THET-115, Introduction to Theatre Design
  • THET-119, Introduction to Playwriting
  • THET-135, Stagecraft
  • THET-291, Theatre History I
  • THET-292, Theatre History II

Adjunct faculty may teach 1-3 courses each semester, depending on schedule and availability. At HCC, adjunct faculty are invited to participate in professional development (including Faculty and Professional Learning Community), and there may be opportunities to engage in certain faculty teams or special projects.
Essential Role Responsibilities
For assigned course, prepare the course materials, prepare and update the learning management system course site (Canvas), attend required faculty/staff meetings, complete required trainings, meet with students as needed, grade/assess student work, deliver quality instruction, and meet other employment related requirements from the division and the college.
Additional Salary Information:
To view our current compensation, please visit the webpage at:
https://www.howardcc.edu/about-us/offices-departments/human-resources/documents/AdjunctPayRates_FY2022.pdf
Minimum Education Required
Experience Required
  • A master's degree or higher is required for most positions.
  • Prior teaching experience preferred.
  • Experience teaching theatre courses.
  • Available to teach in a face-to-face and/or online classroom environment.
  • Ability to learn to use a learning management system (Canvas) for course information, assignments, and grades.

Minimum and Preferred Qualifications
Physical Demand Summary
Division
xxxxx_Teaching and Learning (Div) - NEW
Department
xxxxx_Liberal Studies LS - NEW
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
NB112P
Number of Vacancies
5
Best Consideration Date
12/30/2025
Job Open Date
12/31/2022
Job Close Date
Continuous Recruitment?
Yes
Applicant Instructions
*Pre-employment criminal background investigation is a condition of employment.
HCC is interested in all qualified applicants who are eligible to work in the United States. However, HCC will generally not sponsor applicants for work visas. Due to HCC policy, only employees living in states contiguous to Maryland are eligible for work at HCC and include Virginia, West Virginia, Washington DC, Pennsylvania. Candidates must live in the commutable area or willing to relocate at their own expense if offered the position because HCC does not offer relocation benefits.
Please complete the entire HCC Employment Application (Candidates will be evaluated on completing the college's application in full).
Quick Link for Internal Postings
https://howardcc.peopleadmin.com/postings/2526
EEO Statement
Howard Community College (HCC) is an Equal Employment Opportunity & Affirmative Action employer & values diversity within its faculty, staff & student population. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, disability or protected veteran status.
HCC understands that persons with specific disabilities may need assistance with the job application process and/or with the interview process. For confidential assistance with the job application process, please contact the Office of Human Resources at 443-518-1100.

Howard Community College logo

About Howard Community College

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Howard Community College (HCC) is an exciting place to work, learn, and grow! We are proud to have received the Great Colleges to Work For honor for 12 consecutive years, 2009-2020. Howard Community College values diversity among its faculty, staff and student population. We are an innovative institution that is committed to responding to the ever-changing needs and interests of a diverse and dynamic community. No matter where you want to go in your career, you can get there from here!

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

501 - 1,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Columbia, MD, US

Year founded

1966