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Theatre Design Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Purdue University

Lecturer, Dance

West Lafayette, IN · On-site

The Department of Theatre and Dance offers courses across the performance and technical aspects of theatre and presents multiple main stage theatre performances each semester. Costume design ...

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Theatre Design information

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$27

$56

$88

How much do theatre design jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 13, 2026, the average hourly pay for theatre design in Indiana is $56.17, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42.55 and $72.26 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How does a theatre designer typically collaborate with directors and other creative team members during a production?

Theatre Designers work closely with directors and other creative professionals, such as lighting designers, costume designers, and stage managers, to ensure that the visual elements support the overall vision of the production. This collaboration often involves attending regular production meetings, sharing sketches and models, and adapting designs based on feedback from the team. Effective communication and flexibility are crucial, as adjustments may be needed to accommodate technical constraints or creative changes. This collaborative environment helps bring the director's vision to life on stage while maintaining artistic cohesion across all design elements.

How to get a job in theatre design?

Qualifications for theater design do not necessarily include a degree, although many people who work in set or costume design have a relevant bachelor’s degree. Most individuals get into this field by gaining experience, whether in college theatre programs or by working on small productions or in community theatre. You may begin performing on stage or involving yourself in behind-the-scenes aspects of set design. As you gain experience, you may have the possibility to add your creative input into productions. While you may work for a venue full-time, many theatre design positions are freelance or are available for the duration of a show. One of your most essential skills in this line of work is the ability to levy your contacts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a theatre designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Theatre Designer, you need a solid background in art, design principles, and an understanding of stagecraft, often supported by a degree in theatre design or a related field. Familiarity with design software such as AutoCAD, SketchUp, and Adobe Creative Suite, as well as knowledge of lighting, sound, and set construction techniques, is typically required. Creativity, strong communication, and collaboration skills enable you to interpret scripts and work effectively with directors and production teams. These abilities are crucial for creating compelling, cohesive stage environments that enhance theatrical storytelling.

What is the difference between Theatre Design vs Scenic Design?

AspectTheatre DesignScenic Design
CredentialsDegree in Theatre, Design, or related fieldDegree in Scenic Design, Theatre, or Fine Arts
Work EnvironmentTheatre productions, rehearsals, design studiosTheatre venues, design studios, on-site construction
Industry UsageUsed broadly in theatre, including set, costume, lightingSpecifically refers to designing scenery and backdrops

While Theatre Design encompasses overall visual and aesthetic planning for productions, 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 constructing the visual environment on stage.

What is theatre design?

Theatre design is the art and practice of creating the visual and spatial elements of a theatrical production, including sets, costumes, lighting, and sometimes sound. Theatre designers collaborate with directors, actors, and other crew members to develop an environment that supports the story, mood, and themes of a performance. Their work helps establish the time period, location, and atmosphere on stage, enhancing the audience’s experience. Theatre designers use creativity, technical skills, and historical research to bring a script to life.
More about Theatre Design jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Theatre Design jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Theatre Design jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Theatre Design jobs in Indiana? For Theatre Design jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Theatre Design jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Theatre Design jobs in Indiana are:
Theatre Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Theatre Design job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 5% Internship, 77% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 7% Contract. Highlights an 98% In-person, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,826 per year, or $56.2 per hour.

Visiting Lecturer in Theatre

Indiana University

Bloomington, IN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

Posting Details
Position Details
Title
Visiting Lecturer in Theatre
Appointment Status
Non-Tenure Track
Department
IU South Bend Theatre & Dance
Location
South Bend
Position Summary
The Theatre and Dance Department of Indiana University South Bend is seeking a Visiting Lecturer in Theatre, Technical Design to begin August 15, 2026.
The Department, housed in the vibrant Ernestine M. Raclin School of the Arts a part of the College of Arts and Sciences, is a professionally engaged community of theatre makers with the goal of helping each of our students find and evolve their most trained, flexible, creative, and unique artist within while preparing them for further study in graduate school and/or work in the professional theatre world. The Department offers a BA in Theatre and BFA programs in Musical Theatre Performance and Design & Technical Production. The Theatre and Dance Department produces 2-4 productions per academic year including our children's theatre series, which has been a beloved tradition in the region for nearly 60 years.
The Visiting Lecturer is responsible for teaching and serving as the Technical Director/Scene Shop Supervisor. Courses will be within their specialty as well as general theatre courses. Possible courses include: Introduction to Theatre, Stagecraft, and Practicum as well as others determined by need and knowledge base. Technical Director responsibilities include mentoring students, building scenery, etc., as a part of our co-curricular production season. The Technical Director will oversee the operation and maintenance of the scenic construction and storage facilities including maintaining the operating budget for the scene shop and student labor.
EEO/AA Statement: Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.
Campus Safety and Security: The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online. You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at iups@iu.edu or by visiting IUPD. https://protect.iu.edu/police-safety/annual-reports/index.html
Basic Qualifications
Required Basic Qualifications:
  • Masters degree or higher, or equivalent work experience.
  • Theatre in Design and/or Technical Production; or related field (masters or above) with experience in theatre.
  • Excellent communication skills.
  • Budgeting and time management skills.
  • General computer skills and proficiency in Vectorworks.
  • Professional production experience.

Preferred Basic Qualifications:
  • MFA in Theatre in Design and/or Technical Production; or related field (masters or above) with experience in theatre.
  • Experience teaching at the University level.
  • Additional related skillsets (stage management, production management, etc.).

Department Contact for Questions
Jason Resler
reslerj@iu.edu
Additional Qualifications
Salary and Rank
Special Instructions
  • Letter of Interest
  • Teaching Statement that includes pedagogical philosophy and how it relates to your classroom teaching and co-curricular technical work.
  • Unofficial Transcripts
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Names and contact information for three references that can speak to your teaching and professional experience.
  • Digital portfolio of representative work and/or a link to your website where examples of work are present.

For Best Consideration Date
08/01/2026
Expected Start Date
08/15/2026
Posting Number
IU-101614-2026

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