ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Theatre Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsTheatre Design Jobs

Theatre Design information

See salary details

$28

$59

$92

How much do theatre design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for theatre design in the United States is $59.03, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44.71 and $75.96 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 cities are hiring for Theatre Design jobs? Cities with the most Theatre Design job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Theatre Design jobs? The most popular types of Theatre Design jobs are:
What states have the most Theatre Design jobs? States with the most job openings for Theatre Design jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Theatre Design jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Theatre Design jobs are:
Theatre Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Theatre Design job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $122,773 per year, or $59 per hour.
Assistant Professor of Theatre-Scenic Design

Assistant Professor of Theatre-Scenic Design

Appalachian State University

Boone, NC

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Appalachian State University rating

6.2

Company rating: 6.2 out of 10

Based on 29 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

466th of 535 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Request to Recruit
Position Title Assistant Professor of Theatre-Scenic Design Tenure Status Tenure Track Provide Rank Assistant Professor Position Number 085501 VISA Sponsorship? VISA sponsorship is available for this position. All candidates must be eligible to work and live in the U.S. Department Theatre & Dance - 265350 Working Location (City, State) Boone, NC
Position Summary Information
Minimum Qualifications
  • A terminal degree (MFA) in theatre design/technology with emphasis in scenic design.
  • University/college-level, theatre teaching/mentoring experience.
  • Professional experience in scenic design
Areas of Interest (No Minimum Level Required)
  • Additional experience in one or more of the following areas: sound, props, scenic design, scenic painting, lighting, projection, costume, arts management.
  • A passion for teaching and mentoring undergraduate students.
License/Certification Required
N/A
Description of the Department or Unit
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the mission of the Department of Theatre and Dance is to facilitate transformative experiences for students and the public, which cultivate compassionate, creative, and collaborative communities through theatre and dance. The department also offers coursework for integrated learning through the arts to the general university student population. Its dynamic co-curricular production program provides exemplary theatre and dance experiences to departmental students, the university community, and the region. For further information about the department, visit www.theatreanddance.appstate.edu.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Teaching could include courses such as Scenery & Props, Scenic Painting, The Stage Environment, Stage Management, Dance Production Basics, or other beginning and intermediate design/tech courses in areas of specialization.
  • Mentoring student designers on departmental productions
  • Creative Activity/Scholarship will include providing design and technology support for dance and theatre productions as well as engaging in creative/scholarly pursuits.
  • Service will include participation on committees, recruitment activities, academic advising, etc.
Type of Position Full Time Position Appointment Type 1.0 Number Of Months Per Year 9 month Physical Demands of Position
Typical physical demands of classroom, theatrical, and educational environments in a professional position at a university.
Posting Details Information
Proposed Date of Hire 08/03/2026 Suggested Salary Range Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. ABD Consideration: ABD with reduction in rank and salary (see desc. below) ABD Description
ABD with reduction in rank and salary: ABD will be considered for this position. Evidence of successful defense of the dissertation must be received by July 31 for a fall hire or November 30 for a spring hire. If confirmation of defense is not provided by the deadline, the candidate will receive a new one-year fixed-term contract and be hired at the rank of Instructor. The candidate's salary will also be reduced to a lower rate commensurate with other full-time instructors in the same department. However, if degree verification is provided before the end of the one-year fixed-term contract, the candidate will be returned to the rank of assistant professor with commensurate compensation beginning July 1 of the following academic year.
No ABD consideration: Only candidates with an earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution will be considered for the position. Since ABD will not meet the minimum requirements, ABD will not be considered.
Special Instructions to Applicants
MFA degree must be awarded by June 15, 2026; ABD will be considered for this position, but evidence of successful defense of the dissertation must be received by July 31, 2026.
For a complete application, please apply and submit all below-required documents electronically through Appalachian State University's Job Board:
  • a cover letter that addresses qualifications,
  • current CV,
  • unofficial transcripts,
  • full contact information for three current references.

Examples of design/technology work will be requested at a later date.
Review of complete applications will begin the first week of February, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.
Contact search committee chair Derek Davidson at davidsondsappstate.edu with any questions.
Please note this position is based on enrollment and subject to available funding.
UNC System Code (Section 610(2)) Special Faculty Hires
The continued employment of a special faculty member during the term appointment may be made expressly contingent on items such as the continued availability of funding from any source, on enrollment levels, or any other contingency established by the institution.
Posting Date 01/23/2026 Closing Date Open Until Filled Yes Evaluation of Applications Begins 02/23/2026 Search Chair Name Derek Davidson Search Chair Email davidsonds@appstate.edu Quick Link https://appstate.peopleadmin.com/postings/52707 Posting Number FA00301P

What Appalachian State University employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply