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Theatre Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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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Theatre Design information

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$28

$59

$92

How much do theatre design jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 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.
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:
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.
Theatre Adjunct Faculty Pool

Theatre Adjunct Faculty Pool

Howard Community College

Columbia, MD • On-site

Part-time

Posted 29 days 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