Assistant/Associate Professor of Theatre (Lighting Design)

Colorado State University; Colorado; On-site; USD 64,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant/Associate Professor position specializing in Theatre Lighting Design. This role offers the opportunity to teach and mentor students in a vibrant arts community while contributing to the university's mission of transforming lives through education and creative artistry. The successful candidate will engage in professional theatre, maintain a robust portfolio, and participate in the shared governance of the department. With a focus on collaboration and innovation, this position is ideal for individuals passionate about shaping the next generation of theatre artists in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Benefits

Robust benefits package

Collaborative atmosphere

Focus on work-life balance

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• MFA in Lighting Design or Bachelor's with 10 years of experience required.
• Evidence of successful teaching and professional design experience needed.

Responsibilities

• Teach lighting design and theatre courses, mentor student designers.
• Maintain a creative portfolio and engage in professional activities.

Skills

Theatre Lighting Design

Teaching Theatre

Creative Portfolio Development

Mentoring Students

Education

MFA in Lighting Design

Bachelor's in Theatre or Related Field

Job description

Assistant/Associate Professor of Theatre (Lighting Design)

Working Title: Assistant/Associate Professor of Theatre (Lighting Design)

Position Location: Fort Collins, CO

Work Location: Position is fully in-office/in-person

Posting Number: 202500063F

Proposed Annual Salary Range: $64-68k for advanced Assistant, $70-75k for Associate.

Employee Benefits: Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it’s a thriving community that’s transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.

The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance (SMTD) at Colorado State University empowers students to create, collaborate, innovate, and inspire. Through teaching, creative artistry, research, advocacy, and service, we elevate arts education. SMTD has 46 tenured and tenure-track faculty as well as 55 contract, continuing and adjunct faculty, and a full-time production staff of 10. There are currently over 550 students in SMTD, with 375 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in residential and online degree programs.

The design areas at Colorado State University focus on supporting undergraduate student design through mentorship which includes design in realized production in music, theatre, and dance. Most students in the lighting area graduate with a portfolio of realized productions thanks to this student-centered approach, which routinely earns them regional and national design awards.

SMTD is housed in the University Center for the Arts, a nationally recognized state-of-the-art 350,000 square foot facility, that includes a 550-seat concert hall, a 275-seat organ and chamber music recital hall, a 320-seat thrust theatre, a 100-seat black box theatre, a 200-seat dance theatre, dedicated rehearsal, production and research spaces, along with classrooms, labs and practice rooms.

The College of Liberal Arts, within which the school is located, is the largest college in the University. It is a community of arts, humanities, and social science scholars who create and extend knowledge and artistry that develops reflective citizens and confident leaders. We aspire to a productive environment in which everyone feels valued, where their talents are fully utilized, and where all individuals can bring their full selves to the role. We promote the CSU Principles of Community – Inclusion, Integrity, Respect, Service, and Social Justice – https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/resources/principles-of-community/.

Colorado State University (CSU) is a land grant institution with a student enrollment of approximately 30,000 students in over 150 programs and a faculty numbering 1,700. CSU is located in Fort Collins, Colorado, a beautiful city of approximately 175,000 located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, 65 miles north of Denver.

Tenure/Tenure Track? Yes

% Research: 35

% Teaching: 50

% Service: 15

% Administration: 0

To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on 05/19/2025.

Desired Start Date: 08/16/2025

Position Summary: Colorado State University invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant/Associate Professor in the area of Theatre (Lighting Design). The anticipated start date is August 16, 2025. Advancement at Colorado State University requires ongoing professional activity, engaged scholarship and creative artistry, effective teaching and advising, and departmental and university service.

Teaching (50%): The Assistant/Associate Professor of Lighting Design responsibilities will include teaching lighting design and theatre design courses, as well as courses that can support the entire theatre program, as well as dance and opera, depending on the candidate’s teaching qualifications and abilities. As part of their course load, the Assistant/Associate Professor of Lighting Design will mentor student designers and, as mutually agreed, design lighting for productions should a qualified student not be assigned.

Research/Creative (35%): Theatre faculty are expected to continue designing professionally and maintain a creative portfolio commensurate with a Research 1 institution. Additionally, publishing, attending professional conferences, maintaining knowledge of current practices can all contribute to this aspect of the position.

Service (15%): Candidates will be expected to participate in the shared governance of the department, support curriculum development, recruit and mentor SMTD students, contribute towards the development and operation of an active production season, and advance the reputation and visibility of the University nationally and internationally.

Conditions of Employment: Pre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)

Required Job Qualifications:

1. MFA in Lighting Design OR the minimum of a Bachelors degree in theatre or related field AND evidence of ten years of professional theatre lighting design experience at a regional or national level.
2. Evidence of successful teaching of theatre at the undergraduate level.
3. At least two years of professional experience in lighting design supported through the submission of a portfolio which includes photos, paperwork, and reviews demonstrating a high-caliber design background.

Preferred Job Qualifications:

1. At least three years of successful teaching of theatrical lighting design at the undergraduate level as a full or part-time faculty member.
2. Evidence of experience in teaching and designing projections for stage.
3. Evidence of professional experience and success in design with the combination of two or more of the following areas: theatre, dance, opera, film/television, theme parks, concerts, industrials.
4. Evidence of professional design through nomination of regional or national design awards.
5. Experience in a second area of design (set, costume, sound, or projections).
6. Membership in USA 829 as a Lighting Designer.

Special Instructions to Applicants: Candidates should provide:

1. Cover letter: describing teaching philosophy for undergraduate lighting students.
2. Portfolio: Candidates should provide, as a single PDF, a complete digital package (plot, paperwork, images) for a professional show they designed.
3. Other: Candidates should provide a link to a professional website showcasing at least 15 images including lighting design for theatre, as well as one or more of the following: dance, opera, projections, film, tv, industrials.
4. References: the name and contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.

CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.

Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer.

EEO: Colorado State University (CSU) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.