Assistant Professor of Theater (Design)

About the role

The Department of Theater and Dance at Carleton College invites applicants for a tenure track position in theatrical design to begin in the fall of 2027. An MFA or commensurate professional experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead the theatrical design focus of the major
• Teach courses in multiple design/production areas with a primary focus in either scenic or costume design
• Design productions for both theater and dance
• Teach a diverse student body
• Provide mentorship for student designers
• Teach the equivalent of five courses during the year
• Design on the production season

Requirements

• An MFA or commensurate professional experience
• A dynamic professional artist committed to developing an inclusive pedagogy, rooted in a commitment to diversity and student transformation within a liberal arts context

Qualifications

• Experience designing productions for both theater and dance
• Ability to teach a diverse student body

Skills

• Strong artistic skills in scenic and/or costume design
• Effective teaching abilities
• Ability to work collaboratively with other faculty and staff

Benefits

Carleton offers a robust suite of benefits including:

• A generous 403(b) retirement plan with a 10% employer contribution and 2% employee contribution
• Medical, dental, vision, life and disability insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Pay

The expected starting salary range is $87,480 - $91,460. Actual pay will be adjusted based on job-related factors permitted by law, such as experience and training; licensure and certifications; market factors; departmental budgets; and responsibility.

Schedule

The appointment will begin on September 1, 2027. As part of the 5-course teaching load, the candidate will also design on the production season and provide mentorship for student designers.

Contact Information

To apply, please submit the following materials: letter of application; curriculum vitae; creative portfolio (link to online portfolio is sufficient); a statement about teaching students from diverse backgrounds in an undergraduate, residential liberal arts environment. After passing through an initial screening process, applicants may receive a request for the contact information for three references, including at least one who is able to specifically address teaching experience.

Application Instructions

Review of applications will begin on September 1st, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. All application materials can be submitted here.

Carleton College

Carleton College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, marital status, veteran status, actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, status with regard to public assistance, disability, or age in providing employment or access to its educational facilities and activities.

Location

Carleton is a highly selective liberal arts college with a student body of approximately 2,000. Located in the thriving two-college town of Northfield, Minnesota, it is forty-five miles from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, in easy reach of a vibrant metropolitan area that is home to three million people and rich cultural resources, including a thriving local theatre community.

Further Information

For further information about the department consult the Department of Theater and Dance website: https://www.carleton.edu/theater-dance/