Instructor or Assistant Professor, Drama (Costume Designer)

Position Summary

The College seeks a full-time, tenure-track faculty member in costume design and technology starting in the Spring 2027 semester. Teach Drama classes, which may include technical theatre practicums, stage makeup, and costume technology; teaching responsibilities may also include core and foundational classes such as Script Analysis, Theatre Appreciation, and Film Appreciation. Design costumes for productions, lead the build for costumes for productions, and supervise students in designing and executing creative and original works related to costumes and makeup. Maintain Costume Studio and equipment, including costume inventory. Supervise paid student assistants assigned to the Costume Studio. Support the work of the Drama Program and Del Mar College including but not limited to: student advising; community and donor engagement and outreach; student recruiting and retention efforts; curriculum development and assessment; committee involvement; and maintaining acting studio and associated spaces.

Required Job Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Demonstrated ability to teach costume design and technology, including sewing, stitching, patterning, and draping.
• Demonstrated ability as a costume designer for a multiple production season.
• Teaching experience using platforms such as Canvas.
• Ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders including students, student services, faculty, professional staff, and the community.
• Ability to leverage and effectively utilize technology in teaching and learning for both face-to-face and online instruction, including computers, internet resources, and other appropriate media.
• Ability to design costumes for theatrical productions and supervise projects for a multiple production season which utilizes various production venues.
• Ability to creatively collaborate with faculty design and production staff and occasionally with student design and production staff.
• Ability to guide and supervise students in the fundamentals of costume design, stage makeup design, and execution of designs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master’s degree with a minimum of 18 graduate hours in the discipline.

Special Instructions to Applicants

This is a security-sensitive position. Employment resulting from this advertisement is subject to federal laws that require the verification of identity and the legal right to work in the United States. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a criminal background and reference checks. The College reserves the right to cancel or extend all recruitment actions.

Job Duties

Teaching

• Teach costume practicum, stage makeup, and costume technology classes; additional teaching responsibilities may be assigned.
• Teach courses in multiple modalities as necessary.
• Evaluate student progress toward achievement of stated course outcomes.
• Review, evaluate, recommend, and effectively use student learning materials and equipment.
• Develop curriculum and teach courses for a Drama Program focused on a transfer-level degree and general theatre education and production.
• Develop student learning outcomes and methods for assessing students’ achievement of these outcomes, as well as to ensure consistent reflection and improvement of best teaching practices.
• Plan course instruction based upon an approved syllabus/outline provided to ensure course content and objectives are met.
• Provide students with a written and accessible course syllabus that follows Course Syllabus Guidelines and facilitates a clear understanding between Student and Instructor of the content, goals, requirements, expectations, evaluation methods, and schedule of work.
• Maintain a classroom environment that promotes teaching and learning while addressing any disparities in the classroom or on campus.
• Use teaching methods and a variety of teaching styles that engage students actively in their own learning, promote development of critical thinking skills, accommodate various student learning styles, and encourage students to become lifelong learners.

Costume Design & Execution

• Design costumes and actively lead and participate in execution of designs for Drama productions and creative activities.
• Participate in the collaborative pre-production process with faculty and/or student designers and production staff.
• Active presence at performances and creative activities.
• Maintain equipment and supplies in the Costume Studio, including costume and wig inventory.
• Participate in hiring and supervise paid student assistants assigned to the Costume Studio.

Program & College Support

• Active involvement in advising Drama students;
• Student recruiting and retention;
• Community and donor engagement and outreach;
• Drama Program Review and course assessments;
• Curriculum development;
• National Association of Schools of Theatre (NAST) national accreditation activities.

Additional Duties

• Participate in departmental, divisional, and College meetings.
• Participate in College-related activities such as registration and selection of faculty.
• Participate in activities required to maintain program NAST and College accreditation standards.
• Participate in the College planning process by assisting in the formulation of goals and objectives and budget priorities.
• Meet professional assignments in accordance with the College calendar.
• Participate in business and/or community activities that promote the mission of the College.
• Perform other duties as required by contract, program work, and general institutional needs in a timely manner.