Lecturer/Assistant Professor of Costume Design

Work location: Morris Campus

The University of Minnesota Morris Theatre Arts program is seeking a candidate for a Lecturer/Assistant Professor of Costume Design.

The UMN Morris Theatre Arts program is a 4 year generalist Bachelor of Arts program. Students are expected to participate both on and off stage throughout their time here. The theatre program produces 2-3 theatrical productions a year in addition to a fully produced student run production That includes minimal faculty/staff intervention. The program is housed in entirely one building and includes a full Scene Shop, Costume Shop, Black Box Theatre, Proscenium Theatre and a rehearsal hall. The shops include industry standard equipment, and are regularly updated as per needs of faculty or students.

Purpose of the position
The Lecturer/Assistant Professor of Costume Design is responsible for teaching courses in costume design, theatre design fundamentals, introduction to theatre, and/or additional topics in the candidate's area of expertise; the construction and care of costume materials; maintaining costume spaces; and provides supervision to student workers for the UMN Morris Theatre Discipline productions. Duties include teaching courses listed above, acquiring necessary materials for costumes, caring for equipment, attending production and programmatic meetings and technical rehearsals, and other duties as needed.

This position must demonstrate sensitivity, knowledge and understanding of diverse academic, socioeconomic, gender, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Job duties
Instructor/ Designer (60%)

• Teach courses in costume design, general theatrical design, introduction to theatre, and/or additional topics based on candidate's area(s) of expertise. In addition to coursework, the position has occasional student design mentorship. This would include mentoring a student Costume Designer, or other area of study as per the applicant's specialty.
• Design 2-3 productions annually and/or mentor student designers for same production

Costume Shop Manager (35%)

• Coordinate and complete the purchase, rental, and/or construction of garments.
• Complete tasks within the established project timelines, fitting schedules, and established budget.
• Assign, train, and lead students as they help support the build process for theatrical productions, including fittings, patterning, draping, stitching, and altering/pulling from stock.
• Help execute the visual look/concept and plan for costume needs of all performances under the guidance of the director and other artistic team members.
• Participate in and attend costume fittings and production dress rehearsals.
• Maintain the costume spaces and stock.
• Coordinate with other departments, companies, and schools for the creation, rental, or loan of costumes.

Departmental Duties (5%)

• Shared responsibility in production and other administrative duties within the discipline

Salary range is $40,000 -$45,000

Requirements:

• MFA in Theatre Design with an emphasis in costume design preferred
• Knowledge of sewing shop tools and equipment
• Knowledge of costume safety standards
• Ability to work collaboratively

Preferences:

• CPR and first-aid certified
• Experience working in a professional and/or academic costume shop
• Demonstrated excellence and experience in costume design for theatre and dance
• Demonstrated commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds and identities

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost

Please visit the for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U:

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris)

The University of Minnesota Morris (UMN Morris) makes its home on a 121-year-old campus on the western edge of the state and is one of the top public liberal arts colleges in the nation. The small, close-knit campus emphasizes faculty/student collaboration in research, study abroad, and community engaged learning. Deeply rooted in the tall grass prairies of Minnesota, the campus also has advanced sustainable, environmentally friendly initiatives that have grown to levels of national leadership and touch nearly all aspects of campus life.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).