Job Description

VISITING ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF THEATER

Willamette University seeks a Visiting Assistant Professor of Costume Design. The successful candidate will provide creative, technical, and managerial support in costume design and technology for the Willamette College Theatre Program. This person will execute or supervise costuming for four departmental stage productions per year: two dramas, one musical, and one opera. Additionally, the Costume Designer will teach 3 courses over the academic year, (which will include core courses in the major, likely related to costume design and specialized topics courses that emphasize costume construction, fabrication, design, and technology), as well manage the costume studio and storage, supervise student workers in the costume studio and on productions, and manage budgets. The Costume Designer collaborates in all areas of creating a successful theatre program and production season. Contractual obligations follow both the academic school year and a common theatrical production calendar.

Required skills and experience include:

Designing and costuming for University theatre and opera productions

Mentoring student designers and technicians

Patterning, draping, cutting, tailoring, altering, and fitting garments

Supervising wardrobe crews and student workers in the costume studio

Dying and distressing fabric

Operating and basic repair knowledge of sewing machines and other applicable machinery and devices

Knowledge of period and contemporary clothing and accessories

Collaboration with faculty and students

Monitor and track budget expenditures for productions and studio spaces to stay within approved budgets

Ensure design scopes for all productions are achievable in a sustainable and repeatable way, specifically in terms of timeline and budget.

BA or BFA with five years of professional experience in costume design and construction.

Desired skills and experience include:

MFA in Costume Design or related field.

Typical Work Schedule

This is an in-person teaching position. Classes typically meet two to three times per week. Days and hours will vary based on performance needs and timelines.

Salary: $48,000 - $54,000 depending on education and experience

To apply, please upload the following documents as part of your application materials in the "My Experience" section labeled “Resume”:

A letter of application describing your interest in and qualifications for the position

Curriculum vitae

A statement of teaching philosophy, including an explanation of how you guide students toward specific learning objectives

A design portfolio with examples of past work