Department
Theatre
About the University
Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado's extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today's college students.
Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and
the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado
, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students.
Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.
At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values:
Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence
. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staf
f.
About the Department of Theatre and Dance
The Theatre Program within the Department of Theatre and Dance prioritizes values that reflect those of the university at large including a shared commitment to community, accessibility, diversity, respect and excellence. We are a collaborative team that includes ten full-time faculty, five full-time staff, and a talented group of part-time affiliates and guest artists. Our department offers both a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theatre and two Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Music Theatre and in Applied Theatre Technology and Design. The Theatre Program is Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre. Our Program champions the belief that Theatre is Equipment for Living.
Position Summary
The Department of Theatre and Dance at MSU Denver is seeking a Costume Design and Technology Lecturer. The Theatre and Dance program offers a BA in Theatre and a BFA with concentrations in Music Theatre and Applied Theatre Technology and Design. The Lecturer position is a full-time, 9-month academic appointment beginning Fall 2026 with the potential to be renewed on a year to year basis. The position reports to the Chair of the Theatre and Dance Department.
The Costume Design and Technology Lecturer will teach three classes and associated labs (9 credit hours), provide one costume design (3 credit hours), and BFA and costume shop support (3 credit hours) each semester. The position will teach a variety of theatre courses in rotation with other faculty, including Costume Technology, Costume Design, Wardrobe Skills, Costume History, Make-up Design, Production Analysis, Theatre Career Development, and Theatre Appreciation. This position will also provide costume design and costume construction supervision (in coordination with staff Costume Shop Manager) for theatre laboratory spaces and the Theatre Program productions in the King Center, a three- theatre facility (200-seat end stage, and a black box production studio with approximately 100 seats).
MSU Denver aspires to create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. In the Department of Theatre and Dance, we greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, staff, and visitors, and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry, dialogue, and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.
Responsibilities
The successful candidate must have the ability to perform the following:
Teach three classes and associated labs (9 credit hours), provide one costume design (3 credit hours), and BFA and costume shop support (3 credit hours) each semester.
Teach and supervise student crews in collaboration with the Costume Shop Manager.
Work within costuming budgets and cultivate relationships with vendors and other craft people in the costuming industry.
Develop external relationships to foster costume, technical, and related internships.
Work with technical faculty and staff to develop and maintain theatre program curriculum, facilities, lab spaces, technology and storage.
Work collaboratively with other faculty, students, staff, guest artists and diverse communities.
Required Qualifications
Master of Arts Degree or Master of Fine Arts Degree in Costuming or related fields
Experience, training, and demonstrated experience in Theatre or Film Costume Design and Costume Construction
Preferred Qualifications
Master of Fine Arts Degree in Costuming or related fields
Experience in teaching Costume Technology, Costume Design, Costume History, Make-up Design, Production Analysis, Introduction to Theatre, and Graphics for Theatre
Costume and make-up design experience with diverse populations
We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification. We are most interested in finding the candidate who will best contribute to our Department and the University.
Salary for Announcement
The salary range for this position is $53,000 - $58,000 at Lecturer level. The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, education, experience, specialty and training.
MSU Denver offers excellent benefits that include medical, dental, retirement, tuition benefit, free RTD pass, and more. For a brief overview of these options, please visit our Benefits section.
Instructions to Apply
Interested applicants must apply online at MSU Denver's career site,
https://msudenver.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/MSUDenver
and search for JR104912.
To support a thorough evaluation of your qualifications and potential contributions as a faculty member, please upload the following required materials:
Curriculum vitae
Letter of Interest/cover letter that includes evidence of required and preferred qualifications
Teaching philosophy (2 pages max). Focus on engagement with diverse students and how you will foster an inclusive classroom environment that removes barriers and promotes equitable access and advancement. Include examples from past experiences teaching and/or mentoring students
A list of three references and their contact information
Curriculum vitae
Letter of Interest/cover letter that includes evidence of required and preferred qualifications
Teaching philosophy (2 pages max). Focus on engagement with diverse students and how you will foster an inclusive classroom environment that removes barriers and promotes equitable access and advancement. Include examples from past experiences teaching and/or mentoring students
A list of three references and their contact information
Due to volume of applications received, only applications completed as outlined above will be considered. Please ensure you have uploaded all required documents into the Resume/Cover letter section of the application. A maximum of 5 files can be uploaded; you may combine all documents into one pdf file if needed.
References will not be contacted u
