Role Snapshot
A Lecturer Costume Designer and Shop Manager role at Old Dominion University where the selected candidate will teach costume-related courses, manage daily costume studio operations, and design for both theatre and dance productions while supporting student learning and professional development.
Key Responsibilities: Teach one course per semester (Stage Makeup, Costume Design, Costume Crafts, or related); lead costume studio management overseeing inventory, supervising part-time staff and student workers; design one theatre and one dance production per semester in collaboration with directors and choreographers; attend rehearsals and production meetings including evenings/weekends as needed.
Skills & Tools: Expert costume design and construction knowledge; proficiency in costume studio management and inventory systems; collaborative communication with directors, choreographers, and performers; supervisory and mentoring experience with student workers; ability to manage multiple productions simultaneously.
Qualifications: Bachelor's degree required (Master's preferred) in costume design, theatre, or related field; professional experience in costume design and production management; demonstrated expertise in costume construction and studio operations; teaching experience or willingness to develop teaching skills.
Location: In-Person
Compensation: $45K–$65K/yr (estimated)
Job Description
The Communication and Theatre Arts Department at Old Dominion University invites applicants for a Lecturer of Costume Designer and Shop Manager to begin in Fall 2026. This is an annual, 10 month non-tenured appointment. The selected candidate will teach one course per semester, such as Stage Makeup, Costume Design, Costume Crafts, or a related course aligned with the candidate’s area of expertise. Serve as lead Costume Studio Manager, overseeing the daily operations of the costume studio and supervising a part-time assistant studio manager and student workers. Design one theatre and one dance production per semester, engaging collaboratively with directors, choreographers, and student performers.
Support a creative and professional environment that helps students gain hands-on experience in costume design, production workflows, and industry protocols. Attend rehearsals and production meetings as necessary, including some evenings and weekends, to ensure costumes meet the artistic and logistical needs of each production. Organize and maintain both theatre and dance costume inventories and participate in some program meetings and occasional service in support of both the theatre and dance program.
Support a creative and professional environment that helps students gain hands-on experience in costume design, production workflows, and industry protocols. Attend rehearsals and production meetings as necessary, including some evenings and weekends, to ensure costumes meet the artistic and logistical needs of each production. Organize and maintain both theatre and dance costume inventories and participate in some program meetings and occasional service in support of both the theatre and dance program.