Visiting Faculty in Theatre in the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance (Theatre Design) (2026)

Visiting Faculty in Theatre in the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance (Theatre Design) (2026)

Allendale, MI
Full Time
R104385

Summary: The Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) is seeking applications for two full-time, visiting faculty positions in theatre design areas to begin in August 2026. This is a non-tenure track, one-year appointment, with the possibility of renewal for up to 3 years.

Required Qualifications and Education:

• Individuals from all backgrounds, including from underrepresented groups, are encouraged to apply. Successful candidates must be able to effectively engage with students, colleagues, and community members with a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, such as the ability to interact with others with respect and empathy.
• MFA in Theatre Design area (Costume Design, Scenic Design, or Lighting Design) or a master's degree in theatre with commensurate theatre production design experience.

Preferred Qualifications and Education:

• Secondary design emphasis or experience (e.g., an MFA in a design area such as Costume Design or Lighting Design with experience/expertise in Scenic Design).
• Ability to teach theatre design and tech courses.
• One or more years of teaching experience in higher education.
• Experience in scene painting.
• Experience in stage management.

Responsibilities: Duties include teaching courses in the theatre program and providing production design for mainstage theatre and opera theatre productions. Visiting faculty workload is 12 credits/semester with course equivalency granted for production design work. Courses to be taught may include costume design, scenic design, lighting design, costume construction, stagecraft, scene painting, stage makeup, theatre management, and introduction to theatre. Additionally, the candidate will mentor student designers. There may be the opportunity to teach other courses including special topics, dependent upon the successful candidate's qualifications and interests and the needs of the Department of Music, Theatre, and Dance.

Salary/Benefits: The salary is $50,000. The university offers an excellent comprehensive package that includes health plans, life insurance, tuition waiver, adoption resources, wellness coaching, and free access to campus fitness facilities, effective on date of hire. Family and childcare options on and off-campus are also available.

How to Apply: A complete application must include: (1) a cover letter addressing qualifications and your motivation to teach at GVSU, (2) curriculum vitae, (3) contact information of three professional references, and (4) graduate transcripts (unofficial issued to students are acceptable to apply). (5) a sampling of design work and subsequent production photos or a link to an online portfolio with such a sampling. Apply online at GVSU Careers. The online application will allow applicants to attach these documents electronically, in the same file location.

Applicants selected for interviews will be required to submit official transcripts prior to the interview.

Please note that successful applicants are responsible for ensuring their eligibility to work in the United States (i.e. a citizen or national of the United States, a lawful permanent resident, a foreign national authorized to work in the United States without the need of an employer sponsorship) on or before the effective date of appointment.

If you need technical assistance, email Human Resources at hro@gvsu.edu. Email questions about the position to: James Bell at bellja@gvsu.edu.

Application Deadline: The review process will begin on May 15, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. The posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University thereafter.