Job Description
Posting Detail Information
Working TitleAssistant/Associate Professor of Theatre (Lighting Design)
Position LocationFort Collins, CO
Work LocationPosition is fully in-office/in-person
Posting Number202500063F
Proposed Annual Salary Range$64-68k for advanced Assistant, $70-75k for Associate.
Employee Benefits
Colorado State University is not just a workplace; it's a thriving community that's transforming lives and improving the human condition through world-class teaching, research, and service. With a robust benefits package, collaborative atmosphere, and focus on work-life balance, CSU is where you can thrive, grow, and make a lasting impact.
+ Review our detailed benefits information here. (https://hr.colostate.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/25/2021/01/benefits-summary-afap.pdf)
+ Explore the additional perks of working at CSU here.
+ For the total value of CSU benefits in addition to wages, use our compensation calculator (https://hr.colostate.edu/total-compensation-calculator/) .
+ Lastly, click here for more information about why Fort Collins is consistently ranked in the top cities to live in (https://hr.colostate.edu/prospective-employees/our-community/) !
Position TypeFaculty
Work Hours/Week40
Description of Work Unit
The School of Music, Theatre, and Dance ( SMTD ) at Colorado State Universityempowers students to create, collaborate, innovate, and inspire. Through teaching, creative artistry, research, advocacy, and service,we elevate arts education. SMTD has 46 tenured and tenure-track faculty as well as 55 contract, continuing and adjunct faculty, and a full time production staff of 10. There are currently over 550 students in SMTD , with 375 undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in residential and online degree programs.
The design areas at Colorado State University focus on supporting undergraduate student design through mentorship which includes design in realized production in music, theatre, and dance, which are also supported by a production manager and shop staffs in each area. Most students in the lighting area graduate with a portfolio of realized productions thanks to this student-centered approach, which routinely earns them regional and national design awards.
SMTD is housed in the University Center for the Arts, a nationally recognized state-of the art 350,000 square foot facility, that includes a 550-seat concert hall, a 275-seat organ and chamber music recital hall, a 320-seat thrust theatre, a 100-seat black box theatre, a 200-seat dance theatre, dedicated rehearsal, production and research spaces, along with classrooms, labs and practice rooms.
The College of Liberal Arts, within which the school is located, is the largest college in the University. It is a community of arts, humanities, and social science scholars who create and extend knowledge and artistry that develops reflective citizens and confident leaders. We aspire to a productive environment in which everyone feels valued, where their talents are fully utilized, and where all individuals can bring their full selves to the role. We promote the CSU Principles of Community - Inclusion, Integrity, Respect, Service, and Social Justice -https://inclusiveexcellence.colostate.edu/resources/principles-of-community/. We therefore encourage applications from all individuals who share these values, and we prioritize a fair and equitable search process that strengthens a creative, and effective community.
Colorado State University ( CSU ) is a land grant institution with a student enrollment of approximately 30,000 students in over 150 programs, and a faculty numbering 1,700. CSU is located in Fort Collins, Colorado, a beautiful city of approximately 175,000 located in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, 65 miles north of Denver. MarketWatch has listed Fort Collins as the "No. 1 Best Place to Live in America in 2020," and was also ranked No. 1 for the "2020 Top 100 Places to Live in America" by Livability.com. Additionally, Fort Collins is in America's top ten for best performing city, safest for driving and cycling, best place to raise a family, and No. 1 in the country for reducing harmful emissions by using alternative fuels and transportation. CSU was recently ranked first among Colorado-based educational employers and fifth among all in-state employers in Forbes magazine's "America's Best Employers by State!"
Tenure/Tenure Track?Yes
% Research35
% Teaching50
% Service15
% Administration0
To ensure full consideration, applications must be received by 11:59pm (MT) on05/19/2025
Number of Vacancies
Desired Start Date08/16/2025
Position End Date
Position Summary
Colorado State University invites applications for a tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant/Associate Professor in the area of Theatre (Lighting Design). The anticipated start date is August 16, 2025. Advancement at Colorado State University requires ongoing professional activity, engaged scholarship and creative artistry, effective teaching and advising, and departmental and university service.
Teaching (50%): The Assistant/Associate Professor of Lighting Design responsibilities will include teaching lighting design and theatre design courses, as well as courses that can support the entire theatre program, as well as dance and opera, depending on the candidate's teaching qualifications and abilities. As part of their course load, the Assistant/Associate Professor of Lighting Design will mentor student designers, and, as mutually agreed, to design lighting for productions should a qualified student not be assigned. Candidates are expected to speak and demonstrate understanding of common vocabulary among theatre artisans, both design terminology and theatrical practices.
Research/Creative (35%): Theatre faculty are expected to continue designing professionally and maintain a creative portfolio commensurate with a Research 1 institution. Additionally, publishing, attending professional conferences, maintaining knowledge of current practices can all contribute to this aspect of the position.
Service (15%): Candidates will be expected to participate in the shared governance of the department, support curriculum development, recruit and mentor SMTD students, contribute towards the development and operation of an active production season, and advance the reputation and visibility of the University nationally and internationally.
Conditions of EmploymentPre-employment Criminal Background Check (required for new hires)
Required Job Qualifications
(1) MFA in Lighting Design OR the minimum of a Bachelors degree in theatre or related field AND evidence of ten years of professional theatre lighting design experience at a regional or national level.
(2) Evidence of successful teaching of theatre at the undergraduate level.
(3) At least two years of professional experience in lighting design supported through the submission of a portfolio which includes photos, paperwork, and reviews demonstrating a high-caliber design background.
Note: The successful candidate will be appointed at the rank of Assistant Professor; or, may be appointed at the rank of Associate Professor (tenure-track), depending on the candidate's evidence of a successful research agenda commensurate with a Research 1/2 university, and other experience and qualifications.
Preferred Job Qualifications
Preferred candidates will demonstrate one or more of these qualifications:
(1) At least three years of successful teaching of theatrical lighting design at the undergraduate level as a full or part-time faculty member.
(2) Evidence of experience in teaching and designing projections for stage
(3) Evidence of professional experience and success in design with the combination of two or more of the following areas: theatre, dance, opera, film/television, theme parks, concerts, industrials.
(4) Evidence of professional design through nomination of regional or national design awards.
(5) Experience in a second area of design (set, costume, sound, or projections).
(6) Membership in USA 829 as a Lighting Designer.
Special Instructions to Applicants
Candidates should provide:
1.Cover letterdescribing teaching philosophy for undergraduate lighting students.
2.Curriculum Vitae
3.Portfolio:Candidates should provide, as a single PDF , a complete digital package (plot, paperwork, images) for a professional show they designed.
4.Other:Candidates should provide a link to a professional website showcasing at least 15 images including lighting design for theatre, as well as one or more of the following: dance, opera, projections, film, tv, industrials.
5.References:the name and contact information for three professional references. References will not be contacted without prior notification to candidates.
CSU is committed to full inclusion of qualified individuals. If you are needing assistance or accommodations with the search process, please reach out to the listed search contact.
Please note, applicants may redact information from their application materials that identifies their age, date of birth, or dates of attendance at or graduation from an educational institution.
Background Check Policy Statement
Colorado State University strives to provide a safe study, work, and living environment for its faculty, staff, volunteers and students. To support this environment and comply with applicable laws and regulations, CSU conducts background checks for the finalist before a final offer. The type of background check conducted varies by position and can include, but is not limited to, criminal history, sex offender registry, motor vehicle history, financial history, and/or education verification. Background checks will also be conducted when required by law or contract and when, in the discretion of the University, it is reasonable and prudent to do so.
EEO
Colorado State University ( CSU ) provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
Search ContactNicole.Darling@colostate.edu
Essential Duties
Job Duty CategoryTeaching/Advising
Duty/Responsibility
The Assistant/Associate Professor of Lighting Design responsibilities will include teaching lighting design and theatre design courses, as well as courses that can support the entire theatre program, as well as dance and opera, depending on the candidate's teaching qualifications and abilities. As part of their course load, the Assistant/Associate Professor of Lighting Design will mentor student designers, and, as mutually agreed, to design lighting for productions should a qualified student not be assigned. Candidates are expected to speak and demonstrate understanding of common vocabulary among theatre artisans, both design terminology and theatrical practices.
Percentage Of Time50%
Job Duty CategoryResearch/Creative Activities
Duty/Responsibility
Theatre faculty are expected to continue designing professionally. Additionally, publishing, attending professional conferences, maintaining knowledge of current practices can all contribute to this aspect of the position.
Percentage Of Time35%
Job Duty CategoryService/Outreach
Duty/Responsibility
Candidates will be expected to participate in the shared governance of the department, support curriculum development, recruit and mentor SMTD students, contribute towards the development and operation of an active production season, and advance the reputation and visibility of the University nationally and internationally.
Percentage Of Time15%
References Requested
References Requested
Minimum Requested3
Maximum Requested3
Supplemental Questions
Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).
Applicant Documents
Required Documents
+ Cover Letter
+ Curriculum Vitae
+ Portfolio
+ Other
Optional Documents