If you are a current Barnard College employee, please use the internal career site to apply for this position.
Job:
Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in Theatre
The Department of Theatre at Barnard College seeks a full-time Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in design: a working theatre designer with expertise in design and in the pedagogy of design teaching, to start July 1, 2027. Applicants are expected to hold the appropriate terminal degree (MFA) in design and possess an exciting portfolio of design work in theatre. Competitive candidates will have a record of professional productions and be competent in two design areas. We have a particular need for scenic design, and a strong interest in candidates with expertise in costume, lighting, or sound design as well as interest in video and projection design, props design, or puppetry. Competitive applicants are likely to have a demonstrated interest and facility with sustainable theatre practices. The candidate would be expected to contribute to service at the departmental and eventually college-wide level. PoPP appointments require ongoing artistic work for retention and promotion. The successful candidate must develop, sustain, and advance a nationally-visible artistic trajectory throughout their appointment.
Job Description:
The Department of Theatre at Barnard College, Columbia University, seeks a full-time Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in design -- a working theatre designer with expertise in design and in the pedagogy of design teaching -- to start July 1, 2027. Applicants are expected to hold the appropriate terminal degree (MFA) in design and possess an exciting portfolio of design work in theatre. In addition to an MFA, applicants might also hold the Ph.D. and so be qualified to teach more traditionally research-oriented courses, e.g. history of scenic design, critical history of fashion and costume design.
Competitive candidates will have a record of professional productions and be competent in two design areas. We have a particular need for scenic design, and a strong interest in candidates with expertise in costume, lighting, or sound design as well as interest in video and projection design, props design, or puppetry. Competitive applicants are likely to have a demonstrated interest and facility with sustainable theatre practices.
As a full time reviewed and renewable position, we expect the successful candidate to participate fully in the life of a dynamic Theatre department that places equal weight on lecture/seminar courses and practicum courses. The candidate would be expected to contribute to service at the departmental and eventually college-wide level. Assistant Professor of Professional Practice appointments require—in analogy to tenure-track faculty—ongoing artistic work for retention and promotion. The successful candidate must develop, sustain, and advance a nationally-visible artistic trajectory during the first seven years of appointment (to be considered for promotion) and beyond.
The Department of Theatre at Barnard College offers the undergraduate Theatre major to all Barnard College, Columbia College, and Columbia School of General Studies students. The teaching load is four courses per year, with accompanying undergraduate advising, service on departmental committees, and service to the College. We expect the person hired into this position to design 1-2 main stage shows per year, co-advise the annual Thesis Festival, and take on the oversight and mentoring of the senior thesis in design, in which 2-5 students per year design in one of four areas for a main stage production, in collaboration with a professional director and design team.
Salary: $95,000 - $115,000
Review of applications will begin on approximately October 25, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.
For questions or further information please contact theatredesignsearch@barnard.edu.
Skills, Qualifications & Requirements:
Required…