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Position Summary/Purpose of Position:

The University of Maryland School of Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies (TDPS) is searching for a tenure-track or tenured assistant or associate professor of costume design to begin August 2025. The faculty hired for this position will serve as the leading costume design instructor, mentor and advisor in the MFA in Design Program, a nationally prominent graduate training program. Candidates may also teach undergraduate courses and will contribute to program, school, college, and university governance.

We especially seek candidates whose research, teaching, and service have prepared them to contribute to diversity and inclusion.  The successful candidate will have or show promise of a strong creative research record; demonstrated ability to achieve national and/or international prominence in their field; and ability to teach undergraduate and graduate courses in costume design for live performance. Successful candidates will be experienced designers with extensive knowledge of draping and costume crafts. The program might also be interested in bringing in an artist whose professional and pedagogical practice includes other design areas. The faculty member’s creative activities should be related to the program’s curriculum; reflect a high standard of quality and competence; and be consistent with and support the mission and initiatives of the School and University. This search is contingent upon the availability of funds.

Minimum Qualifications:

• MFA in Design or equivalent experience


• Documented experience teaching, mentoring, and/or training design assistants


• Potential to achieve high national/international professional standing in the field


• Demonstrated ability to incorporate diverse perspectives into teaching and creative research


• Strong knowledge of costume rendering, draping, and construction; fabrics and other costume elements of costume craft


• Evidence of ability to work collegially

Preferred Qualifications:

• United Scenic Artists membership


• Teaching experience at the university level


• Experience teaching and advising graduate students


• Experience with designing for dance and/or opera, film and/or television, in addition to theatre

Please apply online at: ejobs.umd.edu

Required application materials:

• Curriculum vitae


• Name, email address, phone number for three current professional references


• Artistic statement, outlining how teaching and service connect with your research


• Statement of contributions to diversity. Contributions might include leadership in teaching, mentoring, research or service towards building an equitable and diverse scholarly or professional environment and/or increasing access or participation of individuals from historically underrepresented groups.


• Digital portfolio or website

For best consideration, submit application materials by: December 1, 2024.

Questions? Contact Professor Misha Kachman, Chair of the Search Committee: mkachman@umd.edu.