Transylvania University

Transylvania University (www.transy.edu), a top-tier, independent, residential liberal arts college in Lexington, Kentucky, invites applications for the position of Assistant Professor of Theater - Costume Design and Technology. This is a tenure-track position, teaching in-person classes, beginning August 27, 2026. Transylvania University recognizes that a diverse and inclusive community is essential to the fulfillment of our mission as a liberal arts institution. To that end, we seek to attract a diverse faculty skilled in the scholarship of teaching, research, and mentorship of students from a variety of backgrounds. Candidates are encouraged, in their cover letter, to identify their strengths and experiences in creating an inclusive academic community.

Job Responsibilities:

The successful candidate will specialize in the field of Costume Design and Technology with additional expertise in wigs and props and will instruct core courses in the major, including: Introduction to Theater; writing focused courses; and specialized courses emphasizing construction, fabricating, design and technology.

The successful candidate will provide creative, technical and managerial support in costume design and technology for the Transylvania University Theater Program. This person will execute or supervise the execution of costumes for three to five departmental or student productions per year. This position includes management of the costume shop and collection, supervision of student workers in the costume shop and productions, and managing budgets. This person will be expected to collaborate in all areas of creating a successful theatre program and production season. This is a physically active role and some heavy lifting is required. This position involves working evenings and weekends as the production calendar demands.

Required skills and experience include:

●       Designing and costuming for program productions

●       Patterning, draping, cutting, tailoring, altering, and fitting garments

●       Organizing wardrobe crews and student workers

●       Dying and distressing fabric

●       Operating and basic repair knowledge of sewing machines and other applicable machinery and devices

●       Knowledge of period and contemporary clothing and accessories

●       Collaborative work ethic

Occasional contributions to First-Year programing and service as an academic adviser are also expected. The teaching load consists of four courses per term, plus one short-term course in May (2-2-1) that offers additional opportunities for travel courses, team-taught courses and other more experimental classroom endeavors. Other responsibilities include academic scholarship/ professional activity, preferably involving undergraduate students, and service to the university through various committee appointments. The university also has an excellent faculty development program that competitively funds faculty (and student) scholarly research and artistic projects.

Qualifications:

A terminal degree is required by the start date. Preference will be given to candidates with undergraduate teaching experience, particularly within the context of Costume Design and Technology. The candidate must demonstrate a commitment to continuing their own professional work along with a commitment to teaching, interdisciplinary dialogue, and working collaboratively with other faculty and with students both within the Theater Program and across disciplines within a liberal arts environment.

To begin the application process, submit one PDF that contains your curriculum vitae, your unofficial graduate transcripts, and statements of teaching and research philosophies. Candidates are encouraged in their cover letter to identify their strengths and experiences in creating an inclusive academic community. This PDF, along with your cover letter, which will be uploaded separately, may be submitted by following the job openings link at http://www.transy.edu/jobs. If you are selected to move forward in the application process, you will be asked to provide official graduate transcripts and letters of recommendation at a later date. Send questions specific to this search to Tosha Fowler, search committee chair, at tfowler@transy.edu. Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2025 and will continue until an appointment is made.

Transylvania University is ranked in the top 15 percent of the nation’s four-year colleges by the Princeton Review, which cites its community-driven, personalized approach to a liberal arts education through 49 majors and 40 minors. Founded in 1780, it is the 16th oldest institution of higher learning in the country, with approximately 1,000 students.

Transylvania University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to enhancing the diversity of the university community. In support of this goal, we seek qualified candidates with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We embrace diversity and encourage all who are interested to apply.