ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF MUSIC, THEATRE & DANCE. SMTD cultivates artistic vitality, advances knowledge, and serves the public good through exceptional teaching, creative practice, scholarly inquiry, and community engagement. As a premier performing arts school in a world class public research institution, we prepare students to lead with both artistic excellence and ethical action, enriching society through the transformative power of the performing arts. 

University Productions (UProd) typically presents nine fully-mounted curricular shows between September and April, serving the departments of Theatre & Drama, Musical Theatre, Dance, and Voice in three different venues. These productions are directed by faculty and guest directors, and crewed by students. Additional faculty, guests, and BFA students complete the creative production teams. Design & Production majors work as stage managers, shop assistants, and technicians for each production; students may design costumes, sound, sets, or lighting for these productions. UProd manages all of the production shops and facilities including an electrics shop, two scene shops, two paint shops, a costume shop, and a prop shop managed by professional staff. Students work in the shops as work-study, paid staff, or for credit. 

The Department of Theatre & Drama commits to inquiry and self-assessment, ongoing dialogue, and above all, to actions that will lead to equitable theatre processes.  

The resident artist would design the costumes for three shows for University Productions, for 21 weeks across two terms. The resident costume designer may be assigned to design musical theatre, opera and/or dance productions as needed.  Productions take place in the Power Center (1200 seats), Lydia Mendelssohn Theatre (620 seats), and Arthur Miller Theatre (227 seats). The resident designer would work closely with faculty and guest stage directors, as well as with design students and faculty, integrating production into the undergraduate experience. Teaching responsibilities include production practicum advising and mentoring student designers and technicians (THTREMUS 351 & 352) and participating in the Design & Production Seminar (THTREMUS 403). Additional responsibilities include working with shop heads to create productions within budget, customary meetings, and participation in our annual portfolio review (January 29-31, 2027).

• Strong background in design rooted in professional performance practices 
• Ability to provide complete costume renderings, swatches and supporting paperwork that models clear, collaborative communication for and with design students and production teams 
• Commitment to nurturing a broad range of students of diverse identities and experiences as demonstrated through pedagogy, service, and activities 
• Experience working in Higher Education 
• Ability to relate to and collaborate with students and colleagues in a university environment 
• Demonstrated supervisory and collaborative abilities; ability to adhere to production timelines while remaining flexible to evolving needs 
• Superlative organizational practices, time management skills, and communication skills 

• Terminal degree; significant professional experience in lieu of a terminal degree will be considered 
• Experience with on-line learning environments such as Zoom, Canvas and Blackboard  

How to apply:

Required documents to be uploaded are: 

• Letter of Interest 
• Curriculum Vitae 
• Evidence of design activities including a portfolio link or attachment 
• Letter centering demonstrated ability to empower, advocate for and value a broad range of students of varied identities and experiences. 
• A list of at least three references with contact information 

Full-time Rate: $51,000 (salary will be pro-rated to reflect shortened contract dates) 

Rank: LEO Lecturer I 

Applications Accepted Beginning: Feb 12, 2026  

Decision Deadline:        March 20th, 2026 

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

This position is covered under the collective bargaining agreement between the U-M and the Lecturers Employee Organization, AFL-CIO, which contains and settles all matters with respect to wages, benefits, hours and other terms and conditions of employment.

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.