Department

About the University

Established in 1965, Metropolitan State University (MSU Denver) was founded to serve students who were underrepresented in higher education whose life paths and experiences did not fit the traditional mold. Sixty years later, the University continues to serve over 16,000 of Colorado’s extraordinary and diverse students, providing them with the foundation on which to build their unique aspirations. As the third largest public institution of higher education in Colorado, MSU Denver is a model university for today’s college students.

Proud of its federal designation as a Hispanic-Serving Institution that also offers graduate programs (gHSI) and the only Seal of Excelencia certified institution in Colorado, the University serves the most diverse undergraduate student population in the state, as well as the most first-generation students. Through affordable, flexible, and holistic education, MSU Denver helps students build essential skills grounded in a multicultural and global perspective that lead to undergraduate and graduate degrees, and career and life success.

At MSU Denver, we are committed to our CADRE values: Community, Access, Diversity, Respect, and Excellence. We strive to create a supportive and inclusive environment where all community members are valued and belong. Our dedication to breaking down barriers to education, fostering open dialogue, and promoting world-class scholarship ensures that we provide exceptional services and innovative learning opportunities for our students, faculty, and staff. 

About the Department of Theatre and Dance

The Department of Theatre and Dance prioritizes values that reflect those of the university at large including a shared commitment to community, accessibility, diversity, respect and excellence.  We are a collaborative team that includes nine full-time faculty, five full-time staff, and a talented group of part-time affiliates and guest artists.  Our department offers Bachelor or Arts degrees in Theatre, Dance, and Theatre Education with K-12 Licensure as well as a Bachelor of Fine Art degrees with two concentrations in Music Theatre and Applied Theatre Technology and Design. The Theatre Program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Theatre. 

Position Summary

The Department of Theatre and Dance at MSU Denver invites applications for a full-time Lecturer in Lighting Design to begin in Fall 2027. The Theatre and Dance program offers a BA in Theatre, a BA in Theatre Education with K-12 Licensure, and a BFA with concentrations in Music Theatre and Applied Theatre Technology and Design.  The Lecturer position is a full-time, 9 month (renewable) faculty contract. The position reports to the Chair of the Theatre and Dance Department.

The Lighting Design Lecturer carries a 5/5 load and will teach two classes and associated labs (6 credit hours), provide three Lighting Designs (9 credit hours) each semester, two in theatre and one in dance. The position will teach a variety of theatre courses in rotation with other faculty, including Stage Lighting Technology, Stage Sound Technology, Lighting Design, Sound Design, Graphics for Theatre, CAD for Theatre, Production Analysis, Theatre Career Development, and Theatre Appreciation. This position will also coordinate with our Staff Lighting and Sound Shop Manager for theatre laboratory spaces and the Theatre Program productions in the King Center, a two-theatre facility (200-seat end stage, and a 100-seat black box production studio with approximately 100 seats) and in the Arts Building, a one theatre facility (80-seat black box production studio.)

Responsibilities

The successful candidate must have the ability to perform the following:

• Teach 6 credits of classes and associated labs (6 credit hours), serve as the Lighting Designer for two theatre productions and one dance production (9 credit hours) each semester.
• Teach and supervise student crews in collaboration with the Lighting and Sound Shop Manager.
• Work within lighting and sound budgets and cultivate relationships with vendors and other industry people in the lighting and sound industry.
• Develop external relationships to foster organizational collaborations.
• Develop and foster external relationships for potential student internships.
• Assist with planning and staffing yearly Thespian Conference recruiting event.
• Work with technical faculty and staff to develop and maintain theatre program curriculum, facilities, lab spaces, technology and storage.
• Work collaboratively with other faculty, students, staff, guest artists and diverse communities.

Required Qualifications

• An MA or MFA level degree or higher in Theatre or related fields plus 4 years of related professional experience
• Training, and demonstrated experience in Theatre Lighting Design, Lighting Technology, and Sound Technology

Preferred Qualifications

• An MFA level degree or higher in Theatre or related fields plus 4 years of related professional experience.
• 2+ years of teaching experience at the higher education level
   

We encourage you to apply even if you do not meet every preferred qualification. We are most interested in finding the candidate who will best contribute to our departments, our mission, and the University.

Salary for Announcement

The salary range for this position is $53,000 - $58,000 at the Lecturer level. The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based upon a variety of factors, including but not limited to, internal equity, education, experience, discipline, specialty, and training.

MSU Denver offers excellent benefits that include medical, dental, retirement, tuition benefit, free RTD pass, and more. For a brief overview of these options, please visit our Benefits section.

Instructions to Apply

To apply, complete an application online through our career site and search for JR105947: https://www.msudenver.edu/careers.

To support a thorough evaluation of your qualifications and potential contributions as a faculty member, please upload the following required materials:

• Resume or curriculum vitae that includes a list of three professional references and their contact information
• Cover letter
• Teaching philosophy (2 pages max). Please share your teaching philosophy and include a focus on engagement with diverse students and how you will foster an inclusive classroom environment for both in-class students as well as online students that removes barriers and promotes equitable access and advancement. Include examples from past experiences teaching and/or mentoring students
• Unofficial copies of graduate transcripts
• Digital Portfolio

Important Note: Due to volume of applications received, only applications completed as outlined above will be considered. Please ensure you have uploaded all required documents into the "Resume/Cover letter" section of the application. A maximum of 5 files can be uploaded; you may combine all documents into one pdf file if needed.

Official transcripts will be required of the candidate selected for hire.

Deadline

Priority will be given to applications received through November 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM MST; applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Closing Date

Open Until Filled

Posting Representative

Posting Representative Email

Benefits

The University’s benefits package is comprehensive and offers medical, vision and dental, free RTD pass, tuition reimbursement, as well as a life and supplemental insurance plans, retirement plans and other programs, such as access to a long-term disability (LTD) plan. Visit MSU Denver’s benefits website to learn more.   

For a brief overview, please see: https://www.msudenver.edu/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/MSU-Benefit-Summary.pdf. 

The University will provide reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities throughout the employment application process. To request an accommodation pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact the Human Resources ADA Coordinator at [email protected].

Background Checks

Metropolitan State University of Denver is dedicated to ensuring a safe and secure environment for our faculty, staff, students, and visitors.  To Assist in achieving that goal, we conduct background checks on all finalists for positions at the University prior to employment.

Diversity Statement

Metropolitan State University of Denver is a unique, access-oriented campus community that values diversity, equity, and inclusion in all its forms. Our student population consists of nearly 58% first generation students and over 50% students of color. We are a designated Hispanic Serving Institution located in downtown Denver.

We create an equitable learning and working environment in concert with individuals who consistently demonstrate commitment to equity and inclusion. We greatly value the diverse identities and perspectives of our students, faculty, and staff and recognize that in order to achieve a just and equitable society, diversity must go beyond simple representation. It requires critical inquiry and dialogue and a commitment to action. We strive to provide a culture of belonging for all community members to achieve personal and professional success.