What are the responsibilities and job description for the Clinical Assistant Professor – Costume Design and Technology position at Arizona State University?
School of Music, Dance and Theatre
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University
The School of Music, Dance and Theatre in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University seeks a Clinical Assistant Professor in Costume Design and Technology, with a particular focus on individuals with experience in teaching and mentoring emerging costume designers, knowledge of traditional and digital patterning and fabrication techniques, and an eye on innovation within the field of costume design and technology. This is an academic year, career-track faculty position beginning fall 2026. The successful candidate will teach in person on the Tempe campus, with potential for online and hybrid courses.
About ASU
Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses and multiple innovation hubs that positively impact the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. In 2022, ASU was named a Hispanic-Serving Institution and in 2023, ASU joined the prestigious Association of American Universities. ASU is deeply committed to advancing in innovative ways while sustaining a welcoming, supportive and empowering environment for all members of our community.
About The Herberger Institute For Design And The Arts
The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is the largest comprehensive design and arts school in the country located within a dynamic research university focused on transformative change. Built on a unique combination of disciplines, the Herberger Institute comprises six schools: ASU FIDM, the School of Art, the School of Arts, Media and Engineering, The Design School, The Sidney Poitier New American Film School, and the School of Music, Dance and Theatre. The Institute also includes the ASU Art Museum and the ASU FIDM Museum. The Herberger Institute is committed to developing and scaling ideas that strengthen the role and impact of designers and artists across all areas of society and culture, and to increasing the capacity of artists and designers to make a difference in their communities. For more information on the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, visit herbergerinstitute.asu.edu.
About The ASU School Of Music, Dance And Theatre
The School of Music, Dance and Theatre in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University prepares artists, scholars, visionaries and entrepreneurs to become creative leaders who transform society through their art. Our internationally recognized faculty artists, scholars and guest artists are motivating and compassionate mentors who work with students to cultivate excellence and personal growth. Our nationally recognized programs feature a comprehensive range of degrees plus minors and certificates and more than 600 concerts, events, performances, productions and recitals each year. Located in the culturally rich Southwest in one of the most vibrant, expanding urban centers, our programs afford students access to an inclusive environment and engagement in Phoenix’s flourishing arts community. Above all, we value the creativity, personal experience and voice each student brings to the school.
The theatre program is a collaborative community of artists, scholars, students, faculty and staff who are shaping the future of theatre through inventive curricula and innovative programming. At the center of our philosophy are our core commitments to learner-centeredness, respect for humanity, consent-based practices, transparency and accountability. We build on these values in our classrooms and studios, research endeavors, public programming and community engagement. With over 250 undergraduate theatre majors and over 20 MFA and PhD students, the theatre program is a dynamic teaching, learning and discovery environment in which production and curriculum are mutually supportive. Our programming features hundreds of live events and presentations of student work, engaging over 10,000 community members in the metro Phoenix area. The Design & Production concentration is a cutting-edge program with over 80 students and growing. The staff and faculty in the concentration use industry leading digital fabrication methods and technologies to give our students the most extensive breadth of knowledge in their focus area. We emphasize process over product to create the best learning outcomes motivated by creating high production value shows.
Position Description And Essential Functions
The Clinical Assistant Professor of Costume Design and Technology will teach a rotation of undergraduate core classes and develop new courses, both in-person and online; mentor costume technology students’ senior projects and practicum courses; serve as a technologist as needed on productions; work in coordination with the Costume Shop Manager(s) to help structure the shop’s workflow and perform appropriate service to school, institute, university, and profession.
We seek candidates capable of growing dynamic and innovative degree programs, who can help attract new students and teach courses that support enrollment goals, who may increase research expenditures through grants and/or other research funding for design and production, who will contribute to the Institute's commitment to inclusive excellence, and who will connect and collaborate with artists, designers, and scholars across campus and in the community. We are especially interested in applicants who are dedicated to advancing the ASU Charter and realizing ASU’s Design Aspirations and the mission of the school.
Required Qualifications
Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University
The School of Music, Dance and Theatre in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University seeks a Clinical Assistant Professor in Costume Design and Technology, with a particular focus on individuals with experience in teaching and mentoring emerging costume designers, knowledge of traditional and digital patterning and fabrication techniques, and an eye on innovation within the field of costume design and technology. This is an academic year, career-track faculty position beginning fall 2026. The successful candidate will teach in person on the Tempe campus, with potential for online and hybrid courses.
About ASU
Arizona State University is a new model for American higher education, an unprecedented combination of academic excellence, entrepreneurial energy and broad access. This New American University is a single, unified institution comprising four differentiated campuses and multiple innovation hubs that positively impact the economic, social, cultural and environmental health of the communities it serves. Its research is inspired by real world application blurring the boundaries that traditionally separate academic disciplines. In 2022, ASU was named a Hispanic-Serving Institution and in 2023, ASU joined the prestigious Association of American Universities. ASU is deeply committed to advancing in innovative ways while sustaining a welcoming, supportive and empowering environment for all members of our community.
About The Herberger Institute For Design And The Arts
The Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts is the largest comprehensive design and arts school in the country located within a dynamic research university focused on transformative change. Built on a unique combination of disciplines, the Herberger Institute comprises six schools: ASU FIDM, the School of Art, the School of Arts, Media and Engineering, The Design School, The Sidney Poitier New American Film School, and the School of Music, Dance and Theatre. The Institute also includes the ASU Art Museum and the ASU FIDM Museum. The Herberger Institute is committed to developing and scaling ideas that strengthen the role and impact of designers and artists across all areas of society and culture, and to increasing the capacity of artists and designers to make a difference in their communities. For more information on the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts, visit herbergerinstitute.asu.edu.
About The ASU School Of Music, Dance And Theatre
The School of Music, Dance and Theatre in the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University prepares artists, scholars, visionaries and entrepreneurs to become creative leaders who transform society through their art. Our internationally recognized faculty artists, scholars and guest artists are motivating and compassionate mentors who work with students to cultivate excellence and personal growth. Our nationally recognized programs feature a comprehensive range of degrees plus minors and certificates and more than 600 concerts, events, performances, productions and recitals each year. Located in the culturally rich Southwest in one of the most vibrant, expanding urban centers, our programs afford students access to an inclusive environment and engagement in Phoenix’s flourishing arts community. Above all, we value the creativity, personal experience and voice each student brings to the school.
The theatre program is a collaborative community of artists, scholars, students, faculty and staff who are shaping the future of theatre through inventive curricula and innovative programming. At the center of our philosophy are our core commitments to learner-centeredness, respect for humanity, consent-based practices, transparency and accountability. We build on these values in our classrooms and studios, research endeavors, public programming and community engagement. With over 250 undergraduate theatre majors and over 20 MFA and PhD students, the theatre program is a dynamic teaching, learning and discovery environment in which production and curriculum are mutually supportive. Our programming features hundreds of live events and presentations of student work, engaging over 10,000 community members in the metro Phoenix area. The Design & Production concentration is a cutting-edge program with over 80 students and growing. The staff and faculty in the concentration use industry leading digital fabrication methods and technologies to give our students the most extensive breadth of knowledge in their focus area. We emphasize process over product to create the best learning outcomes motivated by creating high production value shows.
Position Description And Essential Functions
The Clinical Assistant Professor of Costume Design and Technology will teach a rotation of undergraduate core classes and develop new courses, both in-person and online; mentor costume technology students’ senior projects and practicum courses; serve as a technologist as needed on productions; work in coordination with the Costume Shop Manager(s) to help structure the shop’s workflow and perform appropriate service to school, institute, university, and profession.
We seek candidates capable of growing dynamic and innovative degree programs, who can help attract new students and teach courses that support enrollment goals, who may increase research expenditures through grants and/or other research funding for design and production, who will contribute to the Institute's commitment to inclusive excellence, and who will connect and collaborate with artists, designers, and scholars across campus and in the community. We are especially interested in applicants who are dedicated to advancing the ASU Charter and realizing ASU’s Design Aspirations and the mission of the school.
Required Qualifications
- MFA or MA in Costume Design or a related field.
- Demonstrated teaching excellence and innovation and record of professional mentorship in the field of costume design.
- College teaching experience strongly preferred.
- Record of collaborative, professional and relevant industry experience.
- Demonstrated expertise and ability to teach in one or more of these areas: costume construction, costume design for television and film, digital costume technologies, pattern making, period dress, styling and history, tailoring, traditional and digital rendering.
- Knowledge and experience in current trends and technology (Laser cutting, 3D Printing, 3D Drafting, etc.).
- Additional talents in the craft areas (dyeing, sculpting, and millinery).
- Stage Make-up, Hair, and Wig skills.
- A minimum of three years of professional and relevant industry experience.