Scenery and Lighting Designerexpired
The University of Iowa - Performing Arts at Iowa
United States, Iowa, Iowa City
Posted on: Jan. 13, 2026
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Description:
The Performing Arts at Iowa seeks a Production Designer with expertise in scenic and lighting design. This is a full-time 12-month, staff position serving as a resident designer for the Performing Arts at Iowa inclusive of the Department of Dance, School of Music Opera, and Department of Theatre Arts. This position does require evening and weekend work in support of technical and dress rehearsals.
The Performing Arts at Iowa produces two Dance mainstage productions, 2 Opera productions, 5 Theatre mainstage productions, up to 10 dance concerts, and up to 20 theatre galleries and workshops annually. Resident designer would be responsible for up to 4 realized scenic designs and up to 5 lighting designs for mainstage productions per academic year, along with providing design support for special projects and select events, as determined by the Production Director, in collaboration with the designer and production calendar. The scenic and lighting designer will primarily work with the Department of Dance and School of Music Opera along with collaborating across departments with guest and student designers.
The Scenery and Lighting Designer is responsible for facilitating effective, healthy, and productive production environments in collaboration with the artists, faculty, staff, and students. Successful candidates will be committed to sharing the design process with graduate and undergraduate students creating a welcoming, respectful, and collaborative work environment.
This position will report to the Production Director and work within the Performing Arts at Iowa ensuring successful execution of each production season. This is a twelve-month full-time position.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide clear, timely communication of design work including, initial research and concept ideas, preliminary sketches, final renderings and drafting, props list, light plots, or other design-area specific paperwork.
Stay up to date with industry trends, technologies, and materials to innovate and enhance event designs.
Collaborates closely with Production staff during the design, build, and performance process to assure creative, budget, and production deadline expectations are met.
BS/BA/BFA degree with a concentration in design for theatre, dance, and/or opera or equivalent educational and professional experience as demonstrated via portfolio submission.
Minimum of 3 years’ experience in a major university or professional production company.
Detail oriented while demonstrating excellent written and verbal communication skills
Self-motivated and an independent thinker who consistently meets deadlines, resolves conflicting priorities, and has outstanding interpersonal skills
Strong portfolio demonstrating creativity and skill in scenic design and fabrication.
Proficiency in design software such as SketchUP and Adobe Creative Suite
Proficiency in production software such as AutoCAD and/or Vectorworks, and Lightwright
Familiarity with ETC lighting consoles
Application Deadline:
Mar. 31, 2026
Job Duration:
Open ended
Job/Audition Type:
Full Time
Job Category:
Technical/Show Support
Payment status:
Paid
Job Location:
United States,
Iowa,
Iowa City
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