Theatre directors oversee many aspects of staging a play, from casting to costumes to performances.Theatre directors bring their vision of a playwright’s script to life by leading the cast and crew through the production process.
There are rewarding opportunities available in:
- children’s theatre
- community theatre
- education
- the events and festival field
- fringe and alternative theatre
- prisons.
Duties
- programming and budgeting
- working with writers through workshops or script development schemes
- adapting a script and, if the play is newly written, working with the writer or collaborating with playwrights
- breaking down a script, analyzing and exploring the content and conducting relevant research
- translating and interpreting a script or musical score
- holding auditions for productions, selecting and hiring designers, musicians, etc.
- managing time and organizing people and space
- attending production meetings with set designers
- organizing rehearsals
- communicating and liaising with all parties involved, including actors, the creative team, the production team and producers
- attending preview performances and preparing detailed notes for the cast and for the creative and production teams
- helping to publicize the production by giving interviews and leading discussions.
Qualifications
If you are considering a career as a theatre director, you will need a bachelor’s degree and extensive experience in the field. You may be able to progress to the role after gaining a reputation and experience in other positions such as:
- actor
- assistant director
- designer
- producer
- stage manager
- writer.
Skills
- creativity and the ability to express yourself both orally and in writing
- persuasiveness and a willingness to take artistic risks
- excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills
- self-motivation and the ability to motivate and inspire others
- the ability to work as part of a team and time management skills
- an awareness and understanding of technical issues, the workings of a theatre and the process of performance and acting
- the ability to develop innovative ideas and to solve problems creatively and practically
- organizational and research skills
- knowledge of relevant health and safety legislation and procedures
- dedication and enthusiasm.
