Director

A director has responsibility for the overall practical and creative interpretation of a dramatic script or musical score, taking into account the budgetary and physical constraints of production.

Directors work closely with the creative and production teams, the performers and the producer to create a performance which connects with the audience.

They need to be able to coordinate effectively across a wide range of disciplines, with artistic vision.

Theatres are headed by a general manager. Larger theatres may also have an artistic director, who selects the plays to be produced in the theatre each season and is responsible for managing the company and its finances. In the case of a small performing company, usually in fringe theatre, it is the director who fulfils these roles.

Activities include: programming and budgeting; working with writers; adapting a script and, if the play is to be newly written, working with the writer or collaborating with playwrights;

You could also be breaking down a script, analysing and exploring the content and conducting relevant research; translating and interpreting a script or musical score; auditioning for productions, selecting and hiring designers, musicians, etc.; managing time and organising people and space; attending production meetings with designers; conducting rehearsals; communicating and liaising with all parties involved; and attending preview performances and preparing detailed notes for the cast and creative and production teams.

Salaries for directors depend upon the length and type of contract undertaken (e.g. freelance, repertory, touring).

Contact The Independent Theatre Council or the Theatrical Management Association (TMA) for current union-agreed rates and advice.

Writer-directors are advised to contact The Writers Guild of Great Britain for guidelines on commission rates.

Directors may negotiate their own contracts and salaries or they may employ agents to deal on their behalf.

Variations in salary may be considerable. 

Low salaries may be supplemented by freelance work, running creative workshops, or script consultancy. Working as a theatre director can be a precarious way to earn a living.

Although this area of work is open to all graduates, a degree English; drama/theatre studies; music; creative/performing arts; languages; or humanities-based subjects involving reflection and interpretation, e.g. philosophy, history, psychology may improve your chances.

Entry is also open to all Diplomates, but the following HND/foundation degree subjects may improve your chances: creative/performing arts; drama/theatre studies; music; arts in the community.

Entry without a degree or HND/foundation degree is possible, e.g. through reputation and experience as an actor, writer, designer, producer, assistant director or stage manager.

Practical theatre experience in acting, stage management and, particularly, direction should be gained in amateur or fringe theatre, e.g. through youth theatre or a student drama society group.

Try to see as many productions as you can, taking in a wide range of styles in a variety of different venues.

Talk to the people who are creating the work. Often, there are question and answer sessions with directors after a performance.

Learn more about the organisational structure of a theatre by working with the front-of-house team, perhaps as a steward. Many theatres take on stewards in both paid and unpaid positions throughout the year, and this is a popular form of work experience for students.

Some theatres offer training bursaries for young directors and it is worth doing some research to find out if any are available. Regional arts councils may offer grants to individuals.

Competition for any type of sponsorship is intense.