What does a Director (Theater and Opera) do?
At the heart of almost any theatrical performance is the guiding hand of a director, a unique professional who takes charge of the production process and shapes almost every aspect of the show. Directors audition and cast; assemble and oversee the production team; provide design directives; lead rehearsals; and manage the production schedule of the project, ensuring that all the moving parts connect. Perhaps most importantly, they also supply a unifying understanding of the text and a particular vision for the production, which might mean a unique setting, a visual style or mood, or an interesting design concept that plays off themes in the text.
At a Glance
Still, not everyone takes the same path; some break into directing early in their careers by producing their own work or founding a small theater company, while others find success as performers before trying their hand at direction.
This is considered a tough field to break into, because aspiring directors can't learn the craft without doing it, and they can't get hired to do it until they've proven themselves capable. Aspiring directors should learn everything they can about theatrical direction, production, design, acting, and more—and if initial opportunities aren't forthcoming, should create their own by producing and directing shows independently.
Hiring and leading a production team; casting and running auditions; basic theatrical design; a unique vision; critical and analytical thinking; communication; collaboration; leadership; multitasking; networking; time management
Successful directors possess a large suite of interpersonal skill, including personal and artistic sensitivity, aesthetic acuity, excellent communication and organization, and the confidence to lead and inspire others through a difficult and unpredictable process. They are superb multitaskers and steady as a rock in the face of adversity.
Like most theater artists, directors tend to work in bursts. Several months of intensive labor on a show culminate in the arduous final dash to the performance, followed by an abrupt transition to downtime, during which directors have the opportunity to relax, regroup, network, and acquire new skills before setting out on the next creative journey.
