Theatre Director

Theatre directors co-ordinate all aspects of a theatrical production, from the production stages and rehearsals right through to the final performance. Directors take ultimate responsibility for the artistic interpretation of the written and musical score, taking into account budget constraints and the physical space where the performance will be staged.

Directors work very closely with producers, performers and the creative team, which includes set and costume designers, choreographers, lighting technicians and musical directors, as well as stage managers.

Specific duties may vary, depending on the size of the theatre, but can include:

casting particular actors, or working with a casting department
attending auditions, interviews and recalls
collaborating with theatre management to select set, lighting and costume designers
researching the script fully, including the author, period, fashions, social history and reviews of past productions
adapting content in collaboration with the writer/playwright
rehearsing sections of the play, providing actors with feedback and developing the overall performance
working with the designer to plan the overall look and feel of the production.

Theatre directors will attend the preview performances and press night, assessing the audience reactions to provide the entire cast with feedback and make adjustments before official opening. Once the play opens, the theatre director may hand over responsibility to the stage management and cast. However, in big productions, such as in the West End, the director may stay on as resident director.

In larger theatres, artistic directors usually select productions for the entire season, appointing a theatre director for each. Artistic directors will usually be responsible for managing the company and its finances, sometimes assisted by an associate director. Larger theatres may have more junior assistant directors.

In smaller or fringe theatres, it is the theatre director who decides which production to stage. Theatre directors may also be responsible for getting funding.

Hours and environment

Work in this area can be irregular. Most directors are employed on a freelance contract to see a production through from planning and rehearsals to opening night.

Some, however, do work on fixed-term contracts. These tend to last between one and three years or, in the case of artistic directors, three to five years, with options to extend. Many contracts are ‘ongoing’ with simple notice periods.

Working hours regularly involve weekends and evenings. Most work is done in rehearsal rooms until a few days before the performance opens.

Salary and other benefits

These figures are only a guide, as actual rates of pay may vary, depending on the length of plays and type of contract undertaken – for instance freelance, repertory or touring.

Entry Salary Range €25,000-€30,000 rising to €50,000 and above depending on experience and the size of the Theatre.