The Responsibilities and Expectations of Being a Director in Theatre

I recently had my first directing experience last year with a student run theatre program at my college. The task at hand was difficult. The rules I was given: figure it out yourself. The months ahead were the most challenging I have ever experienced. Stressed from having no resources, no budget, no connections, or no idea as to whether or not all of our blood, sweat, and tears would be worth it. I am pleased to report that all of the hard work did pay off. Through that experience, I really found my love for the creative side of theatre and found a career that I want to continue in and have for the rest of my life. There are a lot of expectations as the director, and it is not a position for the faint of heart. One must be ready to put just as much work outside of the theatre than they are putting in during rehearsals. However, if it is a position that is appealing to you and you want to gain experience in, it is one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had, in my work experience, and within my creative experience until now.

My experience was not the traditional route most would take when becoming director of a show. I had someone in my corner who trusted me to hold this position with very little experience in this sector before. For most, this will not be the case. Like anything in life and in most careers, you need to get your foot in the door and move up to the positions that you want. Starting as stage crew, and then shadowing the stage manager, stage managing your first show, building a connection with other directors, seeing their process and how they work, and getting the chance to direct your own production, is a seemingly long, but standard way in which people become directors.?

Lets just say you’ve gone through this process and you are now the director and the show has been selected. Once you receive your script, the first plan of action is to get a jump start on the blocking. It seems like a long process and a generous amount of time, but it always sneaks up on you. When the audition process is set and the rehearsal schedule is made (which will either be given to you by a theatre, or you will need to sit with the reproduction team and figure out), the director needs to figure out audition materials like sides, andpartner with the music director and choreographer on what they want highlighted during the audition and see what auditionees can do.?

After auditions and callbacks, the director must make a cast list in order to start rehearsals. Once rehearsals start, the director’s rehearsals consist of blocking (staging the show with the actors in their places) and character work. During the rehearsal process, the director needs to collaborate with all of the artistic groups for pre tech decisions. Drafting a set design with the scenic director, making sure the stage manager is keeping a detailed list of needed props, telling the costumer the artistic vision of the production so all of the artistic elements match the overall vibe of the show.

During tech week is when the focus of the director shifts from the actors onto all of the technical elements of the show. Sitting in the lighting booth with the lighting designer programming light cues and then performing a cue to cues with the actors is one of the main parts of tech week. Additionally, the director might craft a director's note to have in the program and overview and sign off on the playbill. Also during this week, the director will block the bows and run many runs with photos being taken, full sound and light cues, and microphones.

The directing position is hands down the hardest role I have ever had during a production. Being the one with full creative say and ensuring that all departments are on the same page and everyone is following strict deadlines is a lot to deal with. However, by surrounding yourself with a strong and supportive team, and getting whatever work you can ahead of time, will save you boatloads of stress while in production and your future self will thank you!

If your goal is to be a director one day, do not let the daunting workload deter you from taking that leap of faith to get your foot in the door. The best example you can have to set you up for success is to learn from the seasoned directors who have these timelines down to a science. I know that I would not have done half of the good job that I was able to if I had not learned from outstanding and dedicated directors in the past. The job of director is so rewarding if you have a strong artistic vision and want to build something from the ground up. I hope this gives you more of an understanding of what the job requires and gives you the confidence and knowledge to step into that role and see where the opportunity takes you. My directing experience revealed parts of myself and capabilities that I never believed that I had. I hope you all take the leap and go after what you want. You can do it!

Break a Leg!