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Career profile Theatre Director Theatre Directors take ultimate responsibility for the overall creative and practical interpretation of a text or musical score, whilst maintaining a clear understanding of the physical and budgetary constraints of production. They work closely with Producers, Performers, the Creative Team (Set Designers, Costume Designers, Lighting Designers, Musical Directors, Choreographers and/or Fight Directors) and the Production Team (Production Managers, Stage Management and Technicians) to create a performance which connects with the audience. They must be able to coordinate effectively across a wide variety of disciplines. Most Directors are freelances, or they may be employed as Artistic Directors or Resident Directors in repertory companies. The work Directors may be asked to direct a particular play, or given the opportunity to direct a play of their own choice by theatre management. Alternatively, they may want to direct a particular play and approach theatre management with their ideas, or they may form their own company and raise the finance in order to present this play. Some Directors are also writers and may direct their own authored productions. Before committing themselves to directing any production, they must be fully conversant with the script. They may negotiate their own contracts, so they should be aware of the Equity standard terms and rates; or they may employ Agents to deal on their behalf. In some cases the Director may be responsible for casting, and may have particular Actors in mind, or they may work with a casting department. The casting process is vitally important to the success of the production, and Directors attend all auditions, interviews and recalls (except in the case of large scale productions – such as musicals – when the Director may not participate in early auditions or in chorus auditions). Theatre management may make final decisions about casting, taking into consideration Directors’ choices. Directors also collaborate with theatre management to select the Set Designer, the Costume Designer and Lighting Designer (and the Choreographer, Fight Director and/or Musical Director where required). Directors must research all aspects of the play, including the author, the period and its fashions, social history, reviews of past productions, etc. They attend production meetings and collaborate with Designers about how to stage the production, e.g., in modern dress, minimal sets, different lighting techniques, and to discuss all aspects of budgeting, timescales, etc. Ideally, the whole Creative Team attends the first day of rehearsals, to meet the Actors, and to present their ideas. Initial rehearsal days may be relatively informal, so that Directors can discuss any research material, and build effective working relationships. During rehearsals, they may work on sections of the play, or they may work through the whole play, mapping out movements, trying out various ideas and styles, and managing the organic process of the play’s development. They may block out the moves, or they may allow moves to develop naturally during rehearsals or performances. Throughout the rehearsal period, Directors work through the script with the Actors, revealing the underlying complexities of the script, and the characters’ objectives in each scene, to build and develop the Actors’ performance. Although this is a collaborative process, Directors may sometimes need to make decisions, but they must also be prepared to change their minds, where necessary, without undermining their own authority. During rehearsals Directors also liaise with Stage Management about Actors’ call times for each day, and about schedules for costume fittings, wardrobe calls, etc., and with the Management’s Publicity Department about press interviews. They attend regular production meetings to discuss progress on set design, costume, music, etc. Directors work closely with the Deputy Stage Manager, who notes all relevant details in the “Book” – the marked up Prompt Script used to cue all cast members and technicians during performances. During the days immediately prior to the opening, the company moves from the rehearsal room into the performance space (except on those rare occasions when the performance space is available for all rehearsals) and rehearsals then involve all components of the final performance (including the set, props, costumes, music, sound, lighting) in technical and dress rehearsals, and Directors work with the Creative Team and Production Team to make final decisions about the production. Directors attend the preview performances, and the Press night, and if necessary prepare detailed notes for the cast, Creative Team and Production Team, and attend further rehearsals on the subsequent day. They assess audience reactions, and may make adjustments accordingly. Once plays are in performance, Directors hand over the play to the cast and Stage Management team, although they continue to attend performances whenever possible. Directors bring their own individual styles to each production and work carefully, sensitively and diplomatically with the cast and the Creative Team to construct the performance. Typical career routes Directors may have attended recognised Directing courses, or they may start their careers as Actors, Writers. Designers, Stage Management and Producers. They may work across all genres of theatre, or they may specialise in specific areas, e.g., musicals, pantomime, comedy. They may also work as Actor/Directors, Author/Directors, or teach drama on recognised college courses. Essential knowledge and skills The ability to receive, understand and respond to written and musical texts is important to all those involved in the creative production process. Directors must be patient, sensitive and diplomatic in order to build Actors’ confidence, and to draw out their performance. They must be able to negotiate their requirements, working closely with other members of the Creative Team, and taking budgetary and administrative requirements into consideration. They must have a wide interest in people and in society and its physical environments, as well as the expression of this in all the arts, in both historical and contemporary contexts. They should have knowledge of, and interest in, theatre history. Although work in theatre demands strong commitment from each individual, it is a collaborative art, and Directors must be able to work effectively with all members of the Creative and Production Teams. They must also be able to work with a variety of technicians, production staff and performers. They need a keen awareness of historical periods, character and motivation, as well as of performers’ needs. They must be able to conduct thorough, productive research, and to direct the purpose of such research. They also need effective time management skills, in order to work within budget, and to tight deadlines. They need self-belief and determination to succeed. They must be effective decision makers and excellent communicators. Key Skills include: • Visual and creative abilities • Research skills • Excellent negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills • Self motivation • Ability to motivate others • Team working skills • An awareness of the etiquette and traditions of working in the theatre • Practical and creative problem solving and organisational skills • Knowledge of the requirements of the relevant Health and Safety legislation and procedures Training and qualifications Directors may undertake full-time three year BA degree courses in Theatre Directing run by recognised colleges, or post graduate Directing courses, such as those run by Birkbeck College (the course was set up with help from Equity’s theatre directors’ committee www.bbk.ac.uk), RADA, Mountview, etc., after completing a relevant Arts degree, or with at least three years’ relevant professional experience in theatre. Where to go for more information ¾ CC Skills is the Sector Skills Council for the Creative and Cultural Industries. For information about training and professional qualifications, visit their careers website www.creative-choices.co.uk ¾ Equity is the trade union representing artists across the whole spectrum of arts and entertainment, and offers representation, specialist knowledge and advice for its members and student members on work in Theatre and other Live Performance. T: 020 7379 6000. www.equity.org.uk ¾ The Conference of Drama Schools www.drama.ac.uk ¾ National Council for Drama Training www.ncdt.co.uk ¾ Directors Guild of Great Britain. www.dggb.co.uk ¾ The Stage newspaper is the entertainment trade weekly. Recruitment advertisements, useful links, and ‘how to guides’, such as finding an agent or drama school, are on its website www.thestage.co.uk ¾ Contacts is published annually by The Spotlight, and provides details of all aspects of the entertainment industry. www.spotlight.com