Theatre director

Experience, reputation and credits, along with a passion for theatre, are key prerequisites for a successful career as a theatre director

Theatre directors are responsible for the creative interpretation of a dramatic script or musical score. They are usually involved in every stage of the process, from conception and pre-production right through to the final performance.

You'll work closely with creative and production teams, performers and the producer to create a performance that connects with the audience and provides a unique experience. You'll therefore need to coordinate effectively across a range of disciplines while maintaining a clear artistic vision.

Most directors work freelance or on fixed-term contracts, often as artistic or resident directors in repertory companies.

Some directors are also writers, designers or performers and may write, devise, design and act in their own work.

Responsibilities

Specific tasks vary depending on the role and type of theatre. However, as a theatre director you'll typically need to:

• break down a script, analysing and exploring the characters, relationships, themes and mood, and conducting relevant research
• adapt or interpret a script and, if the play is newly written, work closely with the writer or collaborate with playwrights
• develop an overall vision for the production, creating a cohesive style and tone
• work with writers through workshops or script development schemes
• hold auditions to select the cast
• liaise with the producer to ensure budgets are allocated appropriately and in line with your creative vision
• organise, lead and facilitate rehearsals, providing clear notes and direction
• manage and arrange where the actors will stand and how they will move across the stage (blocking)
• liaise with the cast, creative and production teams, producers and venue staff to ensure everything runs smoothly
• attend preview performances, preparing detailed notes for the cast and for the creative and production teams so that adjustments can be made if needed
• help to publicise the production through interviews, Q&A sessions and public events.

Salary

• The Independent Theatre Council (ITC) and UK Theatre negotiate minimum rates of pay with entertainment unions on behalf of their members. According to minimum rates of pay negotiated by the ITC for their members, for example, theatre directors of a full-length play should receive a preparatory fee of at least £1,916.75 (or £1,326.25 for a short play) and weekly rehearsal payments of £601.
• ITC members who are artistic or resident directors should receive a minimum weekly pay for all duties of £730.

Fees depend on the length and type of contract, which could be freelance, repertory or touring. You may negotiate your own contract and fee or employ an agent to deal on your behalf. You'll be paid a preparatory fee as well as weekly payments for rehearsals.

The fee you charge will depend on several factors, including the venue's size and budget, the production's run, proposed rehearsal time and ticket prices. National theatres, for example, will pay more than local community theatres. Your experience and reputation will also determine the level of fee you can charge.

Working as a theatre director can be a precarious way to earn a living and some directors combine directing with writing, producing, acting, dramaturgy (acting as a script and artistic adviser) or designing.

Income figures are intended as a guide only. For up-to-date fee rates, check the websites of the ITC and UK Theatre.

Working hours

Working hours often include regular evening and weekend performances. Directors frequently work beyond their contracted hours, particularly in the run-up to opening night, and time off in lieu is not usually offered.

Freelance and project-based directors may have irregular schedules, while building-based directors employed by theatres tend to have more predictable working patterns.

What to expect

• Working arrangements vary - most directors work freelance on short-term contracts, while others take up fixed-term posts. Some set up their own companies, work independently on fringe productions, or are supported by an assistant in larger theatres.
• Theatres and performance spaces can range from large auditoriums to small studio venues, and conditions can sometimes be dark, cramped or challenging.
• Union membership is common - many directors join Equity, which provides insurance, legal advice and professional support.
• The role can be demanding and stressful, particularly when managing tight deadlines, limited budgets and competing creative visions, but it can also be very rewarding.
• Travel is common and may involve overseas work. Directors attached to touring companies may not accompany the full tour but usually visit selected venues.

Qualifications

A degree or HND is not essential to become a theatre director. You may be able to progress into the role after gaining a reputation and experience in other positions such as:

• actor
• assistant director
• designer
• producer
• stage manager
• writer.

A relevant degree or HND may be helpful and could provide some of the necessary skills. Useful subjects include:

• acting
• performing arts
• drama and theatre studies
• drama, theatre and directing
• English literature
• humanities-based subjects involving thought, reflection and interpretation, such as philosophy, history and psychology
• music.

There are also several short courses available that provide an introduction to theatre directing. These are offered by drama schools, universities, conservatoires and theatre training institutes. Examples of organisations that run short courses include RADA, the National Theatre, The Old Vic, Shakespeare's Globe, the Young Vic and the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland. Listings of short directing courses can be found through The Stage Training Directory.

You don't need a postgraduate qualification. However, some directors choose to take a Masters degree in theatre, drama or directing to develop practical skills and industry contacts. If you do decide to study for a Masters, make sure the course has a strong emphasis on practice, such as theatre or drama directing.

Search postgraduate courses in theatre studies and theatre directing. You can also search for relevant courses at the Federation of Drama Schools.

Learn more about conservatoires.

Skills

You'll need to show:

• creativity and the ability to express ideas clearly, both orally and in writing
• research and analytical skills to interpret texts and themes
• strong decision-making skills, persuasiveness and a willingness to take artistic risks
• excellent negotiation and interpersonal skills
• leaderships skills and the ability to motivate and inspire others
• teamwork and collaboration skills to work with everyone involved in the production
• awareness and understanding of technical issues, the workings of a theatre and the process of performance and acting
• the ability to adapt and solve problems creatively and practically
• time management and organisational skills
• knowledge of relevant health and safety legislation and procedures
• dedication and enthusiasm.

Theatre directors must also consider issues of ethics and authorship. Understanding all types of theatre, as well as having an awareness of audiences, resources and investors, is vital. Work may come from many avenues, and you'll need to show flexibility in your approach.

Work experience

You'll need practical theatre experience to enter directing. This could be through acting, stage management or directing in amateur, fringe, youth or student theatre. Some theatre-related degree courses include year-long placements or shorter blocks of professional experience.

Large theatres such as the RSC, the Old Vic and the National Theatre run work placement schemes. Local and community theatres may also offer work experience or shadowing, but you'll usually need to contact them direct to find out about opportunities.

Consider forming your own theatre company to gain insight into directing and working with actors and production teams. You could also look for assistant director roles. You'll need to explain why you want to work with a particular director and highlight relevant experience on your CV.

Broaden your knowledge by attending a wide range of theatre productions and joining post-show Q&A sessions with the director so you're aware of what's going on in theatre. Reading plays, novels, adaptations and screenplays is also valuable.

All theatre experience is useful. Working front of house as a steward or in the box office, or in backstage roles such as wardrobe, stage crew, lighting or sound, for example, will give you an understanding of how theatres operate.

Networking is essential, as many opportunities arise through contacts made while working. Keep a record of people you meet and stay in touch.

Employers

London has an extensive list of theatres, both in the West End and in the surrounding areas, so most UK-based directors will work there at some point in their career.

However, there are also many opportunities in regional theatres around the UK. These include:

• producing theatres, where plays are programmed, rehearsed and created (sometimes newly written) for that particular venue
• receiving theatres (also known as presenting theatres), which act as a venue for touring productions.

If you prefer to work in a less traditional environment, there are rewarding opportunities available in:

• children's theatre
• community theatre
• education
• events and festivals
• fringe and alternative theatre
• prisons.

Many directors find that there are more openings in this type of work early in their career, rather than in traditional theatre.

Each year, many new directors take their first production to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. There are also other large fringe theatre festivals throughout the UK, so it's worth investigating if your local town or city has one.

Look for job vacancies at:

• ArtsHub Jobs
• Arts Jobs
• Mandy
• The Stage Jobs
• UK Theatre

Some of the large theatre companies and regional producing houses advertise vacancies on their website. However, many jobs are filled by networking, contacts and word of mouth. It's worth sending speculative letters to artistic directors or producers at larger venues, particularly if you already have relevant qualifications and experience.

Professional development

As you'll have built up experience before becoming a theatre director, you'll already have many of the necessary skills. However, you'll continue to develop your skills and knowledge on the job. Few venues can afford to sponsor in-service training, so if you're a freelance director, you'll need to fund this yourself.

The professional body for theatre directors, choreographers and movement directors is Stage Directors UK (SDUK). Membership provides networking opportunities, legal support, campaigning and professional development resources.

Reading specialist publications such as The Stage is valuable for keeping up with industry news, opinion and job opportunities. Attending theatre festivals, showcases and Q&A events can also help you stay connected and develop your practice.

You may decide to take a postgraduate course in directing to develop practical skills and industry contacts. Search postgraduate courses in theatre directing.

Specialist training is also available through the Federation of Drama Schools and short professional development courses offered by national theatres and drama schools.

Career prospects

Becoming a theatre director is very competitive, and most people gain experience in other roles or as an assistant director before securing their first directing post. Early opportunities are often small-scale, such as fringe productions or work with community and touring companies. Many directors establish their own companies to create directing opportunities.

Directing work can be financially precarious. Many directors supplement their income with related work such as writing, producing, acting, dramaturgy or design. Progression is rarely linear - you may move between assistant and director roles, or combine directing with other creative work, before securing larger projects.

Progression depends on a combination of factors, including:

• experience
• reputation and individual style
• your ability to secure funding and support
• having your work seen by programmers, producers and critics
• flexibility and a willingness to tour
• business and fundraising skills.

With experience, you may take on a residency as an associate or artistic director for a particular venue, with responsibility for shaping the complete programme of productions in a season. This is a key leadership role, involving planning, budgeting and determining artistic policy, often with responsibility for directing one or two productions each season.

International festivals, such as the Edinburgh Fringe, can be valuable platforms for showcasing work and building a reputation. Directors may also move between subsidised and commercial theatres, with some progressing into film, television or opera directing. Success in these areas can enhance your profile and may increase your earning potential.