What is a Director?

The director is the key figure in a theatrical production, co-ordinating everything from the casting, through rehearsals, to the final performance. Directors are responsible for the artistic interpretation of the play and the technical coordination. If it's a new play they may also spend a lot of time working with the playwright on the script and with the designer to create an overall look and feel. On larger productions they may also work with choreographers, musical directors and fight arrangers. A lot depends on whether the directors are working with small theatre companies in fringe venues or in large theatres where they may have assistant directors working for them. Different directors have different ways of working and even the same director might vary his or her approach from play to play. On top of all these jobs an Artistic Director will also select the plays to be produced in the theatre, some of which will be directed by other people, and be responsible for managing the company and its finances.