How to Become a Theatre Director

All theatres need a director. Without a theatre director, the theatre would not run smoothly. Much the same as any other type of business, there needs to be a person in charge of running the company and over see that work is being done in a timely manner. Most important is that the director must be an efficient person.

The theatre director looks over all aspects of the operation of the theatre.  They supervise all of the actors as well as costume designers and any other employees of the theater. This ensures that things are done correctly following the rules of the theatre. Directors are in charge of keeping things running as smoothly as possible. The director will help to make sure current policies are being kept up as well as creating new policies and procedures. The director also resolves conflicts amongst employees and provides direction.  The director has a lot of responsibility and must work very hard to keep things well organized at all times.

• Gain knowledge  from an early age by studying scripts.  It is important to analyze the scripts to understand how things are written and the moral of each story or point. This way you start to gain knowledge of how scripts are done.


• Obtain a degree in performing arts. The classes that are required will include ones to teach the director how to communicate well with stage personnel as well as the actors, such as Improve Acting, Public Speaking and Theater Arts. The student would learn how to create a united atmosphere for the production.  Another class would teach the person how to read a play or script from a direction point of view and not an actor’s point of view. The degree that is obtained will look great on a resume. Internships or time worked at a theatre during high school or college will also look attractive to a possible employer.  Employers like to see an education as well as experience when looking through resumes.


• Work for a theatre or intern during high school or college. There is plenty of knowledge to be gained from doing so. Working at a theatre will help a future director learn the correct leadership skills. This is important because without the correct skills it might be hard giving actors proper direction. Without structure, nothing will be successful, including productions.


• Learn to understand and listen to employees and actors. Even though your job is director, working in a team environment is best. Motivate and direct the actors in a positive way to achieve the desired results. By doing this the theatre will run smoothly and you are a great positive roll model and leader.