by M.J. Holliday

Created on: May 22, 2008   Last Updated: October 30, 2011

The best way to become a theater director is to cultivate a strong working knowledge of theater. Whether self-taught or professionally schooled, a good theater director has a well-rounded education in the performing arts.

If you choose a career as a director, study a variety of plays and theatrical formats, and become familiar with stagework and design.

A theater director deals not only with the actors, but with the stage manager, costume and set designers, carpenters and publicity department. As well, the director may answer to a producer. Good communication skills are essential.

Local theater companies are invaluable to the beginning director, and volunteer opportunities abound. Don't expect to earn much money early in your career. The director "does time" just like anyone else in the business, putting in long hours and working on several different productions before gaining the experience necessary to get paid for the work.

That said, anyone can become a director, or gain experience, just by mounting a play. If your passion is theater, consider directing your own production. Choose a play that inspires you. It can be a musical, a one-act play, soul-searching drama, modern expressionist piece or whatever gets your pulse pounding.

If mounting someone else's work, get permission from the playwright or publisher. Copyright infringement carries a heavy penalty.

Once you've chosen the play, decide on budget, venue, key personnel and cast. After that, the real work begins. Mounting a production, and working through it hands-on, is a priceless educational experience for a new director. If you haven't quit after your first show, you'll have a wealth of expertise under your belt.

Take theater workshops or classes at local colleges or night school. Read everything you can. "The Magic Mask" by Marguerite R. Dow (MacMillan, 1966) is an excellent read, and its principles and techniques are a solid foundation for modern productions.

Go to theater events, openings and previews. Talk to everyone you can about theater and directing. Usually, seasoned performers and directors are happy to share their knowledge.

Find a mentor in the community. An established director may need an assistant. This means you do most of the work, but it's all part of the experience.

Your career as a theater director begins as soon as you take on your first play. Get knowledge and experience any way you can. Working in theater can be hard at times, but when it all comes together in a moment of beauty onstage, it's worth the effort in the end.

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