About Stage Directors

Stage directors are an important part of the theater world. The job is in charge of all aspects of the production. Directors are in charge of everything from casting to the final product. Directors need to be detail orientated as well as creative. They need to have a strong vision about what they're trying to accomplish and how it will be envisioned by the audience. It is a job that is frustrating and very rewarding. A good director can be a valuable asset to any production.

Significance

Stage director is one of the most important jobs in theater. Stage directors are in charge of overseeing everything involved in the production of the play from a creative perspective. Stage directors are the last word on casting, set design, costumes and interpretation of the script. A stage director will work with every person involved in the production and direct what should be done.

Considerations

Even before the casting of a production starts, the director will meet with the producer, costumers, prop department, lighting directors and set director. The stage director will share his vision with these people so that the production will be portrayed exactly as he envisions it.

Function

An important job of stage directors is to "block" scenes with the actors. This is where the director will instruct the actor how certain lines should be delivered and what movements should happen during the scene. The director will establish the need for more emotion or less, or a certain type of emotion, depending on how the director wants the scene to be portrayed.

Features

Like actors receiving training to hone their craft, stage directors can take classes to help them hone theirs as well. There are classes offered in universities, independently as well as on the job training. Directors will often start off in a lower position, such as a stage manager or an assistant director. Experience in all the areas of the theater can help the prospective director learn the tools of the trade needed to eventually become a director.

Types

Some directors require absolute control over everything and everyone involved in the production. These directors demand respect and for their wishes to be adhered to without question. Some directors tend to be more focused on the creative aspect and leave the little details to their assistant directors. Others see the production as a group project and welcome feedback from the other departments, including the actors. Some directors will rehearse so much that everything works like clockwork, while others might strive to keep things fresh and allow a little more interpretation and creativity from their cast and crew.