How to Become a Professional Stage Director

Being a stage director for the theater is a challenging, fun and creative career. It is a competitive position in which you can manage all phases of a theatrical production, including the creative interpretation of plays and musicals. Follow these steps to learn how to become a professional stage director.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

1. Immerse yourself in the theater community. Perform in plays as often as possible and take part in every aspect of the production. Learn as much as you can about every facet of the theater.
2. Observe closely every director you work under. Look for opportunities to assistant direct or help in any way.
3. Attend theater classes and workshops at your community theater, school, theater camp or other venue.
4. Get a degree in directing from a university. Although this is usually not a requirement, it can increase your employment opportunities. This is also a quick way to learn about directing and get plenty of experience directing student performances.
5. Take any and all directing opportunities. Get your name out there and create a good reputation for yourself. Your reputation as a director is the most important lead to employment opportunities.
6. Know that stage directors can start their own theater company or venue. They can direct in schools, community theaters, fringe and alternative theaters, prisons, children's theaters, touring companies and professional theaters such as Broadway.

Tips & Warnings

• Many stage directors belong to labor unions such as the Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers.
• Government economists expect that jobs for directors will continue to grow as fast as the average for all careers.
• Be prepared for the possibility that you may have to move to where the work is located.

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