How To Become A Theater Director
As a theater director, you will be responsible for the creative aspects of a theatrical production. You will be rehearsing and directing the actors to ensure that they provide the right emotion, blocking and gestures to the performance. You will also be working with the production crew so that the design, lights and sound will be appropriate for the entire performance.
You will need to possess creativity in order to come up with a production that will be loved by the audience. You also need to possess excellent leadership and management skills inasmuch as you will be leading the actors and crew to do their jobs well and are responsible to the producer for the overall success of the show.
Why Become A Theater Director
There are many reasons for those who are very interested in the world of theater to work towards becoming a theater director. It is very gratifying to be able to actually direct a play from start to finish. Knowing that you have a hand in motivating actors to deliver their best performance as well as in the overall look and feel of the set for the entire production is very gratifying. The pay is also good, especially for directors who are part of very successful theater productions.
Theater Director Work Environment
Theater directors don’t really have a standard work schedule. When they are preparing for a production, their working hours can be long and irregular, extending even through evenings, weekends and holidays. Some travel may be involved if a theatrical production is touring all over the country.
Theater Director Salary
The May 2013 Occupational Employment and Wages report of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics revealed that producers and directors, including theater directors, had a mean annual wage of $90,240. However, the agency reported in 2012 that producers and directors working in performing arts companies were paid $49,690 annually.
Theater Director Career Outlook
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics projected that from the ten-year period covering 2012 to 2022, the employment of producers and directors will grow 3 percent, a rate that is slower than the average for all occupations. The job growth of those working in small and mid-sized theaters will experience a decline because they will be challenged with funding. The outlook is better for theaters in bigger cities since they will have more funds to work with.
Theater Director Degree
A bachelor’s degree in theater arts is the first stepping stone towards becoming a theater director. However, this will not be sufficient. Most theater directors usually pursue a Master of Fine Arts degree to learn directing, playwriting, set design and acting. Before one can direct his first production, however, work experience in an occupation related to theater or film is usually necessary.
