Self-Education

Go to plays, read scripts and books about plays, and get involved in local theater production. It’s not necessary to go to theater school to become a director. For example, Eugenio Barbo, one of Europe’s most respected theater directors, is largely self-taught.

Even if you choose to attend a theater school such as Carnegie-Mellon, a good foundation in play production is essential. Most theater schools expect you to have some experience.

Attend as many plays as possible. If money is tight, attend matinees or look for discounts. Most theater groups offer student and senior discounts, or free admission for volunteers. Some professional groups sell tickets for dress rehearsals for a fraction of the regular price. Attending a professional dress rehearsal gives you the added bonus of seeing the play before opening night.

See how others do it. Watch theater productions with an eye on the technical details such as set, costume, lighting, style and direction. Every director is different, but you’ll notice similar techniques in different plays. For instance, the pyramid or triangle arrangement is a common directorial technique, but the variations are rich and plentiful.

Supplement your experience by taking other roles in theater production. Try acting, set design or backstage work. Understand the various aspects of stage production, and the roles other people play, to enhance your working knowledge of theater.

Read theater books and publications. One classic text for theater production is “The Magic Mask” by Marguerite R. Dow (MacMillan, 1966). Although “The Magic Mask” came out in the sixties, the information is timeless, and teachers of theater still use this book today.

Join performing arts organizations. For a nominal membership fee, you’ll have access to resources, information, funding opportunities, travel, training and workshops. Local costume shops and other businesses often offer discounts to members of arts organizations.

Get Involved

Join community theater, or volunteer with a local professional theater company. Community theater is always looking for participants. Directors are always looking for assistants. Some community theater directors act as mentors. A mentor will work with you to develop the skills you have, identify any problem areas, and give you the creative freedom to try new things on your own.

The best way to become a theater director is, basically, to direct a theater production. Direct your own play independently. Learning by doing is one of the best forms of experience. If theater direction is a passion and a career choice, build up your credentials. Register for a local Fringe Festival. Produce and direct a small production, gain valuable working experience, make contacts and pad your artistic resume.

Volunteer with a professional theater company and learn first-hand how things are done. Professional and amateur theater companies usually treat their volunteers well. You’ll see the show for free, meet people who work professionally in theater, gain experience in stagecraft, and enjoy other perks such as free meals during production set-up.

Go To School

Take workshops in stage direction and other aspects of theater. Enroll in night classes or a community college program.

Professional theater schools are an option. They often have high admission criteria. If you qualify, the best-known professional theater schools include:

*Carnegie-Mellon (Musical Theater) – Pittsburgh, PA

*Brown (Drama) – Providence, RI

*Vassar (Drama) – Poughkeepsie, NY

*NYU/Tisch CAP21 studio (Musical Theater) – New York, NY

*Julliard – New York, NY

Do your research. A theater school may have a lofty reputation, but it’s only as good as the current faculty teaching there.

Qualities of a Theater Director

Personality is most important. A theater director works with actors, stage manager, crew and publicity personnel, and may also answer to a producer. Creativity and independent vision is important, but a theater director needs good people skills. Theater is a vital, interactive form of art, and the director is part of a larger group energy. While crotchety but brilliant theater directors are legendary in the media, few beginning directors can afford to indulge in overblown egos and temperamental behavior.

Personality traits of a good theater director include flexibility, patience, the ability to listen, willingness to consider the opinions of others, and good problem-solving abilities. Developing a play from the script to the final stage production can take weeks or months of hard work, dedication, and focus. A good director must be willing to work long hours. The director’s attitude will influence and motivate others, so a positive attitude is a must.

Mistakes are inevitable. Learn from mistakes, and don’t let them get you down. Keep at it. If theater is your passion, you will soon bounce back, bigger, better and stronger than ever. In theater, the work is hard and can be emotionally draining. The rewards are worth it. Hold on to your dream.