Theatre Director
what is A THEATRE DIRECTOR ?
Directors audition and cast actors; assemble and oversee the production team; provide design directives; lead rehearsals; and manage the production schedule of the project, ensuring that all the moving parts connect. Perhaps most importantly, they also supply a unifying understanding of the text and a particular vision for the production, which might mean a unique setting, a visual style or mood, or an interesting design concept that plays off themes in the text.
HOW TO BECOME A THEATRE DIRECTOR
The main routes to get into this role are :
University- there are many different degrees you could undertake in many different areas.
Entry level- experience and networks are essential for this role, so by starting at admin level you can develop connections.
A degree or HND is not essential to become a theatre director. You may be able to progress to the role after gaining a reputation and experience in other positions such as:
actor
assistant director
designer
producer
stage manager
writer.
However, a relevant degree or HND may be helpful and could provide some of the necessary skills.
Related subjects include:
Creative and performing arts
Drama and theatre studies
English literature
Humanities-based subjects involving thought, reflection and interpretation, e.g. philosophy, history and psychology
Languages
Music.
Postgraduate courses are not necessary if you have a relevant degree or a certain amount of practical experience.
If you have an unrelated degree you may want to get a postgraduate qualification, but make sure the course has a strong emphasis on practical skills, e.g. in theatre or drama directing.
Personal Statement Help
https://www.ucas.com/undergraduate/applying-university/personal-statement-advice-drama
https://www.studential.com/personal-statement-examples/drama-personal-statement-examples
https://www.personalstatementservice.com/blog/examples/performing-arts-personal-statement
https://universitycompare.com/personal-statement-examples/drama
Employers
London has an extensive list of theatres, both within the West End and in the surrounding areas, so most UK-based directors will work there at some point in their career.
However, there are also many opportunities in regional theatres around the UK. These include:
producing theatres, where plays are programmed, rehearsed and created (sometimes newly written) for that particular venue
receiving theatres, which act as a venue for touring productions.
If you prefer to work in a less traditional environment, there are rewarding opportunities available in:
children's theatre
community theatre
education
the events and festival field
fringe and alternative theatre
prisons.
Look for job vacancies at:
Each year, many new directors take their first production to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. There are also other large fringe theatre festivals throughout the UK, so it is worth investigating if your local town has on
For the full list of UK theatres click here : https://database.theatrestrust.org.uk/discover-theatres/theatres-database/theatres-list-a-z