Stage Director

The stage director is the primary creative director of any production, determining the show’s style, design, direction, interpretation, and message. Beyond creating the actual script (although some may also be playwrights), the stage director plays a critical role as the primary guiding direction for all other aspects of a production. This includes auditioning and selecting the cast, establishing the overall character designs with the costume designer, helping the set designer envision the stage and props the story will require, and deciding how to interpret the script for this production of the work. The stage director will help lead rehearsals for the cast, working with the musical director to ensure any musical aspects align with their vision for the performance. 

The breadth of theater knowledge this role requires is often gained over an entire career of theater performance and production. Stage directors are commonly performers themselves. They can gain experience directing works they have written, creating their own opportunities. Performance experience on the stage is essential to understanding all aspects of making a production.

A full time career in directing is challenging to achieve due to the limited availability of this position in major organizations and educational institutions. Those who work at universities and conservatories will often also be expected to serve as a professor, teaching courses in addition to directing mainstage student productions.

Musicians hoping to make stage direction part of their career will want to gain as much theater experience as possible. This is often achieved through degrees in musical theater and participating in as many performance and production opportunities as possible. In addition to opportunities with schools or local theaters, creating your own productions is an excellent way to learn just how much creative, logistical, and physical work it takes.